The Hexagon theatre in Queens Walk, Reading, the town's main theatre since 1977, is set for a £2 million upgrade, including new, more comfortable seating.
Across almost 50 years it has hosted The Smiths, The Cure, comedians such as Jimmy Carr, and regular pantomimes.
Reading Borough Council won £2,068,000 from Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, announced on Monday, April 13.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward said: “We’re going to provide lovely new seating and upgrade fire doors.” She added the theatre will be closed for a longer summer stoppage to allow the work.
The funding is separate from a £13.7 million project for a studio theatre next door. The council has match funding of £230,500; if the bid had failed it would have provided £564,000 to replace stall seating.
Barnett-Ward said surveys showed people love the experience and facilities but not the seats, so the upgrade will focus on comfort and faster show changeovers.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from.”
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward is seeking re-election on Thursday, May 7.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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