The Gaumont also hosted live concerts, including performances by Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles.

The 'Regent Theatre Trust' was set up to manage the renovation and restoration of the building by a small grouped headed by Richard Talbot, before the council took over the redevelopment as part of its Cultural Quarter scheme.

The auditorium was restored, with a new proscenium arch constructed, alongside new front-of-house facilities and full disabled access.

[3] Since reopening in 1999, the theatre has presented numerous national tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cats, Starlight Express, 42nd Street and The Woman in Black.

Its frontage is clad in white glazed terracotta, featuring mask representations of comedy and tragedy in each corner.