Playhouse of Possibilities
Hullaballoo Children’s Theatre is the only purpose‑built children’s theatre north of London. Located next to Darlington Hippodrome, this flagship venue provides a professional performance space tailored to audiences aged 0–12. It offers families, schools and touring companies a warm and playful place where young imaginations can run free.
Overview
Commissioned by Darlington Borough Council, the project transformed a former Fire Station into a cultural hub for children and families. Theatre Hullabaloo, the resident company, had spent decades touring regional venues but lacked a permanent base; the capital project provided them with their first dedicated home. The venue includes a 150‑seat studio theatre, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and backstage facilities, along with a child‑focused café, creative play area, and gallery.
- Year 2017
- Location Darlington
- Client Darlington Borough Council
- Project Sectors Community
Design Approach
SPACE collaborated with Theatre Hullabaloo and a group of children to design a building that feels both magical and accessible. The studio can be arranged for end-on, thrust, traverse, or in-the-round performances and is complemented by a 6 × 6 metre stage. A bright foyer with a pop‑up café leads to the Gillian Dickinson Creative Play Space, where installations encourage free play. To ensure the environment is comfortable for all children, the designers avoided using ceiling grids and employed irregular flooring patterns to minimise sensory overload. Warm materials and natural colours create a welcoming atmosphere. Behind the scenes, rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, and offices support productions and touring companies.
Result
The Hullabaloo has quickly become a beloved part of Darlington’s cultural life. Attendance surpassed 86,000 in its first two years, and the venue won Best Family Venue at the Fantastic for Families Awards in 2019. The Creative Play programme draws families from across the region, and the theatre’s baby performances regularly sell out. Its distinctiveness has attracted collaborations with international artists and recognition as a centre of excellence for young audiences. Theatre Hullabaloo now contributes to national policy debates on arts in childhood and works with partners such as the NHS on research projects.
People
Creating a space where magic happensHullabaloo exists for young audiences, but its impact extends to families, artists, and the wider community. Children participate in performances and play installations, while parents and carers meet in the café. Schools use the theatre for curriculum projects and workshops. The design process itself involved eight‑year‑old consultants who described their ambition for a place “where the magic happens.” Artistic Producer Miranda Thain notes that being located in a ward that lacks cultural facilities ensures the building reaches those who might otherwise miss out. Donations and community engagement have grown as locals take pride in this child‑centred venue.
Planet
Demonstrating the possibilities of creative re-useWhile not explicitly marketed as a sustainable building, the project demonstrates environmental responsibility through adaptive reuse. The conversion of the former Edwardian fire station preserved embodied carbon and revitalised a historic structure. The flexible studio and modular seating allow the building to adapt to different productions and audiences over time. Outdoor play areas encourage interaction with nature and provide additional learning spaces. A focus on durability and adaptability ensures the theatre will serve children and families for many years.
Place
Drawing in families from across the regionThe Hullabaloo anchors Darlington’s theatre quarter. Positioned adjacent to the Hippodrome and within a short walk of the railway station, it draws families from across the town and region. By placing a children’s theatre in what was once one of the town’s most deprived areas, the project demonstrates a commitment to cultural equity and invites local people to participate in the arts. The building’s café and play space are open daily, blurring the line between theatre and everyday life. The theatre’s success has elevated Darlington’s profile in the children’s theatre sector and broadened the demographic of cultural participants in the region.
Credits
- Photography Kristen McCluskie
- Design Team Carrina Gebhard, David Coundon, Grant Bramwell, Phil Lloyd
