Shaftesbury Theatre, events venue and the West End’s largest independent theatre, has implemented several new sustainability measures as part of its ‘dramatic transformation’ renovation project, with the aim of reducing the theatre’s impact on the environment wherever possible.
The extension and renovation of the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre, which has included the addition of two new event spaces, has enabled a whole host of sustainability initiatives to be introduced.
These include the installation of an air handling system that uses fresh air to cool the building and a heat capture system to keep it warm. New insulation has also been added to the roof of the theatre. In addition, e-tickets have been introduced to reduce paper waste, and single use plastic has been removed from the bar areas.
Shaftesbury Theatre was awarded a grant as part of the Mayor of London’s Climate Challenge earlier this year to allow it to research further opportunities for energy efficiencies. The theatre intends to use this grant to explore alternatives to gas for heating the building by fitting air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels on the auditorium and fly tower roofs, battery storage systems for self-generated power, and solar water heating panels.
James Williams, Chief Executive, Shaftesbury Theatre, said: “As well as our passion for quality theatre, we care deeply for the environment and the community we serve. We know that large scale theatrical productions can have a negative environmental impact, and at Shaftesbury Theatre we are continually working to lower our energy use.”
James continues: “The new initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to becoming more sustainable, in partnership with the Mayor of London’s Climate Challenge. We are using funds from this Challenge to explore our future options for sustainability. This is just the start, and we are looking forward to exploring different ways to reduce our environmental footprint while still delivering incredible shows and hosting unique meetings and events.”
Shaftesbury Theatre has been home for more than a century to an eclectic range of hugely successful shows, including the forthcoming comedy musical, Mrs Doubtfire, direct from a sensational run in Manchester. The theatre’s beautiful Edwardian auditorium can host 1,300 people for a diverse range of events across three levels, providing the ideal backdrop for conferences, seminars and product launches. In addition, its new 1911 event space can host up to 150 people, and the Taffner Suite is an intimate space for smaller events.
