 The seating capacity will be extended and all seats refurbished |
A Devon theatre is preparing to bring down the curtain in preparation for a multi-million pound refurbishment. The Northcott Theatre in Exeter will close its doors on 20 January and reopen in December.
The improvements include essential works to comply with health and safety and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Funding partners for the �2.2m programme include Exeter City Council Devon County council, the Arts Council South West and Exeter University.
Summer programme
When building work is complete the 40-year-old theatre will have improved disabled access, additional seating - including more spaces for wheelchair users and a new fire alarm and PA system.
Devon County Council, which has already contributed �250,00 is set to approve a further grant of �200,000.
Council leader Brian Greenslade said the theatre was a vital part of the county's cultural life.
"Celebrating and supporting Devon's culture is a priority for the county council and fortunately we do have the capacity to respond when help is needed."
Theatre spokesman Andy Sinclair said the Northcott's annual summer Shakespeare in the Garden programme would go ahead as normal at Rougemont Gardens. The planned production for summer 2007 is Macbeth.
Building work should be completed by October and the theatre is due to reopen in December with its traditional Christmas pantomime.
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