Southampton theatre reopens after £7.5m makeover
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/29376_594383.jpg)
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/29377_849170.jpg)
Its boards have been trodden by legends such as Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy and The Beatles and Now Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre - the largest in the south of England - has reopened following an extensive £7.5m refurbishment project.
The 90-year-old theatre brought the curtains down in June so that work could commence on what is described as its biggest transformation in 30 years.
It reopened on 26th September with a gala evening of music and entertainment, showing off a 'dramatic' new red and gold colour scheme. Stall and circle seats have been replaced with new, wider seats, and the seats in the balcony have been upholstered. New environmentally-friendly lighting has been installed, the orchestra pit moved beneath the stage, and facilities improved for people with disabilities. The theatre now has a capacity of 2,274 - one more than before.
The Mayflower – originally called the Empire, then the Gaumont from 1950 until taking its current name in 1987 – is an important part of Southampton’s entertainment offering, attracting more than 500,000 visitors every year and contributing around £75m to the economy.
Michael Ockwell, chief executive of Mayflower Theatre, said: "This is, without doubt, the most significant refurbishment project that the theatre has seen in the last three decades. For us, this project is very much about ensuring Mayflower Theatre remains best in class not just for now, but long into the future."
![](https://www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/images/SMlogoSmall.jpg)
Swim Manager
General Manager
General Manager
Swim Teacher
Customer Service Advisor
Sports Facility Manager - LSBU Active
Team Leader
Fitness Motivator
Swim Teacher
Duty Manager (Dry)
Head of Operations
Senior Leisure Officer
Swimming Teacher
Swimming Teacher
Company profile
![Company profile: Perfect Gym Solutions S.A. Company profile: Perfect Gym Solutions S.A.](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/dir/993258_408781.png)
Featured Supplier
![Altrafit introduces custom functional fitness equipment at Third Space
Altrafit introduces custom functional fitness equipment at Third Space](http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353527_44838_406906.jpg)
Property & Tenders
Company: Jersey War Tunnels
Company: Savills
Company: Cotswold Lakes Trust
Company: Knight Frank
Company: Belvoir Castle