Reading newest theatre finally opens 3 years after conception

• Video report by Penny Silvester

Reading's newest theatre finally opened its doors this week after it was first conceived three years ago.

The Reading Rep celebrated with a gala evening ahead of its first public performances next month.

The finishing touches were being applied even as the theatre prepared for its gala evening.

It is the town's newest theatre venue following a £1 million fundraising appeal.

The transformation of the old Salvation Army Hall on London Road has taken two years to complete and its hoped the 180 seater venue will encourage new talent into the the industry.

"Theatre can have a really transformative impact on the community, not just in normal times but especially in the wake of the pandemic. I hope we're giving them hope for the future about a new theatre and a new producing venue for Reading that it has never had before." - Paul Stacey, Founder and Artistic Director