Theatre refurbishment options: how our theatre consultants help to reimagine performance venues.

At Theatreplan, we see theatre refurbishment as an opportunity to reimagine a performance space for modern audiences and productions. Our consultants combine creativity with technical expertise, ensuring that every project enhances the venue’s character while introducing the functionality and systems needed for the future.

The challenges of refurbishment

Refurbishment projects often bring unique challenges: heritage restrictions, limited backstage facilities, outdated technical infrastructure and the need to improve the audience experience while maintaining commercial viability. Our role is to navigate these complexities, providing clear, practical solutions.

Services tailored to refurbishment projects

Every venue has different needs, so we will always aim to provide a bespoke solution. We draw on our full range of consultancy services to deliver the best outcomes, including:

Theatre planning – rethinking layouts to optimise capacity, improve sightlines and enhance visitor flow.
Stage engineering – upgrading stage machinery, flying systems and rigging for safe and flexible performance.
Technical systems design – delivering integrated lighting, sound, AV and communications systems that support creative ambition.
Lighting – designing efficient, high-performance production and working light systems.
AV systems – incorporating state-of-the-art audio, video and broadcast technologies seamlessly into your space.
Heritage consultancy – preserving historic features while discreetly introducing modern upgrades.
Front-of-house design – advising on reconfiguring foyers, circulation areas and food and beverage provision to improve accessibility and the audience experience.
Backstage and support facilities – creating efficient, accessible and modern spaces for creatives, performers, and technicians.

Balancing heritage and innovation

For many venues, refurbishment means working within historic or listed buildings. Our consultants are experienced in heritage projects, ensuring that modern upgrades respect the architectural significance of the building while providing cutting-edge technical capabilities.

A collaborative process

We work closely with architects, engineers, clients, venue operators and creative teams to ensure that every refurbishment achieves the right balance between artistic ambition, technical provision  and audience comfort whilst ensuring sustainability for the future.

Thinking about refurbishment?
Contact Theatreplan to explore how we can help reimagine your venue.