Culture & Community
Theatre Royal
Lawray Architects was appointed by Conamar Construction at RIBA Stage 4 to deliver the detailed design for a sensitive restoration of the Grade II listed Theatre Royal Brighton*, one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in the country. Since opening in June 1807 with a production of Hamlet, the theatre has hosted leading British actors throughout its history, except for a brief closure during the Second World War.
Terracotta Restoration & Infrastructure Upgrade
The project involved upgrading the theatre’s electrical systems and replacing the 19th-century terracotta colonnade, which had deteriorated over time and posed a health and safety risk. The colonnade, originally designed by C.E. Clayton during the theatre’s 1894 re-fronting, required a meticulous like-for-like restoration.
Each terracotta component was carefully measured and replicated using traditional hand-crafted methods. Hathern Terra Cotta created plaster moulds into which clay was pressed, fired, and, where necessary, finished by hand, including intricate floral motifs on the ionic column capitals and bases. To ensure precision, each piece was numbered to correspond with detailed drawings and fixed in the correct position on a new steel frame, replacing the original cast iron structure that could no longer be salvaged.
Interior Refurbishment & Public Realm Enhancements
Restoration works also included refurbishing the colonnade bar, creating new entrances, and renewing the toilets in the Royal Circle, enhancing both the building’s functionality and visitor experience.
The project not only safeguards the theatre’s historic character but also improves safety in the public realm and upgrades interior facilities for performers and audiences alike. The splendour of the new terracotta façade was unveiled upon completion in July 2024, ensuring that Theatre Royal Brighton continues to stand as a celebrated landmark in the city’s cultural heritage.