BEAM (formerly Hertford Theatre)

How Theatres Trust's support helped a local authority adapt its theatre for future audiences

Theatres Trust’s involvement with BEAM in Hertford (formerly Hertford Theatre) is a perfect example of how our expertise can support local authorities to develop their cultural facilities.

Since opening in 2010, Hertford Theatre had been a popular mid-scale theatre serving its community within Hertford and the surrounding areas. However, East Herts Council rightly recognised that investment would enable the theatre to expand its cultural offer and facilities and play an even greater role in the vitality of the town centre.

Shows had high occupancy rates so the existing auditorium was to be enlarged. There was also to be provision of an additional smaller studio theatre to diversify the theatre offer and host more local productions and emerging artists. Front of house provision was to be developed further to provide more of an all-day offer and support viability through increasing revenue generation.

Theatres Trust was engaged in this scheme at an early stage as a specialist consultee with knowledge not available within the local authority. We provided extensive feedback at different stages of the design evolution, informing the final design that was submitted for planning approval. Our input ensured that the project met the council’s brief, provided value-for-money for local taxpayers, and, of course, provided first-rate theatre facilities to be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.

We were delighted to see the results when the renamed BEAM opened in 2024 and to see that the fantastic building design is getting the recognition it deserves, having won two RIBA regional awards (2026 UK RIBA East Award and 2026 UK RIBA East Sustainability Award).