Offering modern touring productions and new opportunities for creating work.

Mayflower Theatre Trust are delighted to announce the completion of a self-funded capital investment of more than £12 million in the historic Grade II-listed Mayflower Theatre, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the venue as well as the local community and wider theatre industry. 

The substantial investment has been delivered to meet the needs of current and future audiences as well as the productions of tomorrow and includes a replacement to the original 1928 grid above the stage, upgrading and increasing the toilet facilities (below) across the theatre and a new double-height studio which backs onto the stage and will support both.

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower, said: “The building works on this project have spanned the last 18 months, with the theatre being closed through the summer to enable a new grid to be installed which offered us the opportunity to undertake other capital projects at the same time. Seeing these projects complete is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. 

It is thrilling that we have been able to create a modern, high-performing space within a historic, working theatre. This was a huge challenge, but the result is something we can all be incredibly proud of. This new development gives Mayflower the facilities and flexibility we need to keep growing, while making sure accessibility, sustainability and the future of our theatre remain at the heart of what we do. And we were delighted that producer, Michael Harrison, came to officially open our studio as part of a staff familiarisation event.

  We’re incredibly excited to see how this fantastic new space comes to life. It gives performers, visiting companies and our communities the modern, accessible facilities they deserve and creates even greater opportunities for creativity to flourish.”

In addition to the studio, the capital investment has also seen a new Reception and Stage Door, plus additional accessible dressing rooms as well as more connections between the administration building, which was added in 2010, and the Grade II-listed theatre. These developments will create a high-quality environment for both professional touring companies and Mayflower’s extensive Participation and Education programmes. Mayflower has also utilised this period to undertake the most significant refurbishment of its toilet facilities in its 98-year history, whereby they have increased total capacity from 43 to 62 cubicles (including 12 new universal facilities), reintroduced urinals in male toilets, and provided 30 additional wash basins. 

Matt Goode, Chief Operating Officer of Mayflower, said: “Creating the best possible experience for our customers is at the heart of everything we do, and we knew our toilet facilities were an area where we needed to do better. Working closely with our heritage architects, we have increased the number and size of cubicles, improved accessibility and created facilities that complement the character of this historic building. As Mayflower Theatre approaches its centenary, this refurbishment demonstrates our commitment to investing in both our audiences and the long-term future of one of the country’s finest theatres.”

Whilst largely unseen by audiences, the grid above the stage (pictured above) plays a vital role in supporting scenery, lighting and stage equipment. Replacing the original 1928 grid will ensure Mayflower Theatre continues to accommodate some of the world's largest and most technically demanding touring productions.

Mayflower Theatre is delighted to welcome audiences back to experience world-class theatre with the spectacular five-week run of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which opened on 24 September and continues until 24 October 2026.