Refurb work had to be fitted round working theatre’s schedule

Feix & Merlin has completed the refurbishment of the Peacock Theatre on the LSE campus in central London.

The 1960 theatre, just north of the Aldwych, is used for graduations, lectures and other university events – and by Sadler’s Wells for dance and theatre productions at weekends and in the evenings.

The client insisted the theatre remain in use throughout so work has been phased and mostly scheduled during the summer.

The project involved the renovation of the external frontage including a new fascia to the existing canopy incorporating new signage and lighting to create a more dramatic sense of arrival.

The existing timber doors and panelling were stained black, the walls painted black and all of the ironmongery was replaced with new brass fittings.

Inside a full refurbishment was carried out, with new floor and wall finishes, custom-designed furniture and new pendant lighting designed by Feix & Merlin.

Tarek Merlin said they had taken their cues for the project from some of the theatre’s existing features such as its brass balustrades.

One final phase remains: the refurbishment of the basement bars.

It is the first time in 50 years that the theatre, designed by Lewis Solomon Kaye & Partners, has been refurbished.

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