Green Oak craftsmanship Takes Centre Stage at Bedales Theatre
The theatre at Bedales School offers versatile rehearsal and performance spaces, supporting the independent school’s rich tradition in performing arts education. Echoing the school's legacy of oak-framed buildings, including the notable 1928 library by Arts and Crafts architect Ernest Gimson, our design features a green oak frame.
Working in collaboration with Roderick James of Carpenter Oak & Woodland, we developed a contemporary timber structure that aligns with the school's Arts and Crafts traditions. The roof and walls are clad in sustainable, home-grown timber—Douglas Fir and British Larch—making it one of the largest timber frame structures in the UK.
Versatile performance space
The theatre functions primarily with a thrust stage that extends into the audience on three sides, but can be adapted to accommodate complete theatre-in-the-round as well as the more conventional proscenium arch performances. The auditorium seats up to 300 people with flexible arrangements and includes a backstage/workshop area that can expand for larger performances and school events. The foyer provides an inviting entrance, ticketing area, circulation space, and WCs, doubling as an alternative teaching area. During intervals, audiences can spill out onto a covered walkway overlooking the scenic fields.
Designed for natural ventilation, the theatre incorporates an innovative "coolth store" under the seating, developed with the help of Max Fordham as Environmental Engineers. The stack effect generated by the 18 metre high chimney at the apex of the pyramidal auditorium draws cool air in through the underfloor space during performances, as well as exhausting heat generated by audience and stage lighting. Natural light is provided by roof glazing with blinds for blackout.