Originally designed by Frank Matcham and dating back to 1907, the Victoria Palace Theatre was acquired by Delfont Mackintosh Ltd in 2014. To prepare for the UK debut of the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton,’ renowned impresario Cameron Mackintosh led a comprehensive refurbishment to restore and modernise this historic venue.
Collaborating closely with Theatre Projects Consultants and electrical subcontractor Samson & Strong, LSI Projects were tasked to deliver a complete Lighting, Sound and AV infrastructure.
The project required great sensitivity to the building’s Grade II listed status, with electrical and data cabling meticulously routed to align with the historic restoration.
This multi-million-pound refurbishment involved extending, remodelling and modernising the theatre, all while preserving its historic architecture and ornate finishes.
Taking exceptional care, LSI Projects and Samson & Strong were able to integrate modern technology without compromising the building’s original charm. This included the use of bespoke facility panels and lighting bars, which were meticulously designed to blend with the theatre’s fine finishes and plasterwork.
The team embedded loudspeaker cabling within the walls, concealing it with plaster and paint to maintain the theatre’s aesthetic integrity. The result is a seamless integration where audiences experience the grandeur of a restored classic theatre, unaware of the modernised infrastructure that powers the performances.
LSI Projects’ Contribution Included:
LSI Projects’ work at the Victoria Palace Theatre not only meets the needs of modern productions while honouring the theatre’s past, but also ensures that ‘Hamilton’ and other future performances are experienced in a beautifully restored setting.
John Riddell, Senior Consultant, Theatre Projects Consultants summarises it well, “We are particularly pleased with the way the equipment is integrated into the auditorium and overall, very proud of this project.”
Working globally on some of the most technically advanced venue and broadcast projects, we have built an enviable reputation as a world leader in system integration.
