Shaftesbury Theatre Fly Tower
Structural engineering that performs - in theatres, airports, and live event spaces across the UK.
Upgrading a listed fly tower isn’t just about capacity - it’s about respecting the building while understanding what’s technically possible. This new structure gives the Shaftesbury the freedom to deliver bigger shows, safely and confidently.
Tom Jeffcoat
Structural Engineer
Shaftesbury Theatre Fly Tower
Theatre
An ambitious stage for ambitious productions.
The theatre’s existing timber-framed fly tower - used to suspend props on rigging above the stage - was unable to deal with the technical demands of large-scale productions.
Architects, Bennetts Associates, worked with MJC to devise the 10-metre-tall addition to support weights of up to 35 tonnes, allowing the theatre to be more ambitious with its staging.
The fly tower is clad in strips of weathering steel, giving it a burnt orange colouring that references the facades of neighbouring buildings.
Our Role
MJC was responsible for the structural design of the fly tower’s roof and internal grid system, increasing load capacity and creating a safe, robust platform for the new loft block flying system.
The structure now supports up to 35 tonnes of suspended load, enabling the theatre to accommodate heavier sets, more complex scenery changes, and larger-scale productions.
Key deliverables included:
Structural design and load assessments for the new grid and roof
Coordination with architects and the theatre’s technical team
Detailing for integration with the existing listed building structure
Consideration of vibration, movement and rigging requirements in live performance settings
Balancing Heritage and Performance
The original timber-framed fly tower was no longer suitable for the technical demands of contemporary productions. MJC’s structural design allowed the Shaftesbury Theatre to expand its capabilities without compromising its heritage value.
The tower’s cladding - vertical strips of weathering steel - complements the character of nearby buildings while clearly expressing the theatre’s modernisation.
The Result
The completed fly tower now forms a striking and functional addition to the Shaftesbury Theatre, giving the venue greater flexibility and the capacity to stage larger, more technically ambitious productions. It also introduces new office spaces above the stage, expanding the building’s usable footprint.
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.