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Feix&Merlin have completed a refurbishment of the Peacock Theatre for the LSE and Sadler's Wells.
The project involved the renovation of the external frontage of the building, and a full interior refurbishment, all designed to accommodate the theatre’s various functional requirements, from Sadler’s Wells’ theatre productions, to LSE’s lectures, events, and graduation ceremonies.
The refurbishment work had to be fitted around the theatre’s busy schedule which only allowed for a 3 week window each year for all works to take place, so the project has been phased.
The external works include a new fascia to the existing canopy incorporating new signage with integrated lighting. A grid of theatre lights were installed to the underside of the canopy and continue inside the lobby, creating a more dramatic sense of arrival. The existing timber doors and panelling were stained black, and all of the ironmongery was replaced with new brass fittings. The advertising panels were upgraded, and existing external walls painted black to bring all of the previously disjointed elements together.
The internal works comprised of new floor and wall finishes throughout, new lighting, and custom designed furniture. A new reception desk, merchandise display counter and seating niche were created. A new light installation, featuring pendant lights designed by Feix&Merlin, was installed. The pendants form part of the Feix&Merlin product range that the studio has been developing. A new carpet was fitted throughout, featuring brass nosings on the stairs, and a graphic down the centre creating a runner from the entrance up to the reception desk. Balustrades were refurbished with new finishes, and existing elements like the geometric brass balustrades were made good and polished up celebrating the theatre’s original features.
“The theatre is in constant use and we were only able to make changes during the summer period so this has been a phased project, which has finally reached completion on the external and lobby areas. One phase remains; to tackle the bar areas in the basement which we are looking forward to! The Theatre had some interesting existing features such as the brass balustrades and we have taken cues from to create the overall look and feel for the interiors. We are so happy to have been a part of this project, breathing new life into this lovely theatre.”
Tarek Merlin, Feix & Merlin Architects