Structural Engineering for Theatre & Performing Arts Spaces
MJC delivers structural design for theatres, fly towers, stage houses and rigging systems. Trusted by the West End and beyond.
Specialist Structural Design for Performance Spaces
From listed theatres to new performance venues, MJC provides specialist structural engineering solutions for the performing arts.
We understand the unique demands of theatre environments - from complex fly tower refurbishments to backstage rigging grids, catwalks and audience-facing enhancements.
Our work combines technical rigour with design sensitivity, supporting creative ambitions while prioritising safety, longevity and minimal disruption during build or refurbishment.
Designed to Fit Around Live Performance
We understand how theatres operate - and how little downtime there is. That’s why our structural design process is built around your show schedule. Whether we’re inspecting a ceiling void during a dark week or delivering drawings on a short turnaround, we work in step with your production team to keep things moving.
Our theatre expertise includes:
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Fly tower design and structural upgrades
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Grid remodelling and loft block systems
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Structural support for lighting rigs and scenery hoists
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Stage extensions and reinforced proscenium walls
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Back-of-house ceiling void inspections and reinforcements
We collaborate with architects, theatre consultants and venue managers to create safe, durable and flexible theatre environments - whether restoring heritage buildings or future-proofing modern spaces.
Experience That Makes a Difference
With decades of experience in live venues, we know what to expect - hidden issues, time pressures, last-minute changes. Our engineers bring a calm, practical approach and clear communication to every stage house project, helping clients make confident decisions under pressure.
Specialist Structural Engineers for the UK’s Live Entertainment Sector
From listed theatres and music venues to airport concessions and temporary event structures, MJC delivers structural engineering that supports performance, safety, and creativity.
Established for over two decades
MJC was founded in the mid-90s by Mike Jackson. Mike quickly built a reputation as the ‘go to guy’ for theatre renovations, show signage applications and stage and grid work.
MJC's Growth
Mike's in-depth understanding of UK venues and their structural capabilities, and the increasing demands new shows made on this infrastructure, enabled him to quickly build up the business based on word of mouth recommendation alone.
Expanding our expertise
Since then, the business has grown significantly, expanding to include project managers, structural engineers, and surveyors - each benefiting from Mike’s extensive industry knowledge and experience.
MJC's Client-Centric Approach
Now working alongside Tom Jeffcoat, Daniel Staines, and Pedro Barata, Mike remains a key part of the Manchester team, which delivers specialist structural engineering services to the live events, theatre, and airport retail sectors across the UK.
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.