BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CAPITOL

The Capitol Theatre is undergoing its first major refurbishment since 2002. 

The venue closed on 4 January, hours after the final performance of its festive pantomime, Robin Hood. Background scenery from the sell-out production still hangs above the theatre stage, such was the rush to vacate the premises in time to welcome Willmott Dixon Interiors, who have been contracted by Horsham District Council to carry out refurbishment work to the theatre, auditorium, cinema screens, toilets, bar and Box Office. The project is progressing as planned, with The Capitol set to re-open in November, in time for pantomime season. 

The council has retained most of The Capitol staff, who are currently based in a temporary Box Office in Swan Walk, where they can keep the public updated on the project’s progress and take bookings for future productions. Tracey Grubb, Marketing Officer, said: ‘When the refurbishment works were first announced, we all expected to be working from home. So, it has been wonderful to continue working together as a team as we compile the Spring 2027 programme and keep people updated on the refurbishment. 

‘We are replacing the seats in the theatre and the two screens, and at Swan Walk, members of the public can try out the new seats. We will have grey seats in Screen 1 on the first floor and blue seats in Screen 2 on the ground floor, which are both used for films, talks and lectures. Visitors can also test out the new red seats which are going to be installed in the Theatre. 

‘We have found that the public appreciate the opportunity to maintain contact with the theatre during its closure, especially those who often attend shows and have come to know our Box Office team well. So, it has been lovely to hear their thoughts on the refurbishment project.’

The Council has contracted Willmott Dixon Interiors, specialists in retro-fitting and refurbishment, to deliver the project. WDI was chosen for its track record in public sector refurbishment, which includes the restoration of the former Granada cinema in east London and The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells. AAH was invited behind the scenes to see how the project was progressing. We were joined by members of The Capitol team, including Operations Manager Matthew Effemey, and Adam Kennar from Willmott Dixon Interiors…

The Atrium

There will be very little change to the building’s external façade. The glass atrium, added during the last refurbishment, will remain, while the layout of the foyer stays much the same, although a new Box Office desk is being built. 

Matthew said: ‘We held the last pantomime performance on 3 January, and Willmott Dixon Interiors arrived at 7am on 4 January. So, we didn’t even have time to take down the Christmas tree, which is still standing, albeit covered. The biggest change in the Atrium will be the removal of the old revolving door. It will be replaced with sliding doors, providing an additional fire exit. Some of the most important work is being done behind the scenes, such as improvements to the plumbing and heating mechanisms, and the installation of new boilers.’ 

The Theatre

All the seats have been removed from the 410-seat main auditorium and scaffolding has been erected, enabling contractors to install a new house lighting system and to repair and redecorate walls and ceilings. Interior designers have been experimenting with techniques to replicate the drywall texture, reminiscent of orange peel. The theatre’s art deco features are to be retained, but the purple colour scheme will be replaced with a new colour, which at The Capitol’s request will remain a secret for now. A timelapse camera has been installed and the public will soon be able to see how the work has progressed on a screen at the Swan Walk Box Office.

Matthew said: ‘One of the new theatre seats is available for people to test out in Swan Walk. The seat still flips back, to make it easy to walk across rows. Some will be slightly wider, so we can utilise additional space at the end of certain aisles, and these will be prioritised for customers who need them most. The new seats do not include cupholders, as we want to respect the traditions of theatre.’

Screen 1

There will be significant changes in the 175-seat Screen 1. As well as being redecorated, a false wall is being built to prevent sound transference from the main theatre, as loud productions there have occasionally been heard by those sitting amongst the back few rows of Screen 1. There will also be changes to the layout, says Matthew…

‘We used to have a wide central aisle, but now we will have longer rows of seating, with aisles on either side. The reason for this is that the centre seats are the most popular for film screenings. The other major improvement concerns access for wheelchair users. We used to provide space for one wheelchair user and a companion, near the fire exit. There will now be three wheelchair user spaces in a much better position.’

Screen 2

Both Screen 1 (on the first floor) and Screen 2 (ground floor) will have their own identity when it comes to decor and colour scheme, and both will benefit from new lighting and carpets. The Capitol opted against installing premium seats – such as sofas and armchairs – instead introducing comfortable individual seats. The grey seats in Screen 1 and blue seats in Screen 2 will both come with cupholders.  

Matthew said: ‘There will also be changes to the visual experience. Last year, we installed 4K laser projectors in Screens 1 and 2. We expected them to be introduced as part of this project, but the old projectors were nearing their end of life, so we changed them earlier to give more vivid colour and detail to the cinematic experience. Both screen surfaces will receive a full upgrade too, providing increased brightness to complement the visual impact of the 4K projectors.’

The Toilets

All the toilet facilities are being replaced, with additional cubicles  for females. The space has been fully utilised to provide four additional cubicles, including three new “Super Loos” with a basin. A Changing Places area is also being introduced for the first time.

Matthew said: ‘Changing Places are toilets for people with complex disabilities and support needs who cannot use a standard accessible toilet. So, it’s wonderful that we’re creating one in Horsham.’

The Bar

The bar will be extended all the way to the wall, utilising an awkward gap to one side and creating an extra service point to reduce waiting times. It will also have an integrated popcorn display, so that it doesn’t take up space on the counter. The design and décor – which previously featured quad posters for classic films, many starring Norman Wisdom – is being led by Willmott Dixon Interiors’ designers, following discussions with the Council and The Capitol team.  

Matthew said: ‘We are making improvements to the seating areas too. Along the far wall, there was an awkward step and also glass panels that served little purpose, which have been removed to offer extra space. The alcoves along the wall will be utilised to create seating booths, while shelves will be added around pillars to provide more places to put drinks down.’

Class Act 

The Capitol team are compiling a programme for next Spring, which will include comedian Julian Clary, An Evening with John Lydon, and Olivier Award-winning musical Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) will be coming next May. New shows are being added regularly, with updates available on The Capitol website and social media channels. However, the theatre is expected to be open in time for December’s production of Dick Whittington, starring dancer, choreographer and TV personality Louie Spence as The Cat.

Matthew said: ‘Louis is a class act. He is 57-years-old yet remains a brilliant dancer who moves better than leading actors half his age. For us, it’s a win-win, as Louis not only has Box Office appeal, but is also a great performer. The Capitol is renowned for its excellent pantomimes, as we tend to avoid celebrity headliners who are often not as talented – in terms of musical theatre – as the professional performers in the cast. As well as starring in Pineapple Dance Studios on TV, Louis has starred in West End musicals, so he has plenty of talent. He’s going to be great for Horsham and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming him.’

Further information: www.thecapitolhorsham.com/the-capitol-refurb

Published in the June 2026 edition of AAH Magazine. Photos: Alan Wright Photography/Words: Ben Morris