Theatre Severn

The need for a theatre in Shrewsbury had been discussed since the 1960s, with several projects, designs and locations considered over the years. The city's cultural needs had outgrown its beautiful but limited Victorian Music Hall, and with the success of the Old Market Hall re-opening in 2004, the requirements for the new performance venue were confirmed. In 2005 Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council committed to building a new theatre, and construction commenced in 2006. Set beside the river that cuts through the centre of the city, Theatre Severn was designed by architects Austin Smith Lord, and built by main contractor Willmott Dixon. Constructed in brick and stone with wood panelling and a glazed façade overlooking the river. Studded steel sections create highlights on the fly tower, and emphasise the curve of the auditorium. In the street-side façade, partly embedded between the Stage Door and public entrance is an old chapel building, now housing the stalls level Chapel Bar which doubles as exhibition space. The front of house is spacious and bright as it wraps around the main auditorium, with double and triple-height glazing looking out over the street and over the river. The main house - The Auditorium - seats 638 on three levels. The stalls and raked and gently curved, and the generous curve of the two balconies give the auditorium a warm, intimate feel for its size. The balcony fronts, lighting bars and walkways feature small wooden panels which help acoustic balance. At the rear of the stalls is a large control room for sound and lighting. The stage itself has a simple proscenium with small forestage, and well equipped fly tower above. The second performance space is the 250-seat Walker Theatre. In contrast to the main theatre, this is a square room, with a single steep rake of seating with control desk at the top. The stage is made very flexible with masking panels at the sides and above to create the proscenium arch, and further drapes to alter the proportions of the performance space. There is also a dance studio and further hospitality space.