The reopening date for Kent’s oldest theatre has been revealed - as funds to restore rare intricate decorations inside the historic building are secured.

Margate’s Theatre Royal first opened in 1787 making it the fourth-oldest venue in the country and has hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin during its 238-year history.

But the Grade II*-listed building has been closed since 2022 and with the delicate structure falling into disrepair, it is in desperate need of attention.

The building is owned by Thanet District Council, which plans to refurbish and reopen the historic building as part of the Margate Town Deal programme.

Some £5 million has already been allocated to preserve the future of the building and bring it up to modern standards.

It was placed on the Theatres At Risk register in January alongside some of Britain’s most vulnerable and historic theatres which could be closed or demolished.

Now, a grant of £5,325 has been awarded to survey rare ceiling plasterwork inside the auditorium with the hopes of restoring the delicate decoration.

The work will help provide the information needed for the conservation and repair of the ornate architectural feature.

The money is part of a programme run by the Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres, to help progress restoration, reopening or revitalising at risk theatres.

Theatre Royal Margate is one of 10 - all of which are on the Theatres At Risk register - to be given cash.

Council bosses behind the Theatre Royal project have also now revealed the venue could begin hosting shows and reopen by the end of 2027.

Bob Porter, director of lace at TDC, said: “The Theatre Royal is a building with great heritage significance. The council welcomes this grant from Theatres Trust, which means that we can carry out a specialist survey on the incredible plasterwork.

“It will give us a better understanding of what needs to be done to preserve this unique feature as part of the wider refurbishment project.”

Joshua McTaggart, chief executive of Theatres Trust says “All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities.

“Theatres Trust is delighted to support Theatre Royal Margate with this project that will help it move a step closer to its ultimate goal.”

TDC unveiled its initial plans for Theatre Royal in 2023 and hopes to acquire £7.5 million in grant funding to revamp the ramshackle theatre.

Fresh proposals for its future include a bar and cafe, 50-seat studio theatre, sound recording studio, rehearsal rooms/dance studio and accommodation.

TDC aims to create a “nationally significant performing arts hub” at the venue and adjoining building 19 Hawley Square.

In May 2024, the council discussed plans to set up a charitable organisation to run the venue in the hope of increasing the chances of securing additional funding.