Royal Academy of Music

Susie Sainsbury Theatre & Recital Hall

The refurbished theatre is accessed via a separate lobby with stairs leading to underground practice rooms and the different seating levels in the main
auditorium. Two major functions - practice and performance – are spread over various levels and unite in the theatre studio on the roof. So does the lighting scheme by acknowledging the dignified festive character and at the same time adding an inspiring fresh touch. The atmosphere of the main auditorium, is set by cherry wood surfaces. Its main feature is a chandelier of crystals suspended on glass fibres over the whole auditorium ceiling. On the surrounding walls small recessed coves house more crystal drops and are
part of the chandelier.
Their warm, brilliant and festive light embraces the auditorium and is the main
light source for visitors before and after performances. The lights are powered by fibre optic light generators places at the flight tower for easy access.
This festive theme is guiding the visitor all the way up from the theatre’s lobby. In
the lobby and stair cases wall mounted LED fixtures cast their light through large
glass lenses bridging the gap between the existing fabric and new.

Client
Royal Academy of Music

Architect
Ian Ritchie Architects

Lighting Designer
Ulrike Brandi Licht