Hartlepool Borough Council is forging ahead with £700,000 of improvements to Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, boosting the venue’s appeal for audiences, creative producers and performers alike.
A series of sweeping technical upgrades have already been made, including brand-new high spec sound, lighting and stage equipment systems, new reinforced hanging points for equipment and the reinstatement of permanent rigging over the stage.
Together, these improvements will allow both professional and amateur production companies to deliver shows with greater ease and creativity.
Audiences will experience clearer sound quality and an array of lighting designs from moving lights to permanent lighting around the arch over the stage, which will also enhance the theatre’s striking architecture.
The new sound and lighting equipment has been installed by technical and production company Axiom.
Left to right: Amy Orr, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Creative Venues and Events Manager, Councillor Karen Oliver and Josh Dunn, Assistant Project Manager of Axiom, on stage with some of the new lighting equipment.
The stage area has been completely refreshed by full repainting and new curtains.
There’s more to come later this year. The outside of the historic building will be given a fresh lift with restoration work to the wooden cupola and parts of the roofing at front of building and the re-rendering of brickwork to the rear.
There will also be upgraded box office systems to provide an improved experience for customers making payments and booking tickets.
The project will be rounded off with a refurbishment of the audience seating, ensuring comfort matches the improved technical standards.
All the work is set to be completed by early next year.
A striking view of the stage area. Picture credit: Ben Hines Photo.
Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “I’m thrilled to see these improvements taking shape.
“These upgrades will inject new energy into the theatre, giving audiences a richer experience and providing performers with the high quality tools they need to put on outstanding shows.
“Hartlepool has a brilliant creative spirit, and this investment will help it shine even brighter.”
To find out more about hiring Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre for a show or event, visit www.culturehartlepool.com/town-hall-theatre/hire-2.
Light cascades down from some of the new lighting above the stage. Picture credit: Ben Hines Photo.