Royal Holloway University of London has announced that its new £3M theatre will be named after leading British playwright Caryl Churchill.
The new performance space has been designed by Foster Wilson Architects to replace the old Studio Theatre, which was built in 1981 for £50,000 as a temporary space and featured early student performances from actor Mark Strong and musician KT Tunstall.
The new theatre design features a curved gallery overlooking a central performance space that can be configured in different ways. The theatre will be linked to neighbouring Sutherland House by a glass foyer and will seat an audience of around 175 on two levels with a third level for technical operation.
Professor Dan Rebellato, head of the department of theatre and drama, referred to Churchill as "one of the key playwrights of the last 100 years", adding, "Caryl Churchill is a playwright, but has also worked extensively with devising companies, music theatre, physical theatre and dance. She spans the very broad range of teaching specialisms and research interests here."
The old theatre was demolished earlier this year after a farewell party from staff and students who painted farewell messages on its walls before taking a sledgehammer to one of them. The new theatre is due to open in February 2013.