The Open Air Theatre, Barra Hall Park,
Hayes is a purpose-built outdoor theatre with concrete-step seating for up to 180 people. Originally built in 1951, the structure fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in steel in 2005.
Type
The Open Air Theatre in
Barra Hall Park
Barra Hall Park is an formal park situated near the centre of Hayes in the ward of Townfield in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The park came into existence in December 1923.
The main entrance to the park is off Freemans Lane. There are ten ...
is a modern,
steel-built structure. Four steel umbrellas simultaneously give protection to the stage and reflect sound towards the audience. The stage backdrop is made up of vertical sheets of steel. The indoor back-stage area has toilets and two small dressing rooms.
History
The original Open Air Theatre in Barra Hall Park, Hayes was built in 1951 as a community venue for music, theatre and dance. Over time, the structure fell into disrepair, and the local community raised funds for its reconstruction. The 2005 steel-rebuild was designed by architects
Angela Brady
Angela Brady OBE is an Irish-born Irish/British architect and has lived in London for over 25 years. In 2011 she was elected president of the UK's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for a two-year term.Peter Hetheringto''New homes ...
(now president of the
Royal Institute of British Architects
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional body for architects primarily in the United Kingdom, but also internationally, founded for the advancement of architecture under its royal charter granted in 1837, three suppl ...
) and Robin Mallalieu, whose aim for a theatre which would have sculptural and visual interest even when not in use produced a theatre with an abstract, enigmatic quality.
Standout productions include performances of Shakespeare's ''
The Tempest'' (2004) and Hotbuckle Productions' 2015 adaptation of Jane Austen's ''
Persuasion
Persuasion or persuasion arts is an umbrella term for Social influence, influence. Persuasion can influence a person's Belief, beliefs, Attitude (psychology), attitudes, Intention, intentions, Motivation, motivations, or Behavior, behaviours.
...
''.
Transport
Buses
The
195 and
H98 stop near Barra Hall Park on Church Road, and the U4 stops near the park at Barra Hall Circus.
Hayes town centre is approximately 1 km away, with its many other regular bus services.
Train
The closest train station is
Hayes & Harlington, which is a little over 1 km walk away.
Car
On-site parking is available. Street parking (Park and Pay) may be found on the surrounding roads near to the entrances.
References
External links
1960s view of Open Air Theatre, Barra Hall Park
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Theatres in the London Borough of Hillingdon