Shaw Theatre

• Theatre ID
  3094
• Built / Converted
  1970
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (theatre and conference centre)
• Address
  100-110 Euston Road, Camden, London, NW1 2AJ, England
• Website
  • http://www.shawtheatre.com

Details

When Camden sold a municipal building incorporating the Elidir Davies theatre to hotel developers in 1994, they required a replacement theatre to be included in any proposals. There was concern that the theatre should remain an independently operated arts facility and not become a mere conference annexe to the hotel, and this subsequently led to enforcement action by the planning authority. The process of obtaining a satisfactory design and operational plan was long and painful. The results now have to be put to the test. The front of house spaces are adequate and the fan shaped single rake auditorium with broad open stage represents a theatre type not otherwise represented in the West End. Sightlines are good and the seats comfortable. Wheelchair access is level. The remodelling meant the loss of the orchestra pit, or any area dedicated to musicians. The stage lost some of its depth when the new dressing room block was constructed, but remains a reasonable size. The new workshops are poorly related to the stage, the wardrobe is too small, there is too little storage space and there are other aspects pointing to a failure to take specialised advice at a sufficiently early stage in the design of such a specialised building. The 1970 theatre was more than ready for an upgrading but this theatre now appears to be cocooned within the hotel with which it shares many services and has poor signage to indicate its presence. However, this is an unusual auditorium in a good and improving location. It has a reasonable capacity and an adequate stage. The backstage areas and front of house now need a makeover by a theatre specialist.

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• Events
  • 1970 Design/Construction:
    • Elidir Davies - Architect
  • 2000 Alteration: remodelled
    • Igal Yavetz & Associates - Architect
• Capacities
  • Current: 466
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed