A HISTORIC theatre in Romsey has reopened with a nod to its past in the form of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

The Plaza Theatre on Winchester Road had closed for renovations costing more than £800,000. The work began in May and suffered minor delays, but was finally finished by mid-November.

Now the classic The Pirates of Penzance has returned to the theatre in homage to the very first play put on at The Plaza; another Gilbert and Sullivan classic, The Mikado.

In the audience at that performance was a certain Mr Crosfield who provided funding for the hall named after him to be built. Its gala opening night in 1936 featured the opening performance of RAODS second production – namely a certain The Pirates Of Penzance.

READ MORE: The Plaza Theatre in Romsey reopens after refurbishment

Pirates of Penzance at the Plaza Theatre, Romsey (Image: RAODS) The current show is running for four nights, starting on December 3. For more information on tickets and show times, visit the theatre's website at plazatheatre.com.

Describing the refurbishment, RAODS chairman Neil Gwynne said: "There has been some increase in wing space, all electrics (installed over 40 years ago) have been replaced, we have a new (non-leaking!) roof, and everything is set for 'flying bars' to be installed in a few years' time.

"'Flying bars' are used to carry stage lighting and can be (at the press of a button) lowered to stage level for the lights to be attached to them. It is both safer and quicker than the current process - whereby a scaffolding tower has to be used by technicians, who attach and detach lights from the fixed bars at height."

SEE ALSO: Delays to £800,000 scheme to refurbish Plaza Theatre in Romsey

Director Wayne Ings said: "The cast have had enormous fun creating their individual characters. We have had lots of laughter in rehearsals and we hope that you can sit back, forget your worries for a couple of hours and laugh along with us – if you leave the theatre with a smile on your face, then we have done our job."

The theatre has also racked up some celebrity praise, including the likes of Sir Ian McKellen.

The legendary thespian said: "The Plaza Theatre in Romsey is an astounding building. You don't have to want to be on the stage to get involved...my advice is don't miss out on an opportunity to discover Romsey's lovely theatre."