MALVERN Theatres has launched a campaign to raise £250,000 to redevelop its Forum Theatre, improving access and creating a more flexible space.

The refurbished theatre will have brand-new seats, more handrails and better sound quality, including advanced hearing assistance.

This campaign follows a successful effort to raise more than £300,000 to renovate the historic Festival Theatre, a project which was completed to much acclaim from audiences earlier this year.

People donating more than £250 to the Forum Theatre Redevelopment campaign will be named on a plaque outside the venue, complementing the 127 names who supported the Festival Theatre campaign with major donations.

Nic Lloyd, the theatres' chief executive, said: “We want to redevelop the Forum Theatre to enable us to continue to offer a more diverse programme, including new material.

“A more flexible space will allow us to create the intimate environment required for smaller works, while still being able to offer a magnificent space for big orchestras or spectacular shows.

“These improvements will also ensure that the Forum Theatre is a more comfortable and accessible space for all visitors.”

The seats in the Forum Theatre have been in place for 20 years, and many are showing signs of serious wear and tear.

Since Malvern Theatres was established in 1884, the Forum Theatre has hosted concert and tea dances, as well as theatre, circus and ice shows, conferences, workshops and film screenings.

Famous names to grace the Forum Theatre stage include classical stars Nigel Kennedy, Nicola Benedetti and Simon Rattle, singing legends Willard White and Russell Watson, Hollywood royalty Debbie Reynolds, Queen guitarist Brian May, comedians including Lee Evans and Tim Minchin, and work from celebrated choreographers including Akram Khan and Richard Alston.

Malvern Theatres is independent with only one per cent of its running costs publicly funded.

To donate to the Forum Theatre Redevelopment campaign, visit malvern-theatres.co.uk/support-us, call 01684 580954 or email emma@malvern-theatres.co.uk.