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RADA Studios

3115

Grade II listed Drill Hall built in 1882 for the Bloomsbury Rifles. Throughout its history it has provided rehearsal and performance space - for Nijinsky and the Ballets Russes in the early 1900s, and Gang Shows during the war years. During the 1980s, however, it was more formally adapted for use as an arts centre, with rehearsal and performance spaces, and significant outreach and educational programmes.

In January 2012, after thirty years of running a successful arts centre and rehearsal space, Central Arts London moved out. The company will continue to trade as Outhouse London. Meanwhile the drill hall remains very much in theatre use, as an additional building for RADA - rebranded as the RADA Studios. The building provides several rehearsal rooms for the college, as well as two performance spaces in the shape of the 200-seat Studio Theatre, and the 50-seat Club Theatre.

Built / Converted
1981
Dates of use
Current state
Extant
Current use
Arts Centre (educational use - theatre studios and rehearsal spaces for drama college)
Address
16 Chenies Street, London, Camden, WC1E 7EX, England
Website
Further details
Other names
Drill Hall
Events
  • 1882 - 1883 Design/Construction: as drill hall for the Bloomsbury Rifles.
  • 1981 Design/Construction: conversion to performance space (architect unknown).
  • 1984 - 2012 Owner/Management: Central London Arts Limited, management company.
  • 2012 Owner/Management: RADA (as RADA Studios).
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    200
    Comment
    Drill Hall 1
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    50
    Comment
    Drill Hall 2
Listings
  • Listing
    II
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -