Ipswich's Regent Theatre is celebrating a successful reopening following a £3.45 million refurbishment this year.
The venue, which closed in May for major upgrades, has now welcomed back audiences and has broken its own box office records with its production of the ongoing Cinderella pantomime.
The project was funded through a restoration levy and addressed long-standing issues such as inadequate facilities, poor accessibility and outdated front-of-house spaces.
Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for culture and customers, said: "We’re thrilled that our ambitious plans for the Ipswich Regent Theatre have been so successfully delivered.
"This project has not only modernised facilities and improved accessibility but also restored the original Art Deco features that make the Regent such an iconic cultural asset.
“The 2025 festive panto Cinderella, has been the perfect production for celebrating the curtains coming up once again at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, and we’ve already broken the box office record.
"At each performance from opening night onwards, it’s been incredible to see everyone enjoy the new front-of-house facilities and then be enthralled and entertained by the talented cast on stage.
“The energy in the theatre is magical, and we’re delighted to be welcoming audiences back into our beautiful venue - sharing the laughter, joining in the fun and making each night truly unforgettable.”
Built in 1929 as an Art Deco cine-variety theatre, the Regent has long been a cultural landmark in Suffolk.
Work on the theatre began earlier this year, with shows temporarily relocated to the Corn Exchange during the closure.
The refurbishment was completed in November, when the building was handed back to the theatre team.
Upgrades include a restored Art Deco frontage, renovated foyer and ceiling, a new toilet block, three new bars, an improved Circle Lounge, a new staff office, and a lift for improved accessibility.
KLH Architects led the restoration and design work, while Mixbrow Construction Ltd served as the main contractor.
Stuart Edgar, director at KLH Architects, said: "We are proud to have been involved in the restoration and refurbishment of a venue that is locally so well known and loved, with this venue being a place many of our staff have fond memories of.
"The building has offered many hidden historic features waiting for us to uncover and place on display again after half a century, bringing the building back to its best along with some modern improvements to the user experience."
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