Attenborough wants the Almeida to be accessible to a broad audience

He told BBC News Online that musicals, classical and new theatre will be part of his "eclectic" long-term vision for the revamped venue, which re-opens on 8 May.

Attenborough took on his appointment as head of the Almeida in July when vital improvement work to the small north London theatre was well underway.

During the renovations, the stage company moved to a converted former bus depot in King's Cross, from where it continued to put on plays.

The Almeida has a new foyer as part of the improvements

"The centre of what I want to do will be an eclecticism of choice, a sense of constantly taking the audience by surprise," Attenborough said.

"It will be almost impossible to pin our policy down."

He added that a small-scale musical would fit in well with this flexible approach.

It would also build on the Almeida's established skill of putting on contemporary opera, as well as plays.

'Welcoming' venue

Attenborough's vision for the Almeida's programme is part of his wider policy to increase accessibility to the theatre.

In the pipeline are initiatives to improve the representation of ethnic minority actors to mainstream acting.

The theatre will be working with the wider community and going in to local schools, encouraging pupils to think of the theatre as a "home".

Natasha Richardson will star in the opening play

It will also be running workshops for students and young actors with acclaimed theatre stars such as Dame Judi Dench.

Accessibility has also been a driving force behind the renovations, making it a place audiences want to attend, Attenborough said.

"We wanted it to look stylish and competent but not at all posh - I don't want a posh theatre but a comfortable and welcoming one," he added.

Opening night

The improvements include a new foyer and bar area, extra seating with better vision. The stage floor is new and beneath it lie new dressing-rooms.

A full heating and air-conditioning system has also been installed and there is now full access for disabled visitors and actors.

The original part of the building dates back to 1837 and has been carefully preserved.

The improvements were possible through lottery funding, private sponsorship and fundraising initiatives.

The theatre will reopen with former National Theatre director Trevor Nunn directing Natasha Richardson in Ibsen's Lady of the Sea.