Open Air Theatre, Barra Hall Park

The Open Air Theatre stands in Barra Hall Park, Hayes, a western district of London. It is a small outdoor venue built of steel with seating for about 180 people on concrete steps. Four steel umbrellas cover the stage and send sound towards the audience. Vertical steel sheets form the stage backdrop, and a back-stage area contains toilets and two dressing rooms. The theatre was first built in 1951 and rebuilt in steel in 2005 after years of neglect. The rebuilt theatre was designed by Angela Brady, former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and Robin Mallalieu. Their aim was to create a structure with visual interest even when no shows are running. Notable past productions include Shakespeare’s The Tempest in 2004 and Hotbuckle Productions’ 2015 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Local people raised funds to restore the theatre after it fell into disrepair. Visitors find a compact but striking theatre set in a quiet park. The steel umbrellas give shelter and shape the sound, while the vertical steel backdrop frames performances. The back-stage area is small but practical, with basic facilities for performers. The park itself offers a peaceful setting for a visit before or after a show. The theatre’s abstract design makes it interesting even when closed.