The building was designed by Rick Mather Architects during 1996–2002.[4][2] Theatreplan designed O'Reilly Theatre within the building, in collaboration with Rick Mather Architects, at a cost of £1.2 million.[5] The building also includes various meeting rooms.[6] The building is thermally connected to the ground through water circulating via the pilings in the foundations, thus reducing the building's cooling and heating needs.[7] The six-storey building includes extensive structural glass work, with an entrance canopy that uses cantilever glass beams supported on bearings in the external wall.[8]
The overall building project won the following awards:[7][8]
The seating capacity of the space ranges from 128 to 250, depending on the setup chosen.[11][10][12][13] The standard configuration is end-on, but alternatives include traverse and in-the-round. The theatre is named after Sir Tony O'Reilly, the billionaire Irish businessman and former international rugby union player, who contributed most of the funds.[15]
Performances
The Theatre is managed by the Martin Esslin Society, who are responsible for choosing the productions staged in the theatre each term.[13][12] Talks are also given by well-known actors.[16]