The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith has opened it’s new Reuben Foundation Wing, which, as well as providing rehearsal and meeting space, will significantly enhance the theatre’s capability to deliver education programmes to young people.
The large extension to the west of the theatre, built on top of the Kings Mall shopping centre, has been accompanied by the first major facelift for the theatre in 30 years.
The Lyric has already done a lot of work with disadvantaged young people including those who are not in education, who look after children, are unemployed or young offenders.
Through their dynamic theatre-based programmes they work with young people to help them develop their confidence and life skills. By extending our building they hope to increase these opportunities and help more people than ever before.
The aim is to create a unique learning environment at the heart of a professional theatre in which artists, teachers and young people can become the arts professionals of the future or just access facilities that would not normally be available to them.
The theatre reopened with a bang – with a performance tour led by the youth theatre group, and with a sparkling production of Bugsy Malone, which runs until August.
The new wing includes new drama, dance, film and TV recording studios; a 60-seat cinema; and a new bar and café. It also boasts a Green Roof; almost 100% LED lighting; and reclaimed furniture.
The project team was led by Rick Mather Architects, who most recently completed the £65m redevelopment of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The team included Mace Plus, EC Harris, Pell Frischmann, Mott MacDonald, Rickaby Thompson, David Bonnett Associates, Charcoal Blue, Sandy Brown, Ashurt LLP and Farrer and Co.
