Work starts at theatre to boost number of seats by 10%

Work has started at a theatre to increase the number of seats by about 10%.

The main auditorium at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury will be able to accommodate 714 people, up from 650, Shropshire Council said.

The extra capacity was expected to generate more income, partly through additional food and drink sales, "with the project expected to pay for itself within three years", it added.

The theatre has made a profit for the council over the past three financial years, it said.

It said the refurbishment "supports the council's wider financial recovery plans by helping a successful income-generating venue continue to perform strongly".

Last month, it emerged the government had written to Shropshire Council outlining concerns about its financial situation.

The Liberal Democrat administration stated the financial problems it inherited were worse than expected, but the situation has stabilised since then.

The authority's deputy leader, Alex Wagner, said the theatre was "a real success story for Shropshire", adding it "brings people into Shrewsbury" and "supports our local cultural offer".

He stated this was "a sensible capital investment in a venue that already performs strongly for the council".

Wagner added by improving the auditorium and increasing seating capacity, "we can offer a better experience for audiences" and attract more high-quality acts.

A week ago, the council said the theatre had revealed almost 60% of tickets for its forthcoming pantomime, Aladdin, had gone, as it unveiled the cast.

In January 2025, it stated a production of Sleeping Beauty had broken box office records, with the theatre reporting more than 44,700 people attended over 76 performances.

Attractions at the theatre include naturalist Chris Packham bringing his World of Wonder tour to the site in October.

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