Restoration works on one of the country's oldest theatres have been unveiled - with a new terracotta colonnade and balcony in the spotlight.

The Theatre Royal in Brighton has also unveiled a new logo to match the works, which included changes to its stage and seating.

A specialist team has spent the last 17 months restoring the column and balcony that make up the terracotta colonnade façade in New Road, with more than 1,551 sections installed so visitors will be able to enjoy a drink outdoors under the colonnade or on the balcony above.

The Argus: Theatre director Sophie Denney on the new balconyTheatre director Sophie Denney on the new balcony (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

 

Owners ATG Entertainment also restored the beloved Colonnade Bar underneath, replacing many of the interior fixtures, with a new door to link the box office entrance with the bar for pre and post show drinks.

Theatre director Sophie Denney said: "We are incredibly proud of the long and rich history of our beautiful venue and are delighted to reach this huge milestone in our restoration project.

"This investment not only improves the experience of everyone visiting our venue in the present, but also protects the theatre for future generations to enjoy”.

The auditorium has new seating and fold-up armrests which mean going to the middle seat will not need as much shimmying.

The Argus: New accessible seating has been added to the auditoriumNew accessible seating has been added to the auditorium (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus)

The Grade II* listed theatre was first on the site in 1807 and hosts plays, musicals and even podcasts.

The first production was Shakespeare's Hamlet, opening on June 26, 1807, and the theatre has been in almost continuous operation ever since. 

A spokeswoman for the theatre said: "The building itself is a visible record of changes in architectural taste and theatrical practice over the last two centuries."

The Argus: Restoration work has been done to the frontageRestoration work has been done to the frontage (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus)

In 1866 the auditorium was redesigned and the gallery level added by architect C J Phipps.

It was given a new frontage  in 1894 by C E Clayton and the auditorium was last redecorated circa 1926 by Sprague and Barton. 

In the latest work, the seats, toilets, electrics and decor inside the theatre have all been given a lick of paint.

The Argus: New light fixtures have been installed, adding an elegant ambiance around the theatreNew light fixtures have been installed, adding an elegant ambiance around the theatre (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus)

Stefan Ziemelis, senior project manager at ATG Entertainment, said: “Theatre Royal Brighton is a building of outstanding architectural and historical interest nationally and one of the oldest venues in ATG Entertainment’s portfolio.

"The work we have undertaken here along with our partners will serve to protect and preserve this iconic venue for future generations to come."

The theatre has unveiled a new logo to match the refurbishments designed by Brighton agency Good Noise.

The Argus: The restoration work on the terracotta pillars outside the theatre was completed on TuesdayThe restoration work on the terracotta pillars outside the theatre was completed on Tuesday (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus)

The text Theatre Royal Brighton is split in three lines, symbolising a curtain or the fly ropes on stage.

A new logo for the Colonnade Bar is also a nod to its historic past ahead of a new festival in the city through to July.

The main stage in the theatre will be closed between June 16 and July 14 for maintenance works but this does not mean the theatre stops.

The Argus: Senior Creative Learning Manager Jackie Alexander in front of the new Theatre Royal facadeSenior Creative Learning Manager Jackie Alexander in front of the new Theatre Royal facade (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus)

A month-long festival called CollyFest will invite punters into a temporary space in the foyer, where a programme of music, quizzes and workshops will entertain crowds throughout the month.

Senior creative learning manager Jackie Alexander said: "I love Theatre Royal Brighton and am passionate about opening its doors to everyone in our community.

"I can't wait to meet more members of our local community and show off all our beautiful theatre has to offer."