Royal Court

Built to replace the earlier Court Theatre on another site, the Royal Court had been through a succession of changes, including use as a cinema from 1934, until it suffered bomb damage in 1940. It stood derelict until reopening as a theatre in 1952. Since then, as the home of the English Stage Company, it has become a world-famous centre of innovative writing and productions. Alterations and additions continued to take place, particularly from 1964 onward, including the creation of the experimental Theatre Upstairs in 1971.

A brief account cannot do justice to this historically important theatre. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about it, in architectural terms, is that, through repeated campaigns of alteration, addition and reconstruction (including the removal in 1934 of Emden’s balcony-supporting columns), it has retained much of the character of a Victorian theatre. Even more remarkably, the English Stage Company were determined to maintain its basic form in the immense programme of works (which included extension under the road into Sloane Square itself) undertaken 1998-2000. ‘The … auditorium has been an important factor in the success of the English Stage Company for over 40 years’ (1995 Feasibility Study).

The philosophical approach adopted in the recent project was an interesting one. Despite the radical nature of the works, the extensive subterranean additions and the frankly modern treatment of the new flank (where valuable backstage accommodation had been gained) the general impression is that interference with the old fabric has been limited to what was essential. Plain, rather than luxurious finishes have been adopted and historically interesting variations of internal construction (eg rivetted iron members supporting balconies, traces of old staircases, etc) have been left clearly visible. This is a sound approach from a conservation viewpoint, but has also added materially to the visual interest of the building.

Externally, the fine red brick, moulded brick and stone façade to Sloane Square is still, in its essentials (and despite alterations to the entrances and above parapet level) as designed by Emden.

The auditorium, which, interestingly, was built by Emden without columns, achieving its present form in 1920, had undergone a series of alterations and, has now been further amended (re-raked stalls, simplification of plaster ornament, etc) but in such a way that its familiar character appears untouched. It is a pleasingly intimate room with two parallel-sided horsehoe balconies and a flat-domed ceiling.

The approach to the theatre from the open space of Sloane Square and the restaurant beneath the road provide a satisfying build-up to the revelation of the main auditorium.

The Jerwood Theatre Upstairs is considerably improved from its old form. The only significant loss of old fabric occurred with the removal of a complex of wood stage machinery to permit the major improvements to the main stage. The machinery was recorded by TheatreSearch. The traps are now installed and in working order in Harrogate Royal Hall.