A historic theatre will close its curtains for the next two years while it undergoes improvement works.

The Brook Theatre, in Chatham, will be closed from April as it becomes a state-of-the-art facility for residents and visitors to enjoy in the town centre.

Once completed, the Grade II listed building will include new staging, lighting and sound equipment; better office and meeting spaces; upgraded rehearsal and dance studio spaces; improved dressing rooms for performers; new digital equipment and resources to support the creation of contemporary performance; enhanced main theatre and studio performance spaces; and new toilets and washing facilities.

There will also be better access across the building for the public, performers and staff, including disabled access at the entrance and to seating within the theatre.

The improvement works are being funded by the Future High Streets Fund, after Medway’s successful £9.5million bid was confirmed in January 2021, with £300,000 of the funding allocated to modernise and refurbish the iconic theatre.

Later that year, Medway Council was also awarded a total of £14.4 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund (round 1 funding) to invest in three Chatham cultural regeneration projects, including £6.5 million on The Brook Theatre.

In 2016, the theatre also underwent an external facelift.

Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, said: "The Brook Theatre is already a much-loved city centre venue for families, and is also a home to many amazing creative sector organisations and community groups.

"We want the improved Brook to be a beacon space for Medway and a place where creativity can thrive, supporting the delivery of the ambitious Creative Medway Cultural Strategy.

"Although the curtains will come down from April, it will only be temporary to give the venue a modern uplift.

"The refurbishments are part of ongoing transformation works across Chatham and are made possible thanks to central government funding.

"We are fortunate to have two fantastic theatres in Medway, both of which enhance our city centre, Chatham.

"The Central Theatre in the High Street remains open and has a very exciting line-up of family-friendly performances and entertainment for all ages."