Helsinki City Theatre

In 2017 Helsinki City Theatre reopened after an extensive three-year refurbishment and upgrade process, during which Theatreplan designed and managed all the technical elements. The project was delivered in July 2017 for inauguration in August, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the modern Finnish nation.

Theatreplan carried out work on two of the six stages within the building: the ‘Big stage’ with a capacity of 947, and the 347-seat ‘Small stage.’ The Big stage now benefits from a re-shaped proscenium which has improved sightlines, increased power flying capacity and two new concentric revolving stages with three elevators inside. The revolves are now much more flexible allowing for a much simpler reconfiguration of the orchestra pit. Theatreplan also specified a new modular floor. Altogether, this makes the stage a far more versatile and easy-to-work-with space. The small stage also benefits from a new revolve, modular floor and expanded point hoist system with significantly increased capacity. Theatreplan also designed brand new audio and lighting installations for both venues.

HCT technical director, Antti Rehtijärvi, is delighted with the results. “We asked Theatreplan to concentrate on making the venues more flexible and easier to work with, and that is exactly what they have done,” he remarked. “The improvements to the revolves and the flooring have made both theatres much easier to work in from a technical point of view – the technical staff and stage hands are delighted – and our audiences benefit from the improved sightlines and the new audio and lighting systems. We found Theatreplan’s stage engineering expertise to be absolutely invaluable. The flexible approach they adopted, enabled us to achieve – even surpass – the results we were hoping for, and still stay within budget."

Photographs by Arno De La Chapelle and Mika Storm