Peterborough's Cresset theatre has closed for a month to allow all of its 876 seats to be replaced as part of a £5m refurbishment.
The BBC reports that the work is now underway to upgrade the venue to "modern standards" after owners, YMCA Trinity Group, were awarded £5.1m to develop the work it does with young people from the government-funded Youth Investment Fund for capital spending.
Work will include replacing the roof and drainage systems, installing a new lighting rig and sustainable theatre lighting, and facilities to help performers with access needs.
Penny Hansen, Cresset's Head of Commercial Activities, said: "This is all about safeguarding the building's future. We need a safe space, and this is about upgrading it to modern standards.
"We offer incredible opportunities for young people, and it is very much about doing more of that."