Construction of 'amazing' new theatre underway

Councillors attended a ceremony marking the start of construction work

Construction work has started on a town's "amazing" new 200-seat theatre.

Contractors have moved into The Hexagon in Reading to begin building the new Studio Theatre, which will also have backstage facilities and an upgraded technical area.

A ceremony marking the start of the work on Monday was attended by Reading Borough Council councillors, including leader Liz Terry.

She said: "I am so pleased we are now at the point where this transformative work is beginning to create a new purpose-built venue."

She said the new theatre would provide "amazing new facilities" for the town.

"The new Studio Theatre is also set to be at the heart of a regeneration for that area of the town as part of the Minster Quarter," she said.

Ms Terry said the new theatre was at the "heart" of a wider regeneration

The council said the new theatre had been designed to be flexible, with the foyer doubling as a rehearsal and community space.

The seating in the theatre itself will also be removeable, to create a standing space for 300 people.

Accessible entrances are also going to be installed.

Lead councillor for culture Adele Barnett-Ward said the new facility would attract a wide range of cultural acts.

"The arts are such a vital part of the town and people's lives," he said.

"I cannot wait to see the first shows in the new Studio Theatre and see community groups use the space."

The seating in the theatre will be removable, the council said

The first stage of the work will involve the demolition of the backstage area, dock and stage door area.

Shows will pause for 11 weeks to allow the work to begin, and will resume on 27 September with a temporary back of house area in place.

The new Studio Theatre will be open to the public in spring 2027.