Dominion Theatre, London – Grid Remodelling
Structural engineering that performs - in theatres, airports, and live event spaces across the UK.
We were trusted with every aspect of this upgrade - structure, theatre systems, and services - and had just 14 weeks to deliver it all. The new grid gives the Dominion the kind of flexibility today’s productions demand, without compromising its listed heritage.
Mike Jackson
Structural Engineer
Dominion Theatre, London – Grid Remodelling
Theatre
Structural and technical upgrade to one of the West End’s largest theatres
MJ Consulting Engineers led the remodelling of the stage grid at the Grade II-listed Dominion Theatre in London - a £5.9 million project designed to increase capacity, flexibility, and technical potential for incoming productions.
With a focus on future-proofing the theatre for modern staging demands, MJC was responsible not only for structural design but also for overseeing the wider delivery - acting as lead consultant across architecture, theatre systems, and M&E coordination.
Our Role
The existing grid system limited the scope of productions that could be hosted in the theatre. MJC was tasked with redesigning and delivering a modern, high-capacity grid that could safely support a greater variety of technical installations, rigging loads, and staging configurations.
Our work included:
Structural design and delivery of the new grid system
Integration of a new loft block flying system
Coordination of mechanical and electrical services
Architectural input and theatre consultancy
On-site presence throughout construction
Fast Programme, Full Responsibility
The project was completed within a tight 14-week on-site programme - with MJC overseeing the entire delivery process. Despite the accelerated schedule, the team maintained strict attention to safety, heritage requirements, and client expectations, completing the job on time and on budget.
The result is a significantly upgraded stage house and backstage facility, placing the Dominion among the most technically capable venues in the West End.
LIVE EveNTS
STAGE DESIGN
Working in theatres and live venues means there’s no room for error - and that’s where MJC stands out. We’re known in the industry for being calm under pressure, clear on site, and dependable from first sketch to final sign-off. It’s why so many production teams come back to us.
Tom Jeffcoat
Structural Engineer, MJ Consulting Engineers
Yes - with offices in London and Manchester and a network of experienced engineers, we deliver structural engineering solutions for theatres and performance venues throughout the UK.
Absolutely; heritage venues are a core part of our expertise. We balance preservation requirements with structural upgrades to support modern rigging, lighting, and performance demands.
Yes - from temporary structures and roof trims to signage and production rigging, we engineer solutions that deliver safety, compliance, and speed for live show environments .
Extensive - we've completed projects at Heathrow T2, T5, Gatwick, Birmingham Airport and Liverpool John Moore Airport, delivering bespoke structural designs that meet tight schedules and live-site requirements .
Yes - we perform ceiling void, roof, rigging point, and structural inspections to assess condition and readiness for production use or fit-out modifications .
Our teams are accustomed to fast-paced schedules. We’re regularly brought into projects during show rehearsals or airport closures - and we deliver reliable structural solutions under time pressure.
We work closely with architects, venue owners, contractors, production teams, and heritage bodies to ensure structural integrity, adherence to regulations, and build-ready details.
Yes, typically within 5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with MJC - how we work, where we work, and what we deliver.
Structural Support That Performs On Stage and On Site
From listed theatres and concert halls to airport concessions and live venues, we bring practical structural engineering to complex environments. Whether you're planning a refurbishment, fitting out a retail unit, or navigating venue constraints, we’ll help you make it buildable - and make it happen.