The auditorium at Theatre Royal Stratford East has been unveiled after undergoing a refurbishment.

Newham Recorder: Sherain Watson cuts the ribbonSherain Watson cuts the ribbon (Image: John Potter)

Work was carried out on the Grade II listed building over a period of four months, with seating, carpeting and walls all being replaced.

The stalls level has been reconfigured to include an extra 17 seats.

Staff were able to get a look inside the auditorium after the ribbon was cut by one of the youngest staff members, Sherain Watson.

This symbolised the theatre being renovated for future generations to enjoy.

Artistic director Kerry Michael said: “We have a beautiful Grade II listed Auditorium that is well used and requires a lot of maintenance.

“These works mean that we will be able to meet our audiences’ expectations of comfort and quality for years to come.”

Work was funded by a £208,000 grant from the Arts Council and a further £5,000 was awarded by the Theatres Trust to repair the safety curtain.

Seats in the revamped auditorium are available to be named, with the money raised helping to cover the remaining cost of the refurbishment.

Naming a seat starts from £25 a month, with the application form available at stratfordeast.com.

The theatre was built in 1884 by James George Buckle, with the auditorium last refurbished in 1993.