The Orbital can confirm that on Wednesday 4 January, Royal Holloway was granted permission by Runnymede Borough Council to build a brand new, state-of-the-art theatre.

The current studio that stands at Sutherland House is a dated 1970s design that is in a state of disrepair. Despite it desperately under-serving the Drama and Theatre Department, RHUL remains one the leading competitors in its field. Now, with the promise of a new theatre space, there seems to be only one way for the department to go: up.

Facilities are currently in disrepair. Image: RHUL Press Office.

Professor Dan Rebellato, Head of Drama and Theatre, had this to say: “The Department of Drama and Theatre has had the same studio theatre for thirty years, a building that was put up in the early 1980s as a temporary structure, but has been patched up ever since. We are delighted that Runnymede Council saw the merit of our new building proposal. It’s a very striking, but elegantly integrated building, designed by renowned theatre architects Foster-Wilson, and will help us maintain our leading position in the Theatre Studies [field], as well as extending the opportunities available for our students to make excellent, challenging work”.

However, a committee of Middle Hill residents have expressed their doubts and worries about light, oversight, noise and the landscape of the trees. The representative of the committee, Mr Rob Warman, has stated that the scenic beauty of the area as one of the main reasons he moved to the area.

In an effort to satisfy objections raised against the new build, the university has “substantially adjusted” plans in order to appease locals. RHUL has confirmed that a conservation company has been consulted to limit the number of trees initially taken down for the project and then to replant any as to ensure that the scenic beauty of the area is not tarnished.

Regarding further worries of locals, Prof. Rebellato went on to comment that they have, “moved windows, and [...] the new building will be unobtrusive and certainly very much quieter than the old one”.

Works are planned to begin in the coming weeks, however the university could not give a set date whilst contracts are being finalised. RHUL has stated that the new build will house a larger, more versatile back stage area offering “a workshop, design space, accessible dressing rooms and two new rehearsal rooms”, which together greatly enhance the working and teaching spaces available to the department.  The development will also include repairs and refurbishment to the Grade II listed Sutherland House.

Prof. Rebellato hopes that “new building will allow the university and local residents access to some of the tremendously exciting work that our students make”. And, so do we.