Curve Theatre was designed by the architect Rafael Viñoly in association with the scenographers ducks scéno and Charcoalblue and the acousticians Kahle Acoustics; Adams Kara Taylor engineered the project, which stands in the centre of what the City Council calls the new "Cultural Quarter" on Rutland Street.

The glass façade encloses an open plan foyer with views onto the café, bars, backstage area, and across the stage.

[3] The project, which was undertaken by Lendlease,[4] was blighted by huge cost increases that more than doubled the initial estimates.

[6] This was followed by Simply Cinderella, which ran from 4 December 2008 (the day it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II) until 24 January 2009 – a new musical of the fairytale, written by Grant Olding[7] and Toby Davies,[8] and directed by dancer Adam Cooper.

The Color Purple was a roaring success with multiple 4 and 5 star reviews from national and local news outlets.