Workington's oldest theatre is getting ready for its reopening after a £500,000 refurbishment.

The Theatre Royal, on Washington Street, will officially reopen officially on Saturday, March 12.

Pat Brinicombe, of Workington Playgoers, which own the building, said: "The tension is rising and we really can't wait to be back there and get it ready for the community."

At the event, people will be able to take a tour of the theatre from 10am and the coffee bar will also be open all day.

The official opening takes place at 6pm with speeches by theatre officials, a celebrity and a performance of playlets with a short narration covering the history of the theatre from its inception until the present day. 

Soundwave and Second Star Playgoers Youth group will also perform.

The 150-year-old building has been closed since July to allow the work to take place. 

This was possible due to a successful bid to the Big Lottery fund and other funding.

The theatre's foyer has doubled in size and work on three buildings at the rear of the building will provide a new youth venue and community rooms with rehearsal rooms, a new recording studio, office space and the wardrobe. 

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

The Playgoers club, which has temporarily relocated to Moorclose Community Centre, is planning on reducing the size of the wardrobe and props to make the move smoother.

Mrs Brinicombe said: "There is a lot of work and planning in hand for the foyer and the selecting of the furniture must be conducive with the kind of use it will encounter in the future.

"The foyer will of course remain the holding area for the audience of all plays but it will also become a space for small meetings and events.

"My role and work in publicity and as a theatre booking officer is increasing by the minute and I am receiving enquiries all the time from organisations who want to use the theatre .

"We're very much looking forward to having the Cumbria and North Lancs Dance Festival, which will be the first event the theatre is due to host in April."