A new studio space opening at Greenwich Theatre as part of a major refurbishment is described as ‘absolutely the cherry on the cake’ by the theatre’s artistic and executive director James Haddrell.

A six-panel soundproofed partition wall was installed last week in what was historically the theatre restaurant as part of the £400,000 first phase of the refurbishment of the iconic building at the bottom of Crooms Hill.

Mr Haddrell said: “We’ve had roof repairs, rewiring and new lighting but this is the most exciting moment for me.

“This is what people will see, the artistic element, and it’s changing the shape of Greenwich Theatre.”

The soundproofing means the theatre can now programme two shows at once for the first time, starting this autumn season.

A programme of three shows has initially be scheduled for the new theatre - Under My Thumb, directed by Mr Haddrell himself opened on September 21, Sian Rowland’s Gazing at a Distant Star on October 6 and international award-winners The Flanagan Collective’s From the Mouths Of the Gods from October 11 to 16.

Mr Haddrell said: “Each will use the space very differently and the flexible lighting rig and seating will allow us to put the actors where we want and the audience too.”

He added: “To me this is the most significant change since I took over the theatre in 2007.

"As well as giving us a new rehearsal and performance space, it also offers us the chance to move some of our more intimate productions into the studio and release more stage time in the main auditorium for larger shows.”

Go to greenwichtheatre.org.uk

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