It will soon be show time again at the Wyvern Theatre thanks to a £1.3m revamp by Swindon Borough Council.

The theatre, in Swindon town centre, has been given a new lease of life and is due to re-open for performances on Tuesday, September 25, as planned.

Tickets are now on sale for the autumn programme and the first production is The Business Of Murder, by acclaimed playwright Richard Harris, which runs from September 25 until September 29. Appealing to younger audiences, a musical adaptation of the award-winning children's book Gruffalo's Child will grace the stage from September 27 until September 30.

But first everyone is invited to a free open event, from Friday, September 21 until Sunday, September 23, when people will have the chance to walk around the newly-refurbished auditorium, visit the new café and take part in creative activities.

The revitalised 600 capacity theatre boasts new seats, carpets, a custom-built ceiling and the latest technology lighting and sound system. The work, which included fitting a state-of-the-art air cooling system, means audiences will be able to enjoy performances in fresh surroundings and greater comfort.

Swindon Borough Council closed the Wyvern Theatre 10 months ago following the discovery of asbestos. Determined to provide people with an operational theatre as soon as possible, the Council immediately arranged for the asbestos to be removed and embarked on a £1.37m refurbishment project.

Working in partnership with the theatre management company Hetherington Seelig Theatres (HST), the project is on schedule to be complete on time and on budget.
Councillor Roderick Bluh, Swindon Borough Council Leader, said: "I am delighted that we will be delivering a revamped theatre, as promised. The project, which placed an unforeseen demand on resources, demonstrates our commitment to embracing and enhancing culture in the borough.
"I hope this exciting venue will continue to attract both people from the local community and beyond, establishing Swindon as a destination of choice for performing arts." 
Andrew Hill, director of the Wyvern Theatre, said: "We cannot wait to throw open the doors and welcome people back to the Wyvern. It is testament to the partnership between HST and Swindon Borough Council that we have worked through this difficult time for the building and are now is a position to present more fantastic shows."

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