The Darlington Civic Theatre, formerly known as the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties, is the most complete surviving example designed by theatre specialists Owen and Ward of Birmingham.

Darlington Borough Council owns and manages the theatre, and led on this three-year project to restore the building and ensure that its facilities, access and engagement programmes meet the needs of its contemporary audiences.

Capital works carried out on the theatre included:

• Restoration of the theatre’s facade and original interior decorative scheme
• Extension of a new backstage facilities extension block
• Creation of a glass atrium, linking the theatre to adjoining shop units that will act as a box office and other facilities

The project also provided an activity programme, with heritage skill opportunities, temporary exhibitions and guided tours. Part of this was an outreach programme aiming to engage looked after young people, older people in sheltered housing and young mothers at risk of exclusion.

For more information, please visit the Darlington Hippodrome website.