New Partnership: Masker Architects

Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity behind Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair, and Playmakers, is proud to welcome Masker Architects as its newest Corporate Partner.

The partnership, which began late last year, marks a significant step in the charity’s ambition to improve and future-proof the facilities at Theatre Royal Winchester, starting with a much-needed refurbishment of the theatre’s downstairs toilets and surrounding spaces.

Transforming Theatre Royal Winchester’s Facilities

Thanks to the expertise of Winchester-based Masker Architects, detailed plans have been drawn up to guide the redevelopment of the theatre’s downstairs facilities in two key phases:

• Phase 1: Transforming the former staff kitchen into modern, inclusive toilet cubicles accessible to all.

• Phase 2: Refurbishing the existing men’s and women’s toilets with up-to-date, sustainable designs, fixtures and fittings.

These improvements are long overdue – the existing facilities were installed over 25 years ago and have since become tired and outdated. Water damage had also contributed to stained walls and peeling paint, making the refurbishment a top priority for the charity.

The building work, now underway and carried out by Appledown Projects of Hursley, aims to improve the experience for all visitors by increasing the number of cubicles, reducing queuing times, and incorporating water-saving and energy-efficient features. The goal is to bring these facilities up to the high standard seen throughout the rest of the theatre.

Heritage Expertise Supporting the Future

With Theatre Royal Winchester originally built in 1850 as a hotel and now a key part of the city’s cultural heritage, Play to the Crowd is especially grateful for Masker Architects’ specialism in heritage building restoration. Their guidance included a review of the theatre’s listed building status to ensure that the improvements respect and protect its historical integrity.

As a result, the partnership not only supports current building work but also opens the door to longer-term plans for the theatre’s future, allowing the charity to dream bigger about how the venue can continue to serve the Winchester community for generations to come.

Deryck Newland, Artistic Director and CEO of Play to the Crowd, said: "We are delighted to be working with a local architectural practice to drive improvements to the theatre and to help us plan ambitiously for the future. Masker Architects really care for this special building, as do we, so we make a great team."

Shared Vision for a Cultural Landmark

Masker Architects’ involvement with Theatre Royal Winchester reflects their broader commitment to community and heritage projects. The practice is also supporting the Rifleman’s Museum (formerly the Winchester Green Jackets), interior redesign at Winchester Samaritans, and The Boaz Project. Their wider portfolio spans everything from community and commercial spaces to high-end residential developments and bespoke new builds.

Scot Masker, Director of Masker Architects, said: "We are happy to support Theatre Royal Winchester, a vital part of the city's cultural life. Improving the downstairs facilities is just the beginning. We're also exploring other long-term opportunities to enhance and protect the historic fabric of the building for future generations."

A Brighter Future for Theatre Royal Winchester

At Play to the Crowd, we believe that a great theatre experience starts long before audiences take their seats – and these essential improvements are an important part of creating a welcoming, accessible and inspiring environment for all.

We’re thrilled to have Masker Architects on board as a Corporate Partner and look forward to shaping the next chapter of Theatre Royal Winchester’s story together.