The interior of Bolton's redesigned Octagon Theate has been revealed for the first time.
The town centre venue has been closed for two years while a major £12m revamp was completed inside and out, with further delays created by the pandemic.
But, with just the finishing touches left to complete, bosses hope that the new theatre can finally be opened to the public later this year.
Ahead of that grand opening - the date for which is yet to be revealed - the team at the Octagon have released a sneak peek of the building's interior.
Octagon chief executive, Roddy Gauld, said: “After what has been a tumultuous 12 months, we are now excited to be looking to our future as we plan our reopening.
"The Octagon is an incredible creative and cultural hub for Bolton and we hope these first glimpses inside the redeveloped building will lift people’s excitement as we get ready to welcome the public back through our doors.
“The reimagined Octagon benefits from more internal space; is more environmentally friendly; has vastly improved accessibility; and enhanced customer and backstage facilities for everyone’s comfort. The building needed a new roof and major modernisation of its electrics and plumbing and I’m pleased to say is now fit for generations to come.
The Octagon's redevelopment was funded by Bolton Council and the England Arts Council, alongside more than 12,000 donors who offered support.
While theatres across the country closed in March last year, the Octagon has continued to host events online. Audiences have been able to enjoy live performances and events including a live Zoom production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream ; a broadcast reading of A Christmas Carol ; a festive online quiz hosted by Mina Anwar and family StoryMaker’s readings.
And, the theatre's engagement programme has provided creative opportunities online , with over 3,000 participants taking part in workshops, youth theatre, over 50s theatre club and music sessions.
Fundraisers which have taken place throughout the pandemic have also added to the Octagon's 'Future Fund' with more than £84,600 generated at a time when normal funding streams are not available.
Bolton Council lead and Greater Manchester portfolio lead for culture, Coun David Greenhalgh, said: “The new images of the Octagon are fantastic and showcase to residents the excellent facilities waiting for them once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
"We are proud to support the redevelopment of one of Bolton’s greatest cultural assets which is a key part of our town centre regeneration plans.
“I am looking forward to visiting once the Octagon opens and seeing the venue flourish with its impressive new design and features.”
Find out more about the Octagon Theatre here.
