IT IS one of a Hampshire town’s most iconic landmarks and has spent nearly four decades welcoming rising stars in the entertainment industry for nights of glitz and glamour.

Now the Plaza Theatre in Romsey is set for one of its biggest facelifts in 40 years as it takes the first step towards a £300,000 renovation.

Theatre bosses are hailing the forthcoming revamp as a “landmark” moment in the its history which they say will raise the curtain to attract new and exciting shows and pull in thousands more punters from across the region.

Representatives of Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS) have received a £25,000 grant from Hampshire County Council towards the scheme to refurbish the auditorium and roof of the 1930s art deco building in Winchester Road.

It comes just weeks after the former cinema and bingo hall hit the headlines when it emerged that Premiership footballer Danny Ings is supporting the company’s next production.

As previously reported the Hampshire-born striker, 24, who plays for Liverpool, is sponsoring the production of Look No Hans in support of his uncle, Wayne Ings, the show director.

The renovation focusses on the back of the building and features refitting the theatre hall and extending its roof to prevent leaks.

But raising the roof will also provide space to incorporate more specialist equipment to enhance sets – including the ability to raise the lighting from the ground without having to climb up ladders and scaffolding.

RAODS – which converted the building into a theatre in 1982 – will commit more than £100,000 of its funds for the project.

It is awaiting the result of a grant from Viridor Credits for £60,000 – plus a series of other grants.

This week the society is hosting Hot Mikado at the theatre and RAODS chairman Neil Gwynne said: “This is a landmark moment. The auditorium is the heart of the theatre and it hasn’t had a lick of paint since 1982.

“The more attractive the theatre is, the more acts will want to come here and the more audiences will want to see them.”

Artistic director Matthew Ellison said: “This is really exciting and is the biggest alteration to the theatre since 1982.

“It will enable us to take things to another level and is great for the society and will benefit future generations.”

The grant was approved by Hampshire County Council’s executive member for culture, Cllr Andrew Gibson, who said: “Community groups often lack the financial resources for capital projects, which is why we’re delighted to support the refurbishment of the Plaza Theatre.

“It’s a wonderful building which the volunteer-run society uses to provide a significant programme of community opportunities in music and theatre activities for local adults and young people, including vulnerable groups.”