Refurbished Capitol Theatre on Track to Reopen in Time for Panto Season
The countdown is on for the reopening of Horsham's Capitol Theatre, with a major project planned for November.
Work to refurbish Horsham's Capitol Theatre remains on track, with the venue expected to reopen in November after closing earlier this year for its first major upgrade in more than two decades.
The theatre shut its doors in January to allow work to begin on the project, which includes improvements to seating, accessibility, cinema facilities and building infrastructure.
Horsham District Council says the first phase of the refurbishment has now been completed and the overall programme remains on schedule.
In the main auditorium, repairs and redecoration have been carried out, with a new dark green and gold colour scheme replacing the previous décor. New seating is due to be installed in the coming months, including a more flexible layout designed to improve access for wheelchair users.
Upgrades are also being made to the cinema area. New flooring has been installed in Screen 1, allowing for changes to seating arrangements and increased accessibility.
A new Changing Places toilet is also being installed. The specialist facility is designed for people with complex disabilities who require extra space and equipment.
The Capitol celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Councillor Tony Frankland, Horsham District Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces, said work was progressing as planned and remained on course for completion ahead of the theatre's planned reopening in November.
The venue is expected to reopen in time to host its 2026 pantomime, Dick Whittington.
A temporary box office remains open in Swan Walk Shopping Centre while work continues.