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MJC provides specialist structural engineering solutions for the performing arts.
MJ Consulting Engineers provides specialist theatre structural engineering. From stage refurbishments to rigging support, we help venues safely deliver spectacular productions.
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.
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.
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.
Engineering a modern stage system for a historic West End venue MJ Consulting Engineers was appointed to deliver a new aluminium palletised stage floor at the Grade II-listed Dominion Theatre - a significant upgrade designed to improve flexibility and support for incoming productions. Working within a live, heritage environment, our team oversaw the full structural design and installation process, ensuring the new system met modern technical standards while respecting the building’s constraints. Our Role In addition to the main stage works, MJC designed and delivered a major stage-right wing extension - a technically complex intervention that introduced: Increased loading capacity for scenic elements Removable pallet zones to suit various production layouts A new beam grillage system Additional set storage space within a compact footprint This work required close coordination with the theatre’s operational team, contractors, and heritage stakeholders to ensure structural compatibility, buildability, and minimal disruption. A Recognised Result The installation has been acknowledged across the industry as a major upgrade to one of London’s most iconic performance venues - delivering a modern stage system fit for large-scale productions, while enhancing the theatre’s long-term adaptability. Let me know if you'd like an accompanying quote or this formatted for brochure or digital use.
A carefully engineered solution to protect one of the UK’s most significant theatre ceilings MJ Consulting Engineers acted as lead consultants on a sensitive and technically complex project at the Leeds Grand Theatre - home to one of the UK’s most highly protected plaster ceilings. As a Grade II* listed building, the theatre’s ornate ceiling holds a Historic England protection rating shared by fewer than 8% of listed structures in the country. This placed extraordinary constraints on the project, with no direct interference or disturbance permitted to the ceiling during the essential roof works above. Our Role To safeguard the ceiling and enable external works, MJC designed a bespoke over-roof structure - effectively a temporary roof system installed above the existing building envelope. This unique solution allowed us to: Support both the existing roof and delicate plaster ceiling from above Prevent any downward pressure or disturbance during roof refurbishment Maintain full compliance with conservation and listed building regulations Provide safe access for contractors to complete essential external works The design and installation required close coordination with heritage consultants, contractors, and the venue’s operations team - all while ensuring theatre use could continue as planned. The Result The over-roof was successfully installed and dismantled without incident, allowing critical repair works to proceed while leaving the historic ceiling untouched. The completed roof upgrades ensure the long-term protection of one of Leeds’ most iconic performance spaces - with all stakeholders praising the care and engineering clarity MJC brought to the project.
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All projectsWe understand how theatres operate - and how little downtime there is. That's why our structural design process is built around your show schedule.
London’s West End theatres are global icons — spaces where heritage, artistry, and engineering meet. Yet behind the ornate plasterwork and velvet curtains, many of these buildings face a hidden challenge: their original stage structures were never designed for today’s technically ambitious productions.
London’s West End theatres are global icons — spaces where heritage, artistry, and engineering meet. Yet behind the ornate plasterwork and velvet curtains, many of these buildings face a hidden challenge: their original stage structures were never designed for today’s technically ambitious productions.
We’re proud to announce that MJ Consulting Engineers is now a Bronze Member of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT). This new membership marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing commitment to supporting the design, safety, and structural evolution of theatres and live performance venues across the UK.
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.
