Modernists typically argued that the architectural styles and strategies of the past were no longer adequate in the face of the century’s apparently unique challenges and opportunities. Some of the themes evident in the buildings that resulted are the subjects of this brief essay, which, within the limited space available, offers an architectural-historical perspective on British theatres of the second half of the 20th century. The modern architecture of Britain’s post-war theatres was sometimes understood to connote the progressive intentions of those who commissioned, worked in, and funded these new buildings. British theatres were frequently invoked in debates about civic pride. Various arguments were advanced in support of change, including the potential to distinguish theatre from cinema and television by emphasising its three-dimensional, live nature. Germany during the 1950s with largely technical responsibilities but which often in Britain also encompassed conceptual matters, especially where architects had little theatre experience.