The Theatre Royal in London's Stratford East has re-opened after a £7m facelift.

Part-funded by the Arts Council, the theatre has been closed for four years and is part of wider regeneration project by the London Borough of Newham, which includes an art house cinema and Stratford Circus, a performing arts centre which opened next door earlier this year.

Architects Levitt Bernstein, have restored the theatre to its former Victorian glory, while adding modern, complementary features and facilities.

The former home of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, the building has been extended to house two new rehearsal spaces and improvements to the front of house facilities include a new box office and an enlarged foyer. The bar now has a separate street access and has been extended to include an outside patio.

Among the improvements to the back of house facilities are new offices, dressing rooms, workshops and improved access for scenery. The refurbishment has also greatly improved disabled access for the public and theatre workers. Details: +44 (0)20 8279 1123