In 1871 Rugby School appointed its first Governing Body, and its first Chair of Governors Frederick Temple. Temple had previously been Head Master from 1858-1870. The Tricentenary year, 1867, had been celebrated during that time and Temple had proposed a programme of new buildings which were fundraised for via subscriptions through the School Improvement Fund. He continued this work once elected to the Governing Body. The School Chapel and New Quad were the first buildings to be completed in 1872 by William Butterfield. However, there was a need for more buildings to accommodate increasing numbers of students. 

In 1874 Jex-Blake (Cotton, 1844), a former student, Assistant Master and House Master, was appointed Head Master of Rugby School and continued the building programme. Buildings which were needed included a gymnasium, swimming bath, rackets and fives courts, library and a new Big School. A new Big School was required for concerts and speeches to be held in. William Butterfield was commissioned to design the building, it consisted of a large school or classroom, on the upper floor, with a further three schools below. It would be named New Big School and fundraising commenced in 1877, reported in the Meteor under the School’s Improvement Fund. Preparations to build New Big School began in 1885, this included excavations which uncovered medieval pottery. The building was completed in 1886.

Between 1886 and 1909 New Big School was used for concerts and Speech Days until the Temple Speech Room took on that role when it was opened by Edward VII on 3rd July 1909. Much of the interior fittings were moved across the road, including the Bryceson organ. However New Big School continued to be used for other purposes including hosting debates, lessons, theatre and drama, dinning and lectures. In the 1960 and early 70s the School was in need of a dedicated theatre space to host performances by members of the School and drama companies. In 1974/75 it was decided to covert New Big School into that theatre space. The new theatre was named Macready after Rugbeian and Shakespearean actor William Charles Macready. 

Today the theatre is used by the School and members of the public for a variety of performances and events. 

Find out more - Macready Theatre – A 250-seat professional theatre in the heart of Rugby town