Work on a major refurbishment of an 150-year-old Workington theatre has begun.

The Theatre Royal, on Wasington Street, was awarded £500,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to carry out the work.

Pat Brinicombe, of Workington Playgoers, which owns the building, said: "At the beginning of the week we were at the theatre to remove all the seats before the start of the work.

"When we finished it was a very hollow sound, we shouted goodbye to the theatre and said we would see it when it's going to be beautiful, we were a bit tearful, but it's all coming to fruition."

The project will see the theatre’s foyer more than doubled in size and fitted with a new coffee bar.

The auditorium will be refurbished and three buildings to the rear of the building will be completely stripped out and adapted to provide a new youth venue and community rooms, which will also host the new wardrobe space, dressing rooms, rehearsal room and fully sound-proofed recording studio. 

Charity Soundwave announced earlier this year that it would move into the building, with other local groups.

Dave Roberts, of the charity, said: "This is an inspiring opportunity for our community and in particular local young people.

"These developing partnerships and new facilities promise to kick-start a brand new centre of creativity for our area, the possibilities are endless."

Work is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Jacob Stobbarts is carrying out the work. 

John Stobbart, executive operations director, said: "As a Cumbrian contractor we pride ourselves in employing local labour and in providing a wide ranging contribution to our community."

Workington Playgoers will continue to put on shows and is using the former sixth form base at Moorclose. 

Its first show, Bouncers, will begin on Tuesday. Call 01900 602122 for more details.