Theatr Clwyd

Arts and theatre complex in a Modern idiom. Steel framed construction, faced in soft red brick with glazed elements and lead roofs, the leadwork wrapped over the wall heads of the prinicipal elements to give a distinctive capping to the brickwork of the walls.

It comprises a series of irregularly massed and interlocked blocks in a rough rectangular E-W plan. These blocks largely correspond to the component functional elements of the building. The main entrance is located to the right of the main elevation, with glazed doors beneath leaded fascia that advances from a continuous grid of glazing; similar glazed block advanced to right housing staircase, the lightness of these elements contrasting with the solid walls that dominate the rest of the structure. To the rear of the entrance and staircase block, bar, main auditorium and fly tower are progressively stepped up. The remainder of the theatre facilities are grouped to the side and rear in a series of mainly brick blocks, punctuated with some areas of glazing.

Complex plan reflecting the multiple facilities the building was originally designed to accommodate, including two theatres and a former TV studio. The building is loosely organised as a series of zones, in which the principal public spaces are the two theatres, both of which are substantially unchanged, the entrance foyer (albeit the layout has been altered) and main visitor circulation areas, including gallery to first floor. Other public areas and supporting facilities are grouped to the rear and side. Main entrance foyer with stairwells to either side, and the main auditorium behind at higher level. Auditorium follows a simple layout with curving side walls lined with moulded ceramic acoustic tiles, designed to provide good sightlines and acoustics. The Emlyn Williams Theatre is a square space with removable seating and a narrow balcony on 3 (formerly 4) sides. Dressing rooms, wardrobe and workshop accommodation towards the rear of the complex, including a full-size paint frame which enabled sets and back-drops to be painted vertically as they would appear on stage in a production.