Letchworth Broadway Cinema & Theatre
Following our involvement in two feasibility studies we were appointed as theatre consultants for this project which saw Screen 1 (the original circle) of this art deco cinema transformed into a flexible performance venue. The finished project included a back-stage extension with scene dock/get-in, goods lift to stage level, a green room and laundry, and dressing rooms behind a back-stage cross-over. Planning/structural limitations precluded a fly tower above the new stage, but adjustable suspensions for stage lighting, masking and light-weight scenic items were incorporated, as were auditorium stage lighting positions, and areas for follow spots and live music mixing at the back of the auditorium. A roll-down projection screen was also installed enabling the state-of-the-art 3D cinema to be quickly restored.
Photos © McFarlane Latter Architects