Workmen tread the boards as the £10m renovation of Norwich Theatre Royal nears completion.Less than two months before actors take to the stage again the finishing touches are being added to the auditorium.

Workmen tread the boards as the £10m renovation of Norwich Theatre Royal nears completion.

Less than two months before actors take to the stage again the finishing touches are being added to the auditorium.

This photograph shows the front of the circle and above it temporary scaffolding for builders to work on the ceiling and lighting. The white screen at the back of the photo hides the top of the stage area.

Jane Walsh, the theatre's press and programming manager, said work is moving faster than ever.

“Every day it looks different. All the finishing touches like paint and carpet are being done now and we are all looking forward to when it's completed and we can feel connected to a working theatre again.”

The first performance in the newly refurbished venue will be by the Glyndebourne Opera on November 13.

The building has been expanded to provide larger public areas and increased capacity.

A new bar will be installed with a plate glass front and balcony overlooking Theatre Street and the rest of the city.

The present foyer and front of house ticket sales office will have been turned into a smaller bar and a new foyer installed on the other side of the building will bring an end to crowding.