Theatre Royal Bath's Main House has closed for two months in order for work on a major £3m refurbishment programme to be undertaken at the historic venue.

Exeter-based contractor Midas is working in partnership with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios on the scheme, which aims to revamp front-of-house and backstage areas in order to preserve the Main House. Existing facilities will be improved; the foyer will be remodelled; decor will be updated; and access for disabled visitors upgraded as part of the scheme, while the stage floor will be re-laid.

Updated mechanical and electrical systems and the installation of an air handling unit and boilers to improve energy efficiency will also be carried out as part of the work. Theatre Royal Bath will continue to stage productions at its Ustinov and egg venues during the two-month closure, with the Main House due to reopen on 7 September.

The theatre's general manager, Eugene Hibbert, said: "Midas started preparatory work in March for a period of four months, during which time the theatre remained fully operational whilst preliminary work was undertaken. "Now the Main House is closed, the final and most important stage of the refurbishment transformation is taking place."

Theatre Royal Bath director added Danny Moar added: "The planned two-month closure of the Main House in July and August makes it possible for the refurbishment work to be completed in time for the start of our new season." Image: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios