Theatre to be renamed as part of £30m redevelopment

A theatre that has undergone a three-year renovation project which went millions of pounds over budget will reopen this summer under a new name.

Hertford Theatre will be renamed BEAM following a £30m redevelopment.

Once works have been completed, the East Herts District Council venue will have an auditorium that seats 550 people, a smaller studio theatre, a dance studio and three film screens.

The budget to expand and refurbish the building was significantly more than the original figure.

The renovations have included improving the multi-purpose arts and culture venue's backstage areas and dressing rooms.

Sarah Hopewell, a Green Party councillor and the authority's executive member for wellbeing, said there would be "something for everyone, which will enhance the cultural life of East Herts for years to come".

She added: "Relaunching with a different identity reflects the fact that BEAM is, to all intents and purposes, a brand new venue."

Rhys Thomas, the director of BEAM, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation building.

"A testament to the positive impact the arts can have on the economic and cultural welfare of our local and regional communities."

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