A playful new artwork has been completed outside Theatre Royal Winchester on Tower Street, titled Inside Outside: Art on the Street.
The piece aims to “bring the inside outside” and celebrate the creativity, imagination, colour and joy of the live performance.
Deryck Newland, chief executive and artistic director of Play to the Crowd, said: “I am proud that Play to the Crowd brings joy and colour to people’s lives.
“Our vision as a charity is to ‘delight and unite’ communities. We hope this artwork does just this.
“It is for everyone; for the whole crowd. Enjoy.”
Installed outside the theatre, the artwork visually bridges the space between Theatre Royal Winchester and The Arc.
It draws on the building’s heritage, featuring design elements such as theatre seats, the proscenium arch, and spotlights.
The colour palette is inspired by the theatre’s traditional auditorium.
The artwork was designed by Pea Green Design Studio, a Winchester-based team with over 30 years experience transforming hospitals, schools, libraries and other public spaces through bespoke design.
Installation began in late August, with finishing touches made in October.
Intended to brighten the theatre’s exterior during the winter months, the piece will transform into a colourful seating area in spring and summer.
The artwork marks the final phase of a broader refurbishment project that began in 2019 to upgrade the bar and foyer.
Earlier improvements included new bi-fold doors to maximise natural light.
The project was supported by Winchester City Council and private donors, who the charity and Pea Green met in November, to thank.
Play to the Crowd said the installation is intended to spark playful curiosity, and encourage conversation.
