The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, has had a £1.5M makeover

The Assembly Hall Theatre in Royal Tunbridge Wells reopened for the new season on 17 September following a £1.5 million refurbishment over the summer period. A stylish re-design has transformed the bar area into a light, contemporary space with new, comfortable furnishings. One feature of the new bar, which is the work of a local designer, is the emphasis the sale of local produce and drinks.

Bar Area Before

Bar Area After

The auditorium benefits from new tiered seating and the balcony seating has been reupholstered in the same charcoal colour.

The lower bar is now the daytime home of PUP Café, a great new play venue for under 5s and their parents and carers.

Equally important but far less visible, work has been done behind the scenes to bring equipment and safety systems up to date and fit for purpose and new stage lifts will be installed. Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development said: ‘The theatre has had a facelift and I am very happy with the results. It is both welcoming and sophisticated which I hope audiences will agree is a great improvement. I am also delighted we’ve used local firms like Style My Home for the project and that we will continue the local theme in the new bar.

‘It’s also lovely to see the lower bar transformed by the bright colours of the PUP café play equipment.

‘The work isn’t a long term solution but it goes some way to addressing concerns raised about the state of the building and it responds to customer expectations. It means we can continue to stage great shows while we decide what our plans for the theatre will be.’

The first show on stage was Think Floyd who played to an excited house on 17 September. For full details of what’s on at the theatre visit assemblytheatre.co.uk or contact the box office on 01892 530613.