Refurbishment Work Continues at the Yvonne Arnaud While Theatre Re-opens

Published on: 22 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 22 Sep, 2024

Refurbishment continues at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre even while the new season starts. One planned change is that the cylindrical lift shaft, seen behind the scaffolding, will be removed to be replaced by an internal lift that will give access to all floors, making access for those with restricted mobility easier.

By Martin Giles

“The show must go on” is a well known show business saying and despite major refurbishment work continuing at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre it has to be ready for use on Tuesday (September 24) when one-nighter The Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits is performed.

But not all areas of the theatre will be open and things will look a little different, with a temporary box office desk in the foyer and a pop-up café and bars. Refurbishment of the toilets will still be underway so there will be temporary Portaloos outside the front of the theatre for a couple of weeks, while the new facilities are completed.

Theatre director Joanna Read in the foyer. Behind her the temporary desk being constructed a few days before the doors will open again to the public on Tuesday.

Theatre director Joanna Read told The Dragon that she wanted patrons to know what to expect in terms of the restricted facilities but also news of the exciting improvements that are being made.

She said: “We are delighted that work is well underway on our capital project, Play Your Part, which is progressing well.

Electrical work and testing underway behind Joanna Read and Sally Anne Lowe while they show the Dragon around.

“It’s been a fascinating three months so far, leading to us unearthing a few unexpected surprises, including a wall that wasn’t holding anything up, and a false ceiling hiding a false ceiling! The original beauty of the ceiling in what was, until recently the Circle Bar, has been revealed and this will be refurbished over the coming months for everyone to enjoy.

“When you come to a show this autumn, you will be able to see parts of the original floor, before they are retiled, and also understand how the new lift is taking shape.”

The circle bar stripped back to reveal the concrete skeleton of the 1960s building, the bar is temporarily in use as a construction workers rest area.

“As a charity dependent upon box office income for our revenue, we don’t have the luxury of closing while most of the work is done.

“Luckily, our project team have devised a building programme which enables us to stay open for most of the year and still present the best in drama, comedy, family shows and entertainment. We would ask for your patience as we work alongside the contractors during this period.”

And the theatre’s director of Customer Experience, Sally Anne Lowe, added: “More than ever, we ask everyone to give an email address when booking so that we can send pre-show emails giving full information ahead of your visit, especially as things may change from time to time.

Charles Dance

“The incredible actor Charles Dance is kindly giving us his time on Monday, November 4, for a very special event which will raise more funds for the campaign.

Star of Jewel in the Crown, Game of Thrones, The Crown and many more hits of stage, film and TV, Charles will look back with candid honesty and the funniest of anecdotes on his decades-long career, as well as discussing new projects currently in the pipeline.”

Find out more about Play Your Part: https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/play-your-part

Then & Now: An Audience with Charles Dance: https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/audience-with-charles-dance