Kilkenny, 2009

Set Theatre

Set Theatre is an immersive venue where a sophisticated palette of grey, blue, red, and gold converge to create a rich, elegant atmosphere. The iconic logo by Si Scott infuses the space with contemporary artistry and refined sensibility. The interior seamlessly blends operational excellence with timeless sophistication, making it a truly exceptional destination for theatre and design aficionados alike.

David Collins Studio’s opportunity to create a boutique bijoux theatre will showcase us as connoisseurs of culture, style and taste. A bold retrospective concept nods into bygone eras; our prototyped designs bring these influences firmly into the 21st Century. Colour, comfort and atmosphere will dominate the experience - Si Scott’s bold illustrations - a long-standing client relationship – and avant-garde curation will ensure SET is a destination of note.

Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer, David Collins Studio

Collins has transformed Langton’s Hotel from a family-owned, provincial-city hotel to a mystery tour, where around ever corner lies another bar or tearoom that will blow you away. Bang in the middle of the complex, there is even a 240-seat theatre which screams the luxe and self-indulgence of New York in the 1920s.

Claire O'Sullivan, Irish Examiner

Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Ireland’s “marble city,” Set Theatre is a boutique arts venue that seamlessly blends classic Victorian theatre elements with contemporary design. As an integral part of Langtons Hotel, a landmark destination celebrated for its commitment to culture, hospitality, and exceptional design, Set Theatre offers a unique and intimate experience.

The design of Set Theatre draws inspiration from the grandeur of historic theatres like The Savoy and Wilton’s Music Hall, introducing a bold and avant-garde aesthetic. The intimate 252-seat auditorium is adorned with a regal palette of royal blue, dove grey, crimson, and gold, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and strikingly modern. Tiered seating, upholstered in royal blue velvet with red piping offers excellent comfort and sightlines. The proscenium, crafted from grey lacquered timber with polished brass detailing, frames the stage with understated glamour, while a Royal Box, finished in bevelled mirror and brass, adds a theatrical flourish.

The experience begins at the John Street entrance, marked by dramatic blackened steel gates inspired by Kilkenny’s historic Rothe House. A vaulted corridor leads to a landscaped courtyard, conceived as an enchanted secret garden. With its ambient low-level lighting and lush foliage, the courtyard serves as an open-air arts arena, hosting installations, performances, and screenings. Illustrator Si Scott’s distinctive logo for Set Theatre is incorporated as a back-lit sheet-metal artwork to the courtyard, and is also realised as a red fluorescent light, and is engraved into the brass elements throughout the theatre, creating a cohesive and striking visual identity.

Photography by Suzanne Mitchell