The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Situation:
A new marketing manager was appointed, and alongside this change, there was a clear requirement for a fresh and engaging ‘What’s On’ guide. The goal was to produce a publication that would not only attract new audiences but also retain and satisfy the theatre’s existing loyal patrons.

Task:
Our challenge was to develop, based on a detailed and comprehensive brief, a completely new concept for the What’s On guide. This concept needed to captivate new demographics while maintaining the interests of current supporters. Additionally, the theatre requested a bold, innovative design that spotlighted the Portsmouth area, emphasizing its identity as a local theatre hub within the guide.

Action:
We proposed a new design approach featuring image blocks that subtly incorporated landmark locations within Portsmouth, which helped ground the guide geographically. The typography combined a striking, modern typeface with a more traditional, classic font, creating a dynamic interplay that worked harmoniously. Each page was carefully balanced to feel organised and accessible, yet the overall layout maintained a bold, fluid aesthetic that complemented the unique shapes of the images and enhanced visual interest.

Result:
The final guide was extremely well received by both the theatre management and its audience. Customers appreciated the fresh, distinctive look alongside its clear and intuitive navigation for event information and booking details. The success of this project fostered further collaboration opportunities, leading to additional work with the theatre and strengthening our relationship with the client.