Michael Holden initially trained as a stage manager before joining the London County Council Architect’s Department. After eight years as a project manager and consultant he returned to the theatre, producing plays on tour and in London. In 1970 he joined Theatre Projects Consultants (TPC), working on the National Theatre, the Barbican, the Young Vic, Christ’s College School and regional theatres throughout the country. He acted as overseas director of TPC for several years designing theatres in Hong Kong, Ghana, Nigeria, and Mexico. He also spent a year at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden where he created the 1974 brief for the redevelopment of the ROH.

In 1976 Michael set up his own theatre consultancy practice, undertaking management consultancy as well as the creation of architectural briefs, concept design and equipment of theatres. Major projects included The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and the Globe Theatre, for which he prepared the business plans and eventually took over the reins on Sam Wanamaker’s death in December 1993. Michael was Chief Executive of the Globe through the major building period and opening, leaving in 1998 with the project thoroughly established and making the predicted surplus in operations.

Michael has designed or advised on more than 60 theatres, concert halls and educational buildings. These include the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (1986), Haverhill Town Hall (1990); Hampton Hill Playhouse (1999); the 600-seat Millennium Hall of Woldingham School, (2000); Derry Theatre, a 1000- seat regional theatre and studio (2001); and the Kingston-on-Thames Rose Theatre (2003) now passed for completion to Sir Peter Hall. Many of these projects were undertaken with Adrian James Acoustics and he is now our in-house Theatre Consultant, working with us on projects including Hampton School, Liverpool Hope University, Latvian National Opera and the RLPO Rehearsal Centre.