AFTER 13 weeks today Ipswich's Regent Theatre is reopening its doors and is ready and waiting for its first audience.

AFTER 13 weeks today Ipswich's Regent Theatre is reopening its doors and is ready and waiting for its first audience.

The refurbished theatre, in St Helen's Street, was officially opened by Ipswich Mayor Inga Lockington at a ceremony held on the 78-year-old theatre's stage yesterday .

The £500,000 project, which has included new seats, new carpets, painting, decorating and a new lighting system was described a “labour of love”, said theatre manager Hazel Clover.

She said: “So many people have enabled this project to happen. We hope the fruits of our labour will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Irish crooner Daniel O'Donnell is due to be the first to perform in the Regent's refurbished auditorium on Monday, September 17.