Theatre set to reopen after £11m revamp

Google The outside of a theatre. The building is white with film posters on the outside and black letters that spell 'Dorking Halls'. Google
The Art Deco theatre has been closed since June

A Surrey theatre is preparing to celebrate its official reopening after an £11m revamp.

Dorking Halls will reopen on 9 December after refurbishment work to its ceiling.

Mole Valley District Council closed the 1930s Art Deco theatre in June 2024 to undergo the work.

Council leader Stephen Cooksey said the theatre would offer a better experience for film-goers.

"Whilst Dorking Halls has been closed, the opportunity has been taken to upgrade our film projectors meaning that they will not only present even better-quality visuals, but also run in a greener, more energy efficient, manner," he said.

As well as a refurbished cinema, the building will feature new toilets and a new lobby, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The reopening will see screenings of Paddington in Peru, Wicked and Gladiator II.

A pantomime of Sleeping Beauty will be running at the venue from 20 December.

A special reopening event is due to take place on 6 December to show off the upgraded site.

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