Nevill Holt Opera, between Uppingham and Market Harborough, wins national architecture award for theatre revamp

An opera house has won a national architecture award.

Nevill Holt Opera, which is based just outside the village o f Medbourne between Uppingham and Market Harborough, had already received three East Midlands awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects for its striking new theatre.

The 400-seat theatre has now been awarded a prestigious RIBA National Award. These awards are given to buildings across the UK recognised as being significant contributions to architecture.

Designed by Stirling Prize winning architects Witherford Watson Mann and theatre designers Sound Space Vision, built by Messenger BCR and supported by the David Ross Foundation, the space was built last year, hidden within a 17th century stable block on the Grade I listed estate, replaced 10 years of temporary tent structures.

Nevill Holt Opera general manager Rosenna East said: “We are delighted that our outstanding new theatre has been recognised with a RIBA National Award, a testament to the exceptional vision, creativity and hard work of the entire project team.

“From start to finish, this project has captured the imagination of all involved, and we are profoundly grateful to the David Ross Foundation for enabling it. Audiences and artists alike are now able to enjoy world class opera in this uniquely intimate and stunning space.”

The character of Nevill Holt’s stable block remains a significant part of the theatre’s aesthetic; at first hidden from view behind the original courtyard stone walls, the theatre is only fully revealed upon entering. The building’s restrained but rich material palette is brought to life by a flood of daylight from the large central rooflight, acting as a reminder of the historic function of the courtyard.

With optimal technical stage equipment and an increased pit capacity, the natural materials, skilfully selected for their acoustic warmth and visual fit, support Nevill Holt Opera’s acclaimed high artistic and musical standards, while retaining the intimacy that the company is known for.

With a horseshoe-shaped hall, the new theatre at Nevill Holt Opera provides acoustical reflections, resonance, clarity and immersion that come together to breathe life into their productions.

With a history of hosting touring opera productions on the historic estate since 2005, Nevill Holt Opera was founded in 2013 as an independent festival with its own distinctive vision. Since then Nevill Holt Opera has been committed to working with young UK opera singers and bringing world class opera to the East Midlands.