Barry Pritchard
Senior Associate
Barry is one of the UK’s most experienced theatre and concert hall architects, having led and worked on 40 major projects throughout his career.
Barry spent many years working for the architects RHWL, where he was a founder member of Arts Team. He is now a much-valued Senior Associate at Theatreplan, having established a strong working relationship with the company whilst collaborating on many projects over the years.
Barry initially became hooked on theatre whilst a pupil at Alleyns’ School in Dulwich. He went on to become a leading member of the National Youth Theatre, where he was involved with the first production of Peter Terson’s ‘Zigger Zagger’. After qualifying as an architect, he undertook an MSc in Architectural Conservation and has successfully combined these passions throughout his career.
Some of Barry’s most significant roles include being Principal Architect for Milton Court, comprising a 608-seat concert hall, 230 seat theatre, 100 seat studio theatre and rehearsal/teaching rooms, for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He was Principal Director for the project at Brighton Dome, where, working with Theatreplan, the historic auditorium was restored to create an adaptable stage suitable for lyric theatre, orchestral and choral music, rock bands and light entertainment. He also led the design and installation of the demountable theatre in the historic Corn Exchange. Further projects include leading the £39M restoration of the London Coliseum for English National Opera; early proposals for the remodelling of Sadler’s Wells Theatre into London’s state-of-the-art international dance theatre, and working as Executive Director for the building of Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, a 2500 seat international concert hall and home of the Hallé Orchestra, again working with Theatreplan.
Barry has a particular expertise in creating auditoria and stages for drama, opera and dance, providing excellent connectivity between audiences and performers, a welcoming front of house design and efficient backstage planning. He was a key contributor to ABTT/Routledge’s ‘Theatre Buildings – a design guide’, first published in 2010, and the revised edition for 2023.
Barry has an informal working style and believes great communication is key to achieving client's aspirations. He brings his theatre planning skills to bear on Theatreplan projects, large and small, most recently for the Australian Chamber Orchestra's new venue in Sydney.
In 2015 he was made an Associate of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.
Current Position
Senior Associate
Qualifications
D Arch, MSc Architect RIBA
Professional Associations
Associate Of The National Youth Theatre Of Great Britain
