Curtain up for theatre after £3.5m refurbishment

The Regent Theatre's front of house and canopy have been renovated

A regional theatre which has thrilled audiences for almost a century is unveiling its £3.5m refurbishment.

The Regent Theatre in Ipswich, which opened as the Gaumont in November 1929, has seen the likes of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Little Mix and The Darkness grace its stage.

But the auditorium fell silent in the spring as it spruced up its front-of-house and improved accessibility - with it welcoming audiences back this weekend.

"For a building like this, it's got a life of its own and we need to get that back now with customers coming through the door," said general manager Richie Ross.

• 'I got time off school to see the Stones in 1964'

• The Beatles' usurp Orbison by the time tour visits Ipswich

• Buddy Holly at the Gaumont remembered 50 years on

The seven-month project has modernised the bars, lounge, foyer and external features, while celebrating the theatre's past.

"The plasterwork on the ceiling is phenomenal and beautiful, along with the Art Deco light-fittings," added Mr Ross.

The theatre is owned by Ipswich Borough Council, with the project funded by a levy on ticket prices.

Crush Hall featurers Art Deco lighting and detailed ceiling work

Hundreds queued to see The Bay City Rollers in 1975

The Gaumont was a stop on a famous 1963 tour, when The Beatles usurped the intended headliner Roy Orbison and became the closing act

The lounge has a new bar and a throwback look to its original fixtures and fittings

Many acts that have appeared at the theatre grace a Walk of Fame mural