Theatre re-opens after flood

The 217-year-old theatre has been out of action since April

A theatre forced to close its doors by a flood which caused damage put at tens of thousands of pounds is due to re-open.

The 217-year-old Theatre Royal, in Margate, Kent, was put out of action in April when a burst water pipe flooded the premises in the early hours.

Staff have worked over the past two-and-half months to repair the damage and refurbish the venue.

General manager Michael Wheatley said water poured on to the stage like a waterfall from a severed pipe above the stage.

Tears from staff

He said: "There were tears from the staff when they saw it afterwards because it is the oldest stage in the country.

"We lost 50 lamps, lighting bars and ropes which have all had to be replaced.

"It was sheer devastation."

The stage has now dried out and the backstage, under-stage and front of house areas refurbished.

A new steel support system has replaced wooden props under the stage, making it much stronger.

The 360-seat theatre is due to re-open on 16 July.