The Theatre Royal has closed for three weeks for the latest phase of improvement works.

Refurbishment at the 216-year-old theatre in Brighton has been taking place since early last year, including the ongoing restoration of the Grade II* listed balcony and facade to its original terracotta splendour.

Other work completed so far includes upgrades to the theatre’s toilets, as well as enhanced electrics, Wi-Fi and water in the building.

Theatre manager Josh Brown said: “We’ve just moved into a very exciting phase of our ongoing restoration project.

“For the next three weeks, there will be no shows on the main stage and the box office will be closed to allow us the time to replace all of the chairs in the stalls and restore the decor throughout the auditorium and foyer, including walls, paintwork and carpets.

“We are delighted that when we reopen our front doors, our customers will be able to see these improvements and their comfort and enjoyment will be instantly enhanced.”

The Theatre Royal will reopen to guests on February 5.

The Colonnade bar will remain open during the theatre’s closure, with creative learning events continuing to run as scheduled.