[1] Building work started in 1973 and, at that time, Roman remains were unearthed and the project was suspended whilst a full archaeological exploration of the site was conducted.

This took some six months and, due to the poor nature of the medieval excavated material, large quantities of ballast were imported.

However the project was completed two weeks ahead of a revised schedule in 1975,[2] despite delays occasioned by a national steel shortage.

The gala reopening event included performances by Ned Sherrin, Michael Palin and Robert Lindsay.

[8] The popular British comedian Eric Morecambe collapsed just off stage at the theatre after taking a final curtain call in May 1984.

Mr Heston agreed and the theatre welcomed the Hollywood legend onto its stage for a question-and-answer evening, followed by a cinema screening of his most recent film 'Alaska'.