It's faced a rough 18 months, but Newcastle Theatre Company's first show since the COVID-19 lockdown on Saturday will take place in a new-look space after $350,000 worth of improvements.
The Lambton theatre received a major facade upgrade, new air conditioning and the installation of a large mural during the pandemic-enforced shutdown.
Funds for the projects were provided through a $190,299 state government My Community Project grant and club resources, including $70,000 in community donations.
NTC president Claire Williams said the past 18 months had been very challenging for the theatre company, first being faced with fire regulation improvements and then the impact of coronavirus restrictions.
"We were unable to operate from March until September, which has severely depleted our resources, but we were fortunate that our major facade upgrade and associated works could go ahead during the shutdown," she said.
"A highlight of our new look is a huge mural, painted by NTC member and Newcastle artist Rhonda Blaxland, reflecting our 63-year history and the work and support of our members and patrons."
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