A REVAMPED theatre will open its doors for the first time on Friday after a multi-million pound project to turn it into a “place fit for the 21st century”.

Darlington’s Hippodrome Theatre, formerly known as Darlington Civic Theatre, closed last year for an £11.7m revamp including the installation of more seats and improvement to backstage areas to accommodate larger touring shows.

The theatre closed in May 2016 to allow for its refurbishment, and after months of construction and decorating, the theatre will hold its official opening ceremony today.

It opens to the public on Saturday ahead of its opening show on Tuesday.

First to appear on the new stage will be Darlington OS performing Strictly Musicals 2, a song and dance show featuring numbers from best-known musicals, including Mamma Mia, Wicked, and Phantom of the Opera.

The first full scale production, in time for pantomime season, will be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which will feature former Blue singer and EastEnders actor Lee Ryan, Pop Idol contestant and West End performer Zoe Birkett, Coronation Street actor Eric Potts and comedian Liam Mellor.

Speaking ahead of the opening, councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “I think the people in the town will be impressed and hugely proud of the great job that has been done on the theatre.

“Those behind the project have managed to keep the best of the old lady, whilst at the same time they have turned into a place fit for the 21st century where people can come and spend time and have a drink and something to eat.

“There is so much to see and I am really looking forward to the opening – it will be great for Darlington.”

Speaking to The Northern Echo in September ahead of the Hippodrome’s opening, Lynda Winstanley, the theatre’s director, said their order book was filling up for the next 12 months.

“We have got shows lined up until autumn next year, and we are even starting to talk about next year’s pantomime season.

“We have had people phone up who have never been here before, but when they see what we have done, they want to come.”

Theatre Hullabaloo, a specially designed theatre for young people located next to the Hippodrome, will open in December.

It will include a 150-seat studio theatre, creative play installation space, café area, workshop or rehearsal space, dressing rooms, toilets and external play space.