Construction work on Cambridge Arts Theatre’s ambitious ACT II project to create much-needed new public spaces for the Theatre, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, has begun.
From September, audiences entering the Theatre from St Edward’s Passage will be greeted with a large, light foyer. There will be extended bar spaces with new seating areas, making it easier to buy refreshments before shows and during the interval. At the same time, the current Peas Hill entrance and foyer will be comprehensively refurbished. The increased space and improved facilities will make it easier and more enjoyable to move around the building.
The redevelopment plans have been scheduled to minimise the impact on the Theatre’s regular programme of performances. Whilst the construction works will last 17 weeks, there will be a break in performances for only 10 weeks over the summer. The box office will be open as usual, and the works will be completed in time for the opening of the autumn season in mid-September.
Unveiling the designs the Chief Executive of Cambridge Arts Theatre, Dave Murphy said: “This project is great news for our audience and is a significant step towards the realisation of our overall ACT II vision for our Theatre. We are incredibly grateful to all the organisations and individuals that have made such pioneering and generous donations to fund this first phase of our works.”