A NATIONAL THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 22, 26 January 1924, Page 16

A NATIONAL THEATRE

INTERESTING COMPETITION FOR WEMBLEY.

"Country Life" announces particulars of a competition for the .'best design for a National Theatre. The successful design is to be built in large model form and shown at the British Empire Exhibition this year, in the theatre section of the Palace of Arts which the British Drama League is organising. The desire for a National Theatre has found expression through many channels recently, and as a practical approach to the solution of the problem competitors are to be asked to design a building on an actual London site. The space chosen is Park square, Marylebone road, at the head of Portland place. The theatre is to be designed to seat 2000 people, and a smaller auditorium is to be added for half that number. Thus, competitors will have the problem of providing in one building for two. audiences witnessing plays going on simultaneously. Ihe building is to be planned on dignified lines with, imposing elevations. The roadway approaches are to be designed with" an eye to comfort and expedition in arriving and departing. No cost limit is fixed, but competitors must adhere to practical conditions and generally follow the line of British tradition in theatre construction. In the larger auditorium the orchestra space need not follow conventional lines, and part of the floor is to be designed to make ifc suitable for the orchestra of a Greek theatre. Three rehearsal rooms are to be provided, each built on two levels, so that the upper level forms a stage and the lower provides , seating for those Watching. A proconsium of forty feet is to open out to a flat stage 100 feet wide by 60 feet deep, and there will be docks for scenery for ten productions. Tho lines of sight are to be specially studied in the design, and a sound-proof interior provided in relation to the various parts, foyer, buffet, offices, and tho like. Sight, sound, and comfort are the essentials for competitors to study. The British Drama League is offering £250 for the best design submitted and other prizes. The cost of building the model for Wembley will be burue by "fipuutry Lilc".