It’s been a real joy to see the seats return to all levels of the auditorium. The redeveloped King’s now holds 1,125 seats, including a complete set of brand-new seats in the Upper Circle, all with higher backs to improve your comfort (and to stop any accidental knees to the head from the row behind). The original seats have returned to the Stalls and Dress Circle, all carefully steam-cleaned and sanded for comfort. Accessibility is at the heart of the redevelopment, and the seats are no different with two dedicated wheelchair spaces in the Dress Circle and eight in the Stalls. In addition, there are forty seats in the Stalls with a hinged arm rest to allow smoother transfers from a wheelchair, as well as twelve wider seats.

Throughout the building and in the auditorium the focus has turned to the finishing decorative touches following the installation of flooring and panelling, heritage doors and of course the seats. Attention now turns to the boxes for the final few weeks of construction.

This week saw the very grand entrance of the steel frame for the new front entrance canopy. Delivered to the theatre via police escort, due to its size, the new steel and glass canopy will be installed in the next few weeks. The installation of the canopy is a particularly significant moment in the redevelopment because, following its completion, the public walkway will reopen for pedestrian access.

At the end of July, we’ll wave goodbye to the two large cherry pickers that have been working away on window installations and stonework repairs, as well as the welfare facilities for the construction team on Tarvit Street. One exciting step closer to transforming the King’s from a construction site to a working theatre once more, and welcoming you into all our refreshed spaces.