Transforming a cultural landmark in
the heart of the Lake District
Victoria Wood Theatre
The challenge
Formerly known as The Old Laundry Theatre, the Victoria Wood Theatre is a long-established cultural landmark in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere. Set within a converted Edwardian laundry, the intimate theatre-in-the-round has been bringing live performance to the Lake District since 1992, hosting names such as Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Griff Rhys Jones and Sue Perkins.
The theatre was to be renamed to honour Victoria Wood’s long-standing connection to the venue as a trustee, performer and creative presence, celebrating her legacy and marking a new chapter in the theatre’s story.
We were appointed to lead the reimagining of the theatre ahead of its official launch under the new name.
The strategy
When we first started talking about the logo and brand style, it would have been easy to lean fully into the classic Victoria Wood vibe. Cheeky, funny, bold and full of colour.
But the theatre is much more than that. It hosts all sorts of shows and attracts a wide mix of audiences, so the identity needed to feel broader and more grown up. We created something more balanced and sophisticated, with subtle nods to Victoria woven in. The result feels confident and contemporary, while still tipping its hat to the heritage that makes the venue (and Victoria) special.
From there, our role was to help the theatre step properly into its next chapter. We designed and built a new website along with wall graphics and signage that bring the brand into the building itself. The digital and physical experience now feel joined up, giving audiences a clearer, more engaging journey from discovering a show online to walking through the doors.
The deliverables
To bring The Victoria Wood Theatre to life, we developed a refreshed identity, an engaging website and a clear, considered signage system that helps visitors find their way and feel at home.
Brand identity
We created a cohesive brand identity system across the theatre’s key venues, making it easy to apply consistently across every touchpoint.
UX design and full website development
We designed and developed a responsive website focused on clarity and ease of use, with ticketing integration that supports the audience journey from discovery to booking.
Ticketing and booking integration
We delivered a TicketSolve integration that streamlines the booking journey, ensuring show information, availability and ticket purchasing are intuitive and friction-free for users and simple for the theatre team to manage.
Printed Programmes
We developed versatile print and digital templates that make it easy for the theatre team to promote shows and events consistently and efficiently.
Signage and wall graphics
We developed a cohesive signage system and wall graphics that reinforce the brand while helping visitors navigate the theatre with ease.
Client Feedback
“2026 marks two special moments in the life of the venue: firstly, proudly renaming the Theatre in honour of our dear friend and Trustee, Victoria Wood, and secondly, presenting the world premiere of a brand-new musical. This milestone gave us the perfect opportunity to design a fresh logo, update our signage, reimagine the foyer, and launch a sophisticated, stylish website that reflects who we are. We were eager to work with a local company, and Hotfoot Design understood our vision from the very beginning. They have delivered striking graphics and a dynamic, user-friendly website that will support our busy theatre and season of performances and events for years to come.”
Sarah Melhuish, Marketing Manager
