Britten Theatre

The theatre's transformation in action

Founded in 1882, the Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire, combining a prestigious history with a contemporary outlook. It has trained some of the most important figures in British and international music. In 2023 and 2022, the RCM was ranked as the world's top institution for performing arts in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.   

The College's Britten Theatre is one of London’s best-loved opera venues, also playing host to music, ballet and theatre. Named after Benjamin Britten, a former student of the RCM, the theatre was designed by Sir Hugh Casson in the style of an Italian opera theatre, and was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1986.

When the theatre’s faithful seats reached the end of their lives, Audience Systems worked with the Royal College of Music to design a replacement that was comfortable, functional and in keeping with the theatre’s character. Our durable ‘Icon’ chairs were specially customised to complement this unique venue with two-tone red velvet fabric and black painted timber. A number of removable seats were included in the design, providing flexible locations for sound desks or an audition panel. The new seats have also improved sightlines from the designated wheelchair user positions.  The package also included usher seats and reupholstery of the balustrades.

Aida Berhamovic, Director of Estates at the Royal College of Music, said, ’I am delighted with the new Britten Theatre seats by Audience Systems, whose fitting team helped us complete the work within a three-week window during the 2023 summer break. The College’s ongoing mission is to enhance our students’ experience, and we continue to invest in our facilities to ensure our students have the very best opportunities.’

The new seating was partly funded by a generous gift by the Foyle Foundation, a longstanding supporter of the RCM.

Exterior photos courtsey of Phil Rowley.