Project summary

The Ebert Room at Glyndebourne was built in 1959 to provide the opera house with a space where scenic rehearsals could take place. The building was located adjacent to the old stage and had direct access from it, allowing scenery to be moved in and out of the stage or scene dock via a full-height soundproof connecting door.

With the demolition of the old opera house in 1992 and the construction of a new stage and rehearsal rooms in a different location, the Ebert Room ceased to be able to function as a scenic rehearsal space. The connecting door was bricked up and the room is now used for chorus rehearsals, music calls, pre-performance talks and rehearsals with smaller scenic elements.

Charcoalblue was engaged in 2007 by Glyndebourne to investigate ways in the space could be better adapted for a wider range of events and Education projects. Having produced an options report detailing a number of alternatives, we developed a scheme to revitalise the space, providing space for up to 130 on a fixed balcony with a motorised seating bleacher, new stagelighting and audiovisual systems, refurbished mechanical ventilation and greatly-improved access for wheelchair users.

The works commenced in November 2010, and took place during the winter months to avoid disruption to the summer Festival. The refurbishment was completed in six months, in time for the 2011 opera season.