"The best seats in the house" new stalls seating will be installed at the Kings Theatre as part of revamp
New seating will be installed at the Kings Theatre with its historic stalls set to be given an upgrade.
As part of the theatre’s regeneration, known as the 1907 Elevation project, new seating will be placed in its historic stalls which will be more comfortable and provide more legroom, but will also preserve the theatre’s architectural heritage.
Richard Pearce, CEO of Kings Theatre Portsmouth, said: "With the 1907 Elevation project finally underway, we have listened closely to audience feedback and concluded that the transformation of the audience experience in terms of accessibility and comfort would be incomplete if we did not address the stalls seating. Alongside Theatre Royal, The Kings Theatre is one of Portsmouth’s two iconic purpose-built theatres, and we are committed to preserving its unique character while ensuring every visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible."
The project will involve removing the existing seats and the wooden base plates on which they sit, installing a new floor/carpet, and fitting the new seating. The majority of seats will provide increased legroom, and we will be creating four rows with super legroom. Certain seating will be removable, creating a more inclusive experience for wheelchair users at available shows.
Richard Pearce added: "The current seating will be offered to patrons who would like to purchase a seat. Whether it has personal significance or is simply a memento of a theatre they love, it is a chance to own a piece of history. We will also be offering the seats to other venues that may need extra seating. Our aim is to repurpose any remaining seating wherever possible, preventing it from being sent to landfill."
To allow the work to take place, the theatre will close for all of January following the pantomime season and is planned to reopen in February. A special show will mark the grand reopening to celebrate this milestone with the community and the theatre’s valued audiences.
"This investment represents a careful balance between past and future, retaining the character and charm that make Kings Theatre so special while delivering the comfort and accessibility that modern audiences expect," Pearce said.
As previously reported by The News, work on the 1907 Elevation project began earlier this month and is due to complete by February 2027. Three formerly derelict shops in Albert Road are being transformed to become part of the 118-year-old building to create a flexible rehearsal and communal space, as well as a new foyer and cafe.