The refurbishment of a Sheffield theatre that has received £1.5 million in funding is due to reopen its doors in spring.
The theatre has partnered with Sheffield museums and libraries to put on workshops, performances and events over the February half term leading up to the reopening.
The theatre has been closed since summer 2023 when they began the process of redevelopment to make the theatre more accessible.
Theatre director Sarah Sharp said: “The main reason for the project is to open up who can access the theatre, we are really hoping that making the building more accessible will be a step towards change for us, we are hoping to engage many more people with children and young people as the focus.”
Montgomery received the funding from a number of foundations including the Future High Streets Fund, Youth investment Fund and Garfield Western Foundation.
Ms Sharp said: “It was absolutely essential to get the funding, we would not have been able to do the project any other way.”
The theatre is set to re-open in the spring, with improved accessibility, new seating and other necessary improvements including a better heating system.
During the closure of the building the theatre has continued to entertain, taking their work out across Sheffield through their Monty on the Move project.
They believed it was important to continue with the activities provided by the theatre throughout the redevelopment.
Ms Sharp said: “Theatre and arts centres like ours are really important for children and the community, they offer the opportunity to get involved in creativity which helps you discover yourself, the world around you and your own artistic expression.”
To ensure finance is not a barrier the Montgomery Theatre does a lot of ‘pay what you decide work’, as well as workshops in the school holidays for children in receipt of free school meals.
Montgomery Theatre employee Ailsa Reed said: “I cannot wait for the Monty to reopen so we can host many more amazing shows, it is so exciting that the theatre will be accessible for all, so everybody has the opportunity to enjoy.”
Head to the Montgomery’s website and follow their social media to find out more about the redevelopment and their plans for the future.