Hampstead Theatre London, Arts Building, Interior, Architect, Design, Location, Images

Hampstead Theatre Building

Entertainment Venue in Northwest London design by Bennetts Associates, England, UK

17 Dec 2014

Hampstead Theatre in London

Location: Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3EU

Design: Bennetts Associates

Bennetts Associates revisits Hampstead Theatre

Twelve years after the practice completed Hampstead Theatre, and twenty years since it carried out the first design studies for the scheme, Bennetts Associates has revisited and reconfigured the foyer spaces of its first theatre project to suit its changing needs.

Hampstead Theatre

Hampstead Theatre was built specifically for the purpose of producing contemporary plays and acted as a catalyst for the major reworking of the whole Swiss Cottage site in north-west London. In recent years the theatre has attracted record audiences both to its main auditorium and downstairs studio spaces, and as a result the foyers frequently felt uncomfortably crowded.

Revisiting the original design, Bennetts Associates has updated the foyer spaces, increased the floor area to accommodate growing audience numbers and revised the circulation routes to unify the ground and lower ground floor foyer spaces. This has been achieved by moving an existing steel staircase and relocating the entrance doors so that the underused lower ground floor foyer is more accessible. The bar has been completely redesigned, and the cloakroom and box office relocated to reduce congestion before and after performances, and during intervals.

Hampstead Theatre

The design approach and palette of materials create a comfortable interior with warm finishes and lighting. The theatre’s ‘HT’ monogram is subtly emphasised in rich and characterful rosewood veneer panels – a significant departure from the bold colours of the original interior scheme. Bennetts Associates collaborated closely with Michael Howells, a film and stage designer at Hampstead Theatre, on the choice of materials, colours and furniture.

Simon Erridge, Director at Bennetts Associates said:

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to revisit Hampstead Theatre and have enjoyed seeing how the building has fared over the last decade. With such success on stage, the theatre foyer was being used far more intensely than originally envisioned. Although only recently completed, we’re delighted to hear that daytime café visitor numbers are up, evening bar sales have increased, and there’s been positive feedback from audiences.”

Hampstead Theatre

Neil Morris, Director of Operations and Associate Producer at Hampstead Theatre said:

‘Following this summer’s foyer refurbishment, the audience experience at Hampstead Theatre has been completely transformed. Offering additional and more comfortable seating in an aesthetically welcoming space that complements the creative flair of our plays, Hampstead Theatre can now fully realise its mission to entertain the world with originality. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and turnover from bar sales have increased. We are delighted to have collaborated with Bennetts once again to create a truly exciting, world-class space.’

The refurbishment also includes improved lighting, new floor finishes to the lower foyer and a new exhibition wall that allows Hampstead Theatre photographs, sketchbooks and costumes to be displayed. Work was largely carried out over a six-week ‘dark’ period in Summer 2014, with the theatre re-opening for the autumn season in mid-September.

Hampstead Theatre