A MAJOR regional theatre in the south has undergone a refurbishment, 84 years after it was opened.
New seats have been installed in the Regent Centre in Christchurch, increasing the capacity to 484 seats at the iconic Art Deco auditorium.
The £50,000 refurbishment has seen all of the remaining original seats upgraded with higher density foam cushions for greater comfort during shows.
There are also four extra wheelchair bays in the stalls.
Cash for the development of the theatre – which opened on Boxing Day 1931 – has come from the Regent Development Fund, which comes from ticket sales.
New stage curtains and house lights have also been installed in the auditorium.
The foyer has been redecorated, while new digital TVstyle poster boards adorn the walls with information on upcoming films and shows.
A new circle bar and lounge area is being created in the Spreadbury Suite, on the mezzanine area between the foyer and the circle.
There will also be new toilets at the venue.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here