New stage is set at King's Theatre as delayed £40m revamp hits milestone

The stage, which is flat, replaces the old sloping version and will allow the theatre to host more dance and circus productions when it opens next spring.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, which manages the King’s said: “The completion of the new stage at the King’s Theatre marks a hugely significant milestone. After all, what is a theatre without its stage?

“The original sloped stage, a design feature common in older theatres, has now been replaced with a modern flat stage opening up new artistic possibilities, particularly around dance and circus productions.”

Actor Brian Cox was the first artist to tread the new boards when he visited the theatre in the city’s Leven Street this week.

Ms Gibson described it as “such as joy” to welcome him to the theatre to mark the development.

She added: “As Honorary Patron and a long-time supporter of the King's redevelopment, Brian has been behind this project since the early planning stages.

“During his recent visit, he was truly impressed by the scale and ambition of the transformation.”

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The long-awaited revamp will cost above £40 million to complete.

The work commenced in February 2023 with an original completion date scheduled for Spring 2025.

Then, the finalised total cost was £35.6 million - but the overall budget has risen to at least £40.7m.

The theatre will not be ready until 2026, with the delay due to the scale and the complexity of the refurbishment.

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Ms Gibson said that “progress continues at pace” throughout the theatre, which was built in 1906.

Installation of new staircases and lifts is nearly complete with visitors to experience a “step-free journey from street to seat” for the first time when the King’s re-opens.

Foundations for the new street-level café are now in place and The Creative Engagement Studio is “taking shape beautifully” with final finishes in progress.

The installation of a new theatrical fly system complete.

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Ms Gibson added: "When the curtain rises once again at the King’s in 2026, it will reveal a theatre that’s ready to welcome audiences for the next 100 years, sharing more ambitious shows, vastly improved inclusive access for everyone throughout the building, and a stronger connection to its much-loved communities than ever before."