Wycombe Swan gets a refresh while the shows go on

31 August 2010

In recent months the Wycombe Swan Theatre and Town Hall have been quietly transformed, behind the scenes, while audiences have still been flocking to performances. An exciting programme of refresh works, which includes new carpets and seating, is the first to be carried out since the theatre was built in the early 1990s.

Jointly funded by Wycombe District Council and HQ Theatres, this project is set to delight theatre goers. A refreshed auditorium with new carpet and seats, foyer, toilets, bars and Town Hall will welcome audiences in September. In addition, the technical improvements being made to the stage will make the theatre more attractive to producers, enabling the bigger shows that have only been able to go to larger venues in the past to come to Wycombe.

Councillor Richard Scott, Wycombe District Council's Cabinet Member for Younger and Older People, commented: "The Swan Theatre is very well established in the region, but it is nearly 18 years old and as audiences expectations grow ever higher, we wanted to ensure our theatre keeps up with the times. These refresh works will definitely bring the theatre up to date and revitalise its appeal to new audiences and show producers."

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director of Wycombe Swan, added: "We are extremely grateful to Wycombe District Council for undertaking, in partnership with HQ Theatres, such an impressive and ambitious programme of works this summer which is set to transform the physical environment of the theatre and to enhance the overall customer experience of our audiences."

The programme of works is being carried out while causing limited disruption to visitors and performers, and will reopen in September with a stunning variety of shows which will appeal to everyone whatever their ages.

Local community groups interested in hiring the Swan Theatre or Town Hall for events and performances may be eligible to apply to the Wycombe Swan Community Fund, administered by Wycombe District Council. Further details are available from either the Swan or the Council at www.wycombe.gov.uk/arts.

To find out what's on at Wycombe Swan and for details of any ticket offers, phone 01494 512000 or visit www.wycombeswan.co.uk.