Plymouth Theatre Royal Production Centre by ritchie*studio

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, was presented at the AT Awards live finals on 20 September 2023 to a jury comprising Rab Bennetts, Juliette Morgan, Neil Thomas, Peter Bishop, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, and Chair Isabel Allen. Read about how the project has stood the test of time.

Credit: Timothy Soar

Completed
2006

Designed by ritchie*studio (formerly Ian Ritchie Architects) in collaboration with Arup, the Plymouth Theatre Royal Production Centre provides comprehensive facilities for the Theatre Royal, as well as the West End and international productions. Occupying a prominent waterfront site on the River Plym estuary, the 4,500-square-metre scheme, known as TR2, centralises all production activities, including the construction of sets, costumes and props, while also providing high-quality rehearsal, education, and communal spaces.

The plan is structured along an efficient circulation spine, which is designed to facilitate close working relationships between different departments. Wrapped in woven phosphor bronze cladding, the three ‘beached’ performance spaces present a soft, patinated edge to the riverside footpath. The workshop floors and walls are made of plywood, enabling them to be used as making surfaces, which can be flipped over when worn, and economically replaced if necessary.

Credit: Timothy Soar

The sustainability goals for TR2 are based on the principle of spending money on the performing arts rather than energy and running costs. Passive environmental technologies, including natural ventilation and good daylighting, have been combined with careful site orientation, embedding future flexibility and expansion potential, as well the specification of robust, low-maintenance construction materials.

A testament to the project’s versatility is the fact that the original design has continued to cope with changing production needs and technologies – without the requirement for retrospective work. The building’s usefulness and value is also exemplified in its outreach beyond theatre production use. The adaptability of its spaces has allowed multiple community groups to use the production and rehearsal facilities. Last but not least, TR2 has worn extremely well over time, despite the harsh marine environment and demanding spatial programme.