Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- Location
- London, UK
- Client
- LW Theatres Group Ltd
- Expertise
- Lighting
- Completion
- 2021
- Cost
- £60m
For the first time in a century, the Grade I listed Theatre Royal Drury Lane, built in 1812, has been completely refurbished to cutting-edge production standards.
This rejuvenation encompasses everything from the back of the house through the auditorium to the original 18th-century Wyatt reception rooms.
The lighting design for this historic theatre involved a high level of bespoke luminaire development and architectural integration. The lighting team collaborated closely with Haworth Tompkins Architects to evaluate how each paint finish appears in daylight and under the warm candlelight that transforms each space in the evenings. The innovative combination of stage technologies and the latest low-energy LED lamps with 18th-century glass cutting techniques and low-level integrated candelabra creates a warm 5-star ambience, in keeping with the historic interiors and Wyatt’s original drawings.
Drury Lane has always been at the forefront of lighting technologies, historically implementing the latest innovations, from whale oil and gas to electricity. Today, advanced dimming technologies, previously used only on stage and in the auditorium, have been adopted throughout the entire building. This critical lighting control system maximises flexibility and maintains a consistent level of sensitivity and ambience, delivering première performance quality. The result is a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern technology, making the Theatre Royal Drury Lane a standout venue in London’s cultural landscape.
This comprehensive refurbishment makes the Theatre Royal Drury Lane fully accessible for the first time, allowing a broader audience to enjoy its rich history and performances. The lighting design plays a crucial role in enhancing this inclusivity, ensuring that every space is welcoming and functional for all visitors. By balancing sensitivity and ambience across all areas, the lighting scheme supports a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
"The restoration of the Theatre Royal, uniting my two great passions of theatre and architecture, has been a colossal task rendered very difficult by the Covid pandemic. It simply would have ground to a halt without the dedication of our extraordinary craftsmen and the team overseeing the project in, at times, almost impossible circumstances."
“Each individual space looks to the original design of 1810 to determine the focus of the lighting, whether a low level standard, wall sconce or chandelier. The lighting is so intrinsic to the space that our idea was to create a sense of timelessness – the feeling that the lighting has always been that way, but you can’t quite tell when it was installed.”