Ipswich Regent Theatre to undergo £3 million refurbishment project which will include larger bar areas and modernised toilets

East Anglia’s largest theatre is to embark on an ambitious £3 million refurbishment project which will include larger bar areas and modernised toilets.

Ipswich Regent Theatre will see improvements to its bars with new larger bar areas and a fully refurbished Circle Lounge. The entrance foyer will also be improved for better disabled access.

Additionally, the toilets will be modernised and significantly increased and will include a Changing Places facility.

There will be more space within the venue for customers to dwell before and after shows and during the interval. This project will also revive and restore some of the building’s Art Deco features to their former glory.

To fund the estimated £3m cost of these improvements, a Restoration Levy of £1.50 per ticket starts today. This will be added to all tickets over £10 and the income from this will be ring-fenced for refurbishment, improvement and upkeep of the theatre.

Councillor Sophie Connelly, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for culture and customers, said: “Ipswich Regent Theatre has nearly 100 years of history and is the beating heart of live entertainment in Suffolk.

“Investment is required to ensure our facilities are modernised and updated, so that customers receive the very best experience.

“This restoration Levy per ticket for theatre-goers will provide funding to enable improvements, so that The Regent remains an enjoyable Ipswich experience for a further 100 years.”