£500k is biggest investment since theatre opened in 1961

TORQUAY’S Princess Theatre is spending £500,000 on a new look this spring. Starting in May, the auditorium will undergo a major refurbishment which will see the seating, carpets and curtains replaced and front of house areas improved.

While significant funds have gone toward behind-the-scenes upgrades recently, it’s been decades since noticeable investments were made to the audience spaces.

Out go the red seats that have been in place since the theatre’s 1961 grand opening; to be replaced by new, blue, modern seating to enhance comfort. Along with the new carpets and curtains, the ambience and theatre experience will feel completely different to anyone who has visited the theatre before.

“It is wonderful that Ambassador Theatre Group (which manages the Princess Theatre on behalf of Torbay Council) is investing significant funds into this project to improve the experience of all our visitors to the venue,” said theatre director Amy Worsdale.

“It demonstrates ATG’s commitment to our community so we can continue to be Torquay’s home for world-class entertainment for generations to come.

“We know the shows we host here have a great impact on the local businesses and attract visitors to the bay so this is great news, not just for the theatre but the wider community. I can’t wait to welcome audiences in the summer and see their reactions to the completed project.”

With the new seating comes a new opportunity. Patrons can now adopt their own auditorium seat, whether that be to dedicate a seat to a loved one or to celebrate being a part of the theatre.

Each adopted seat will be fitted with a plaque and people interested to learn more can email the theatre.

Renovations are set to be completed in late May and the theatre will host a series of special ATG+ member, audience, and business community previews in June.