MacOwan Theatre

The MacOwan Theatre served the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) when it was located at Tower House, Cromwell Road. In 2003 LAMDA relocated to the former Royal Ballet School building in Talgarth Road, Baron’s Court, but it retained ownership of the MacOwan Theatre until 2011. The MacOwan Theatre is a conversion of two mews-style properties formerly used as artists' studios, along with an area behind created by the demolition of a church hall. The whole, including fly tower, is brick built, matching the surrounding residences. The theatre was named after actor Michael MacOwan who was principal of LAMDA from 1958-1966. Double doors from Logan Place open on to the box office and foyer, and the theatre is entered at one side. The performance space may be used with proscenium, as long-traverse or in-the-round. Seating arrangements are on raked tiers forming a small fan (either on loose seating, or on the surface itself) and on rostra for other arrangements. An orchestra pit may be accommodated by means of the forestage lift. Although minimal, the theatre has a pleasing atmosphere. In 2011 LAMDA sold the MacOwan theatre to a developer, and the council has granted permission for change of use from theatre to residential.