Rise

In collaboration with the Old Vic Community Company, we created a 200 seat temporary theatre on Waterloo’s Millennium Green for the show Rise. 

Rise, written by Deidre Kinahan, was a response to real Londoners’ hopes and fears about the environment and brought together local communities to not only develop and perform the play, but to build the theatre! When the journeys of different people collide it reveals what matters most, inspiring them to make a difference to each other, and for the generations to come. The performance involved 200 actors from a huge range of backgrounds, who would constantly move through the structure, either on foot or on bikes. 

This was to be a striking , one of a kind, eco-building for a ground-breaking performance.  

Detailed design to curtain call 

We drew upon our experience of stakeholder management and coordinating specialist consultants to make sure all voices were heard. We then worked closely with the show’s director, the wider theatre company, structural engineers Corbet & Tasker and set designer Carla Goodman to pull off the ambitious project. 

Working from our detailed concept design, we created a 17m cube made entirely from reusable, reclaimed and rented materials, in line with the show’s theme and the temporary nature of the performance. It included a pitch rising above the stage, creating a second level for cast and choir. With such a large cast, access was key to the design. Six entrances at the ground and first floor levels allowed the public, cast and crew to get in and out as easily as possible.

The main scaffolding structure was clad in tensioned tarpaulin with foundations formed of water ballast, provided by Intermediate Bulk Containers. We designed and sponsored playful graphics of the show title ‘RISE’ in 2m high letters around the façade.

True community building

Performers and members of the Community Company, scaffolders, set builders, architects and production team all worked together to complete the build – making everything from cladding and box office to props and signage. To avoid disrupting the park, the building was completed in only seven days and removed just four days after the final curtain fall. 

Tickets were free, and over 2000 people from all walks of life enjoyed the show, taking the opportunity to personally explore the impact of climate change in the city in an awe-inspiring, eco friendly structure.

Following the final performance, we made sure that all the materials were either reused or gifted to other community projects. The Community Company itself also spawned a new offshoot, still performing in London to this day.

Developing a sustainable community building? Get in touch.