Stage set for £7m redevelopment as Theatre Royal closes

Plymouth's Theatre Royal has closed as work begins on a £7m generation project to redevelop the theatre and revive the West End of the city.

The theatre will be closed until September when it will celebrate its new look with the launch of the first UK tour of the National Theatre's production of War Horse.

Plymouth Council leader Tudor Evans has joined Chief Executive Adrian Vinken to take a peek behind the hoardings as the curtains close – for now – at the Theatre Royal.

The redevelopment will see the re-cladding of the building which will improve energy efficiency by up to 40 per cent; an extension to the front of the building allowing level access; a new box office, shop and cafe area planned to significantly improve the customer experience; an outdoor terrace area and an extended restaurant and a new studio space within the theatre basement which will provide a city centre location for work with young people and community groups.

Plymouth City Council approved a £1,995,000 funding package to put in a lump sum for procured capital work instead of three years of revenue. It also restructured the lease on the council-owned theatre to help unlock a £5 million Arts Council England commitment. The theatre has launched a major fundraising campaign to raise the additional £2 million.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “From my office in the Council House, I can see lots of activity to prepare the site. I can watch one of our Plan for Jobs projects develop right on my doorstep.

“We have 19 projects in our Plan for Jobs and this particular scheme will not only enable the theatre to continue its incredibly successful path, but it will create opportunities for people to work – both at the construction stage and beyond.

“But this goes further. The rejuvenated theatre will bring in money to the cafes, the bars, the taxi and bus companies, who all benefit from the theatre’s presence in Plymouth.”

The work is being carried out by BAM, which has offices in Plymouth. Senior site manager Clive Horsnell, was born in Plymouth and has visited the theatre since it opened in 1983. He said: "I’ve seen some great shows, including Buddy and Evita way back in the 1980s before they were in the West End.

"More recently I’ve been on a BAM social trip to see Aladdin. The theatre is always busy and is fully booked for War Horse in September – so no pressure!.

"It is a great buzz to be involved in redeveloping this local landmark, and the whole community will really see the benefits when we are finished."

As well as refurbishing the exterior and front of house areas of the theatre, the project will involve creating a learning space in the basement for community outreach programmes. There will also be work on the backstage and basement areas, as well as new mechanical and electrical plant.

The project will see up to 80 operatives on site at any one time, and the Council say that BAM will use local suppliers and sub-contractors where possible.

The Council highlights that BAM provides apprenticeships and work experience placements across the South West through its National Skills Academy for Construction programme, which is supported via local schools, colleges and Plymouth University.

Performances will continue at the theatre's production and education centre, TR2 in Cattedown. For more information on the project visit the Theatre Royal website.