The theatre developed from the school's original brief to build a barn theatre. Roderick James Architects were asked to embark on the design and they invited Fielden Clegg Architects to work with them on it under the banner of 'The Oak Design Group'. It was altogether a very successful project which won both RIBA and TRADA awards. The performance space works well and developed from a close working partnership with Mike Morrison, head of drama at Bedales. The balconies are hung from steel bars suspended from the engineered oak trusses. The building stores 'coolth' underground which rises slowly before being vented through the centre of the roof.