Green Oak craftsmanship Takes Centre Stage at Bedales Theatre

The Olivier Theatre, Bedales School
Copyright Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

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.



Key Information

Sector: Regenerative Design & Sustainability, Schools, Arts & Culture

Client: Bedales School

Location: Petersfield

Completion: 1996

Size: Seats 300

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.

Team

Architect
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Structural Engineer
Structures One
Environmental Engineer
Max Fordham LLP
Construction Engineer
Carpenter Oak & Woodland

FCBStudios Team Leads

Awards

1997
RIBA Award
1999
Civic Trust Award
1998
Royal Fine Art Commission and BSKYB Building of the Year: The Popli Khalat-Bari Award
1997
The TRADA Carpenters' Award