More than 3,000 visitors to refurbished Alnwick Playhouse in opening week

A series of events were held earlier this month to mark the venue’s return following a £3.3million restoration project.

Playhouse bosses are delighted with the turnout for the events and the positive public feedback.

“The footfall for events has surpassed expectations,” said a Playhouse spokesman. “The cafe has also been a tremendous success - McKennas has been a hub of activity.”

In its first week, the Playhouse had over 3,000 ticketed entries, including over 300 people on public tours showing a film of the auditorium development.

An event run by North East Archive sold out, while live streamings and cinema events were also well attended.

A further 98 attended the Northumberland County Council stakeholders talk and 74 were at the first ever spring preview event.

Figures also show that 88 tickets were taken for the library workshops, with over 60 new library applications.