Mowden Hall School

Project Brief

Mowden Hall School undertook a full refurbishment of its theatre to create a flexible, multi-purpose space that better supports modern prep school life. Previously limited by fixed seating and a traditional layout, the space was reconfigured with retractable seating, a modular stage system, upgraded AV and lighting, and improved acoustics. Natural light was reintroduced to enhance the overall environment.

The project was delivered within the spring term programme, ensuring completion ahead of the school’s busy summer schedule.

Purpose

The existing theatre no longer met the evolving needs of the school. The aim was to transform it from a single-use performance space into a daily asset capable of supporting assemblies, teaching, collaborative learning and examinations, alongside high-quality productions.

As part of the Radley Schools Group, the school also recognised the importance of creating a venue that could generate revenue through external hire. Providing a professional-standard facility that could be let out to the wider community was a key driver behind the investment, ensuring the space would support both educational and commercial objectives.

Key Outcomes

The theatre is now a vibrant hub of activity, used every day across multiple disciplines. Its flexibility has increased capacity, improved usability and created new opportunities for pupils to engage in both performance and technical theatre, while also offering a high-quality venue suitable for external events and hire.