Torquay's Princess Theatre reveals its all-new look

The Princess Theatre's new look has wowed audiences just like its shows - and it has put multi-million plans to transform and expand the Torquay seafront venue firmly back in the spotlight.

The Torquay venue has been given a £750,000 makeover in a massive vote of confidence from its owners ATG Entertainment.

Red seats first installed when the theatre opened in 1961 are out. In is plush new, blue, modern seating to enhance comfort. Alongside new carpets and curtains, the ambience and experience in the theatre feels completely different  after front of house areas were also given the once-over.

The new look was unveiled to the public for the first time when comedian Al Murray took to the Princes stage three weeks ago. Torquay United's new football guru Neil Warnock is next up with his one-man chat show on Friday (June 28).

A regeneration project for the squeeze-in theatre has been mooted for several years - it was on former mayor Nick Bye vision dream scheme wish list when he was in charge. Now the investment from AGT has the powers-that-be talking again, with figures of between £15 million and £20million needed for such a game-changing project.

Amy Worsdale, theatre director, said: "It is an aspiration of ours. It is in collaboration with the council because they own the building. It is in their future plans. We still are having conversations about expanding at the back. If we could have a bit more room backstage we could stage even bigger shows. It is back on the agenda for us and the council especially with this investment."

Torbay Council deputy leader Chris Lewis, who is in charge of regeneration, said: "It is something that we want to see and we really want to help the theatre and we have told them that. Our priority at the moment with the Arts Council and English Heritage is to get the Pavilion across the line. But we will do everything we can do to help the Princess. We want the bigger shows coming to Torquay and not going to Plymouth." 

Amy says the response from the public to the makeover has been good.

"We have had a brilliant reaction - like the seats are more comfortable and there is more leg room and it's looking a lot nicer," she said.

The refurb has seen the Princess in darkness for two months with the bulk of the work completed over just a four-week period. The theatre has had to reschedule its main summer but that means there is now a feast of entertainment to come.

Amy says: "We have some unbelievable shows coming up. Everything has been pushed back for the summer. The musicals are coming and bookings are looking good.."

That starts with An Officer and a Gentleman next week followed by such great favourites as TOADS production 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, That'll Be the Day, Lord of the Dance, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sister Act, Cirque - The Greatest Show and Ghost to name but a few.

“Steve Reynolds, Chair of Torbay Business forum, which held its June Business Breakfast at the Princess Theatre, said: "The Princess Theatre has been a major part of the Torquay landscape for over 60 years. It is part of our heritage. The Theatre brings together and entertains thousands of people every year and is a vital visitor attraction for the English Riviera. The newly refurbished auditorium, with its 1,500 brand new seats, is one of the largest entertainment venues in the South West. The ATG Team in Torquay is working hard to bring us the major shows that we all love and is helping to grow the Torbay economy.”

Just a few of the comments on social media have included 'You guys have done a fantastic job to the theatre it looks amazing;' Classy and amazing'; 'Fantastic look'; 'Incredible! Fantastic transformation!'.