Details of ambitious plans to restore Kings Theatre to be on show at open day - date and time

The theatre in Southsea is opening its doors to the public on Sunday (September 8) as part of the National Heritage Open day Programme where the public has a chance to spend time in the building, learn about the workings of the Albert Road theatre and meet the team.

But this year it is also using the open day as an opportunity to offer a consultation on its plans to regenerate the three derelict shops along the Albert Road that adjoin the theatre to improve access and restore the building.

It said that major stakeholders, including Portsmouth City Council, Historic England and the Theatre’s Trust have confirmed their support of the draft plans and The Kings are confident that they have a route to securing the funding.

As well as the consultation opportunity there will also be a full programme of theatre tours and onstage entertainment, with the day covered by an outside broadcast from media partners Express FM.

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Richard Pearce: CEO, Kings Theatre said: “We have a great responsibility to engage with our community and to maintain open communication, providing opportunities for feedback from the people of the city. We are always grateful for the support we are shown across the region that ensures we survive, evolve, and thereby continue to Entertain, Engage and Enrich.

“The regular Open Days are a great chance for people to come in and spend time in the building, learn about the workings of the theatre and meet our theatre team on a more personal level, alongside all the usual tours and onstage entertainment.

“But, as the prospect of our plans for regeneration begin to come to fruition, we feel it essential to offer a platform for conversation on how the regeneration project will progress. The National Heritage Open Day seems like an ideal opportunity to provide such a platform.

“The theatre’s regeneration goal is to elevate and enhance, by improving accessibility, community engagement, stakeholder facilities and experience, sustainability, and to restore the beauty of this iconic Matcham building.”

The Kings Theatre Open Day is a free event and will take place on Sunday, September 8 from 10am to 3pm. To book one of the Open Day tours and to find out more information visit www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/kings-theatre-open-day-2024-2/