Theatre reopening date confirmed after £10m refurb

A West Sussex theatre will reopen next month after a £10.2m refurbishment with capacity increased to 420 seats and the foyer refreshed.

In 2024, the district council outlined plans to renovate the Capitol Theatre in Horsham which had last been refurbished 23 years ago.

The works, which began in January after the project was rescoped to reduce costs, also included a makeover in the bar area and box office, as well as improved toilet facilities.

A reopening date of 29 November has been confirmed, with the 90-year-old theatre set to welcome back patrons for its 2026 pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Horsham District Council cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and green spaces, Tony Frankland, said the refurbishment ensured that the Capitol was "ready to enter a bold and vibrant new era".

He added: "I am particularly proud of the emphasis we have placed on accessibility and inclusion.

"The new facilities and improved layout will help ensure that disabled visitors can enjoy our theatre and cinema more easily and comfortably, alongside their friends and family."

The Capitol said on its website that the ground floor toilets had been reconfigured to provide additional facilities, including a changing places facility meaning customers with complex needs could access the venue in comfort.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.