A key element in developing the cultural quarter of the city, Dundee Rep Theatre was opened in 1982 to much critical acclaim. The careful interlocking of spaces has enabled a complex programme consisting of a 450 seat auditorium, foyer, restaurant and bars, along with full backstage and administrative facilities to be accommodated on a difficult city centre site.

The main entrance frontage to Tay Square is fully glazed to allow the maximum visual connection between the external townscape of the square and the internal foyer spaces of the Theatre.

There are two bars - one at upper foyer level and one in the ground floor foyer which also houses a restaurant with a separate servery. The restaurant and lower bar operate independently of the auditorium and drinks, snacks and meals are available throughout the day whether or not the auditorium is in use.

Jury citation:"... considerable achievement on a low budget. On a tight site in the corner of an incomplete Georgian square, a fully equipped regional theatre has been fitted neatly into the city fabric. It has enjoyed immense success not just with theatre goers but as a general meeting place. The planning of the building is highly efficient - there seems to be no wasted or badly used space. All sides of the building are carefully considered. At the rear, the ground and building are shaped to provide an amphitheatre.

Interest and continuity are developed throughout the building with the recurring slightly quirky triangular motif and materials of stained wood, concrete block and exposed concrete. Details are thorough through to the smallest level, and the theatre represents exceptionally good value..."

As part of the 20 year old relationship between Nicoll Russell Studios and Dundee Rep Theatre, we were invited to undertake a £2.5m lottery funded programme of upgrading and expansion.

The auditorium, foyer, restaurant and bars have been refurbished, and facilities for disabled people greatly improved, whilst 'behind-the-scenes' the technical facilities have been fully modernised.

The challenge has been to update and enhance the theatre, for both actors and patrons alike, whilst endeavouring to retain the architectural character of a much loved cultural landmark.