We are delighted that our recent refurbishment and remodelling of the Hall for Cornwall has been shortlisted for the Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2022.
The citation reads:
“Hall for Cornwall closed its doors in June 2018 and reopened them last October, following an impressive £26 million upgrade.
The new space is described as a place where “all are welcome, where everyone can see the work they crave, where creative talent can break new ground and where the next generation can be supported”.
To achieve this, working with architects Burrell Foley Fisher, the building was gutted and a new, larger three-tier auditorium – the Cornwall Playhouse – was created. This boasts an increased capacity of 1,253 seats (300 more than before – meaning it can receive larger shows) and improved sight lines. It is also an open-sided theatre, meaning people can watch the working life of the stage or listen to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra tuning up before a show.
The building itself has also been opened up to include more cafes and bars, and workspaces for businesses, as well as ‘hidden’ public spaces that host youth and community projects.
The works also honoured the venue’s heritage by ensuring the conservation of the 1846 grade II-listed building.
In 2022, Hall for Cornwall will launch Husa, which is a new creative hub to support Cornish performance artists and the creative industries.
Following its reopening, Hall for Cornwall hosted the world premiere of Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, which was seen by more than 22,000 people. The venue now hopes to attract 300,000 a year and add £35 million to the Cornish economy over the next five years.”
Other nominees for Theatre Building of the Year, sponsored by Concord Theatricals, are the Reading Rep Theatre and the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Winners will be announced at The Stage Awards ceremony on January 31, 2022 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.