Community welcomes 'magnificent' revamp of Alnwick Playhouse as it welcomes its first week of audiences

The £3.3 million revamp of Alnwick Playhouse has won the hearts of theatregoers and more as the venue begins to welcome back the crowds once again.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 12th Jan 2020, 14:29 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2020, 00:05 BST
The newly refurbished auditorium.The newly refurbished auditorium.
The newly refurbished auditorium.

The theatre, cinema and event space has welcomed a library and Visitor Information Centre to the Bondgate Without building, which reopened its doors last weekend.

Among those to welcome its relaunch, after it closed its doors to visitors in August 2018 for restoration and refurbishment, was Catherine Davies van Zoen.

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She said: “So proud of how the community came together to raise funds and enthusiasm for this massive project.

The new auditorium at Alnwick Playhouse.The new auditorium at Alnwick Playhouse.
The new auditorium at Alnwick Playhouse.

“There was such an excited buzz there on Friday and Sunday when we were there.

“Well done to the visionary and hard-working Playhouse workers, team, supporters, friends and councillors.”

Eve Alcock added: “I love the way this refurbishment includes not only the theatre itself, but other community services.

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“A very modern way to redevelop and include all, not just theatregoers.”

Plush seating in the refurbished Alnwick Playhouse.Plush seating in the refurbished Alnwick Playhouse.
Plush seating in the refurbished Alnwick Playhouse.

Jacqueline Dobson wrote: “Looking forward to booking some shows here soon. It looks magnificent.”

Pamela Turner said: “What a lovely little theatre.

“I was there on Friday and the refurbishment is wonderful.

“The seats are a great improvement with lots of legroom.

“Going again tonight to see Cats. Looking forward to future visits.

“Well done everyone involved.”

People also praised its redecoration and features, with new handrails to use and extra legroom created for the audience, with the building’s spiral staircase has also been given a new look.

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The venue, which was revamped thanks to £2.5 million from Northumberland County Council and a further £800,000 from the Playhouse, was opened once again with a programme of activities, tours, film screenings and workshops.

The Alnwick Forum also held a special drop-in session on the Saturday so people could hear in more detail about the aims and future challenges for the building and its team.

The Playhouse is due to host theatre group workshops, an opera broadcast, comedy gigs, theatre shows and the latest film screenings in coming weeks.

Related topics:CommunityCatherine Davies