The new theatre at Radley College, featuring a 400-seat auditorium, is an architectural achievement that enriches the campus by bridging the existing Music School on one side and the Modern Languages building, which also houses a studio theatre, on the other. This thoughtfully planned structure not only serves as a functional space for the performing arts but also creates a seamless courtyard link that enhances the flow and unity between these important academic and artistic facilities. The design capitalises on the natural storey height difference between the adjacent buildings, resulting in an efficient and harmonious integration with the existing landscape and structures.

​

The entrance to the theatre and its foyer is strategically positioned at the highest point of the site, adjacent to the Music School. This placement provides visitors with immediate access to the rear of the auditorium, where tiered seating cascades down towards the proscenium stage and orchestra pit at the lower end of the building. This innovative use of the existing height variation allows for a natural progression from the foyer space to the main performance area, creating an engaging experience for the audience as they transition into the heart of the theatre.

One of the key aspects of the design is its connection to essential support facilities. The stage itself is linked to new changing rooms, a green room, and technical workspaces, ensuring that performers and crew have direct and efficient access to everything they need during productions. Additionally, the theatre connects to the existing studio theatre, which provides even more versatility for smaller, more intimate performances or rehearsals. This thoughtful layout supports a wide range of theatrical and musical events, fostering creativity and collaboration among students and staff.

​

Above the main performance space, costumes are stored in dedicated areas, and technical lighting galleries ensure that lighting technicians have full access to control systems. The fly tower, an integral part of any theatre designed for ambitious productions, is discreetly incorporated within a simple mansard roof. This roof, while modest in its architectural profile, aligns in height and aesthetic with the neighbouring buildings, maintaining a cohesive visual harmony across the campus. This attention to proportionality and design coherence demonstrates a deep respect for Radley College’s architectural legacy and its beautiful, historic grounds.

​

The long-term relationship between the architects and Radley College has been essential in ensuring design continuity throughout the campus. Over years of collaboration, the design philosophy has focused on creating infrastructure that is not only highly functional but also aesthetically aligned with the college’s storied traditions. Each project contributes to the overall cohesiveness of the campus, blending modern needs with the heritage and elegance that the school embodies.

​

The success of the theatre project and its thoughtful integration into the college’s environment did not go unrecognised. The project was honoured with the Vale of White Horse Design Award, a testament to its architectural excellence and contribution to the school’s landscape. This award highlights the commitment to preserving the integrity of the surroundings while introducing a contemporary space that meets the demands of a modern performing arts program. The theatre now stands as a symbol of Radley College’s dedication to nurturing the arts and providing students with world-class facilities to explore their talents in music, drama, and technical theatre.