This investigation into merged realities resulted in a proposal for a theatre that invites motion and the use of parallax. The proposal was informed by a proof of concept model and research undertaken into spectacle from the Baroque to film. The theatre is placed in the City of London which was historically rich for theatres, but is now completely devoid of them. The intent is to instigate a renewed taste in theatre to the cold routine of the City. With a parasitic approach, the design takes advantage of important landmarks around the City: St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and St Martin’s Church.

Once encountering the uncanny rock elements forming the programme of the theatre, the scheme takes advantage of the idea of timelessness associated with the grotto, and what it represents in relation to the history of architecture and mankind. The grottoes in this project invite the curious citizen to investigate their internal worlds, revealing the programmes progressively. This is a progression perceptible in the intensifying faceting of the rock elements, which users experience when they see and touch them on their path to the main performance stage.