Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd was invited by the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) to undertake a feasibility study into the practicalities of upgrading the existing Sir Jack Lyons Theatre.

The Royal Academy of Music is keen to raise the environmental and aesthetic qualities of this theatre in order to enhance the rehearsal and recording experience for students and the public’s enjoyment of performances.

There are several opportunities for improvement. Our design approach has been to look at all of the issues which we have, as a design team, identified as important, starting with the theatre interior itself; then exploring the potential of the existing and of a new structural roof; and finally considering a complete rebuild of the theatre rotating its plan 90 degrees to facilitate public and stage access.

The study has explored improving the ambience, potential for physical expansion to offer new educational opportunities, improving accessibility and the environmental conditions for the staff, students and the public