Latest phase of £15.8m theatre redevelopment is unveiled

A tribute to the city’s ceramic heritage has begun to take shape as part of the ambitious project to transform the Leeds Playhouse.

The latest phase in the theatre’s redevelopment has seen the installation of the first in a series of four striking ceramic panels, forming a vibrant façade above what will be the venue’s new entrance.

Working with architects Page\Park, the design has been influenced by the local tradition of using ceramic and ‘faience’ – fine tin-glazed pottery on a buff earthenware body – in building facades and interiors.

Leeds Playhouse’s new façade is flanked by handmade coloured ceramic panels, meant to reflect the creativity and diversity of the artistic programme, audience and building.

Individuals and organisations involved with the Playhouse were invited to the site to see the new features, which are a key part of the building’s £15.8m capital redevelopment.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’m thrilled to see the plans for the Playhouse coming to life in such a visually impressive way which the whole city can see and appreciate.

“These stunning designs are a fitting tribute to Leeds’s past, while the theatre itself is very much a part of our future, making a bold statement about our growing status as a leading destination for world class culture and the arts for many years to come.”

Leeds Playhouse artistic director, James Brining, said: “It’s fantastic to see the grand new entrance of Leeds Playhouse taking shape. It will be an eye-catching and striking addition to the Playhouse.

“Contractors BAM Construction have done an incredible job re-navigating the building to improve accessibility and the visitor experience while Page\Park have brought creativity and drama to the design, befitting a theatre.

“In keeping with the vibrant aesthetic of Leeds City Centre, the new façade cements the Playhouse as a landmark within the cultural quarter on Quarry Hill. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Playhouse in October with a full programme of events and productions.”

The project, led by Leeds City Council, will be funded by £5.6m from the council, alongside a £6.6m Arts Council England contribution and £3.6m from the Playhouse’s own resources, including a fundraising target of £2.75m.

John Phillips, regional director North East for BAM Construction said: “BAM has been building in Leeds for more than 75 years and it is a privilege to be part of the redevelopment of this celebrated cultural institution.

“The installation of these special tiles is an important milestone in the Leeds Playhouse redevelopment, they will create a unique entrance to the theatre.

“I’m delighted the council has trusted BAM with this scheme.

“One of our great credentials is our adaptability and genuinely collaborative approach. We’ve listened carefully to the Playhouse, to truly understand how they use their building, and it has been a pleasure to help them to make their vision a reality.”

The palette of the new façade has been designed to recall the colours of Burmantofts Pottery, Leeds’s major ceramic manufacturers known for its distinctive multi-coloured pottery and the development of architectural faience which was globally exported.

This colour scheme will also feed into the interior of the rejuvenated building.

Page\Park Director, Nicola Walls, said: “We’ve incorporated an abstracted view of each performance space, in each case inspired by standing on stage and looking back at the auditorium.

“The performers are depicted at the base of the panels and the contrasting ‘spot’ colours at the head of the panels represent the audience.

“The Playhouse’s values sit at the heart of this architectural project. Celebrating the city and people of Leeds the new façade is a dramatic welcome to the Playhouse’s rejuvenated building.”

The technical design of the panels and the support system was developed through close co-operation between BAM, specialist subcontractor Varla, and ceramic supplier Darwen Terracotta.

Leeds Playhouse is due to re-open in Autumn 2019 with performances starting from October 3. An Open Weekend will invite visitors to explore and rediscover the transformed theatre.

Audiences and patrons can support the Playhouse’s fundraising campaign by dedicating a tile – acknowledged by receiving a corresponding wall plaque inside the building – or by naming a seat in one of the newly redeveloped theatre spaces.