Today, we’re excited to reveal how a bold collaboration transformed the Victoria Theatre stage into an intimate studio theatre space.
The project saw Northern Broadsides and Halifax’s largest theatre work together to create a completely new audience experience, turning the stage itself into a self-contained performance space for 92 audience members.
Earlier this year, as we prepared to tour Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment on a smaller scale than previous productions, we saw an opportunity to explore new venues and partnerships while ensuring the production could still be seen in our hometown of Halifax.
Northern Broadsides approached Victoria Theatre with an idea that had been discussed before: reimagining the theatre’s stage as a studio-style venue. The Victoria Theatre team embraced the challenge, contributing resources and the expertise of their technical and stage management teams to help bring the concept to life.
The final design featured a raked seating bank positioned across the short width of the stage, accommodating 92 seats alongside two wheelchair spaces and two companion seats. black drapes enclosed the performance area, separating audiences from the main auditorium and creating an intimate atmosphere.
Most audience members entered via an access stairway to the rear of the seating bank, while an additional ramp provided step-free access from the auditorium floor. The result was a striking theatre-within-a-theatre experience that quickly immersed audiences in the world of Dostoevsky’s psychological thriller. Significantly, 45% of bookers were first-time visitors to the venue, demonstrating the project’s success in attracting new audiences.
The project has also opened up wider conversations about the future of performance spaces in Halifax. With no dedicated professional studio theatre currently operating in the town, the temporary conversion offered an opportunity to test the appetite for smaller-scale work and explore how larger receiving houses might create flexible secondary spaces.
Access to the studio
Ramp access to the stage
The studio theatre
The collaboration stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when cultural organisations work together creatively. We were very proud of the end result!
