Sherman
- Theatre ID974
- Built / Converted1973
- Dates of use
- 1973: continuing
- Current stateExtant
- Current useTheatre
- AddressSenghennydd Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF24 4YE, Wales
Details
Built on the University College campus as a twin auditorium house, with substantial financial support from the University. Externally a red brick building having the appearance of being made up of three box-like elements with the tallest on the left, and the lowest in the centre. Modifications have taken place to the entry which has a large arched window over and is flanked by two ‘sentry box’ structures in bronze and glass. Internally the main house has a single rake of sixteen rows facing the unstressed proscenium stage. There is a grid of 34 single purchase counterweight lines. The get-in is 7ft above street level with room for only one truck at a time. The Arena Studio is an octagonal auditorium built within a square box with a permanent balcony, designed with flexible seating for theatre-in-the-round. In July 1987 University College Cardiff withdrew its financial support for the theatre and offered it for sale. The Welsh Arts Council purchased the building with a special grant from the Welsh Office, but there have been on-going problems with revenue funding.
Façade of The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, 1995
© The Theatres Trust
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Events
- 1973 Use: continuing
- 1973 Design/Construction:
- Alex Gordon & Partners - Architect
- 1994 Alteration: backstage refurbishment
- Lawray Partnership - Architect
- 1973 Owner/Management: Drama Dept of University College of S Wales & Monmouthshire
- 1987 Owner/Management: Welsh Arts Council
- Capacities
- Original: 498
- Later: 2002: 468 main house; c.163 arena studio
- Current: 468; Arena 143-163
- Listings
- Grade Not listed
- Stage type
- Main: pros Arena: in-the-round
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Dimensions
- Stage dimensions: d 13.5m (35ft) wSL 40ft wSR: 40ft apron 2.97m
- Proscenium width: 11.5m x 5.5m (38ft)
- Height to grid: Main: 48ft Arena: 5.49m
- Orchestra pit: Can seat about 30
