The stage is set for a County Durham theatre to reopen next week after seven months of repair work.

Empire Consett, which closed its doors to the public temporarily in February to allow for essential roof works, will reopen on Friday, September 13.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re so pleased to see Empire Consett reopening to the public.

“The venue has been providing entertainment to theatregoers and cinema lovers for over 100 years. Following the completion of these essential works, it will continue to provide top quality shows and performances for many years to come, further enhancing our reputation as the Culture County.

“Visitors can now look forward to an exciting line up of entertainment this autumn in a comfortable and safe venue and we look forward to welcoming guests back.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy the venue’s café, Empire Lounge, from 10am to 3pm, alongside showings of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in the cinema.

Tickets for the Tim Burton sequel starring Michael Keaton are available for just £5, with five tickets for £20 also on offer including a maximum of three adults.

The film will also be available to parents and guardians with babies under one, with the return of Bringing in Baby, the venue’s baby-friendly screenings, on Tuesday September 17 at 10.30am.

The first theatre production to be staged following the reopening will be CBS Theatre Group’s The Full Monty which runs from Tuesday to Saturday October 1-5.

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Empire Consett will then host a programme of live music, theatre, ballet and comedy throughout its autumn season which also sees the return of Leah Bell in the venue’s 2024 pantomime, Cinderella, starring Coronation Street’s Kevin Kennedy and Benidorm’s Crissy Rock.

Once reopened, the venue will open 10am to 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with later opening times for cinema screenings and theatre performances.

To find out more about the upcoming theatre and cinema programme and to book online, visit www.empireconsett.co.uk