Donmar Warehouse

• Theatre ID
  3089
• Built / Converted
  1977
• Dates of use
  • 1977: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Earlham Street, Camden, London, WC2H 9LX, England
• Website
  • http://www.donmarwarehouse.com

Details

The building started life as a vat room and hop warehouse. In the 1920s it served as a film studio, later as a banana ripening depot. Acquired for Donmar Productions in 1961 (Don=Donald Albery; Mar=Margot Fonteyn) and converted by Ian Albery to a rehearsal theatre for Donmar’s Festival Ballet and, among others, the RSC. Converted in 1977 to Donmar Warehouse Theatre by Donmar and RSC. When RSC moved to the Barbican in 1982 Ian Albery and Nica Burns ran it with considerable success as a (mainly) producing theatre. It was reconstructed and expanded on much improved lines as part of the commercial development of the adjoining Neal’s Yard in 1992. This is a unique space unlike anything else currently existing in the West End. Physically, the theatre forms part of a nineteenth century warehouse building the greater part of which has been converted to retail use. The auditorium is at upper level, approached by stairs and seating on padded benches is at two levels on three sides of the simple thrust stage which provides ample acting area. There is a grid with six hemp sets but wing space is extremely limited. The Donmar has a special theatrical quality and the audience enjoy sightlines and comfort which are generally good. Bars are sited on both levels. The theatre has achieved an international reputation from its outstanding productions and casts, but it still suffers to some extent from a lack of high visibility signage to give it a street presence.

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• Other names
  Donmar Rehearsal Theatre
• Events
  • 1977 Use: continuing
  • 1870 - 1879 Design/Construction: as a vat room and hop warehouse
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1961 Alteration: converted to rehearsal theatre
    • Unknown (for Ian Albery) - Architect
  • 1977 Alteration: converted to Donmar Warehouse Theatre
    • Unknown (for Ian Albery) - Architect
  • 1992 Alteration: new front of house and reordering of auditorium
    • RHWL - Architect
• Capacities
  • Current: 251 (+20 standing)
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed