A historic theatre is opening its doors this week in time for its 140th birthday after three months of renovation.

The Royal Hippodrome Theatre has been re-laid with new carpets and refurbished seating as part of the renovation.

The theatre in Eastbourne will be re-opening this Friday with a performance called “Opening Night” featuring the cast of the Summer Season Production and The Trapdoor Theatre School.

The theatre was taken over by Alex and Debbie Adams in 2018 who said they “knew at some stage” they would need to invest heavily to bring the theatre up-to-date.

The Argus: At beginning of the Eastbourne theatre's renovationAt beginning of the Eastbourne theatre's renovation (Image: RHT)

They have been working with a team of interior designers and decorators to get the theatre back to its best.

Debbie said: “The main focus was the auditorium which has been completely revamped and updated, with a massive amount of work going into the circle fronts to try and emulate how they would have looked originally.

The Argus: After the carpet had been re-laid at the theatreAfter the carpet had been re-laid at the theatre (Image: RHT)

“New bespoke carpet has been fitted throughout the venue and the ceiling rose – a huge focal point in the building – has received a lot of tender loving care and now looks spectacular.

“All the seating in the stalls and upper circle has been refurbished and all the seating in the dress circle has been completely replaced with brand new seats.”

The Argus: The finished result of the theatreThe finished result of the theatre (Image: RHT)

The company are urging people to sponsor a seat at the hippodrome which will see their name put on a brass plaque to show their support of the venue.

Alex added: “The Hippodrome is a real community building and is used by so many different groups from Eastbourne and the surrounding area.


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“Schools, dance academies, local theatrical groups and many youth theatre groups, are now all using the venue and we are delighted to welcome them to The Hippodrome which celebrates its 140th birthday this year.”

The theatre will be hosting other shows including an Easter pantomime, as well as The Wizard of Oz from April 5 to April 10.

Tickets can be found on the Royal Hippodrome Theatre website.