The assignment
The Arts Theatre required a temporary venue while its historic West End theatre undergoes a major redevelopment. The temporary theatre needed to provide a high-quality performance space that could operate for approximately two years, allowing productions to continue without interruption.
Located at Marble Arch in the heart of London, the venue also had to complement its prominent surroundings while providing a comfortable and professional environment for performers, staff and audiences. The project had to be completed within a tight timeframe to ensure performances could start as planned.
The Challenge
Constructing a temporary theatre in one of London’s busiest locations required careful planning and flawless execution.
The site is situated on the Marble Arch roundabout, where limited space for trucks, unloading and material storage made logistics particularly challenging. Deliveries had to be precisely scheduled to minimise disruption while maintaining a safe and efficient construction process.
In addition, the complete building had to be erected within just two weeks, leaving little room for delays or unforeseen issues.
The Solution
Neptunus delivered a 25 x 35 x 9 metre Evolution structure, designed to meet the operational requirements of a fully functioning theatre. The building includes an integrated mezzanine level, making efficient use of the available footprint while providing the required internal capacity.
To create an authentic theatre environment, the interior features black roof membranes and black wall panels that optimise lighting conditions and enhance the audience experience. Externally, the building was finished with a smooth, contemporary appearance tailored to the customer’s design requirements, ensuring it fits seamlessly into its prestigious city-centre location.
The theatre was completed and handed over in April 2026, with performances welcoming audiences from July 2026.
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The Verdict
The Marble Arch Theatre demonstrates how modular construction can deliver a premium temporary venue, even in one of Europe’s most demanding urban environments.
Despite significant logistical challenges and a construction period of just two weeks, Neptunus successfully delivered a modern theatre that will serve London’s audiences throughout the redevelopment of the Arts Theatre. The project highlights the speed, flexibility and quality that demountable construction can offer when every detail matters.
