Refurbishment Update

Over the last few months, significant progress has been made, with improvements focused on comfort, accessibility and visitor experience.

In the Theatre Auditorium, a full programme of repairs and redecoration has refreshed the walls and ceilings with rich dark green and gold accents. Leading industry seating providers, Kirwin & Simpson, will be installing dramatic red theatre seating, with a flexible system allowing more wheelchair users to sit together with their friends and family.

The cinema facilities are being upgraded, with notable progress in Screen 1. Newly installed flooring will allow a more efficient and flexible seating layout, improving both capacity for wheelchair users and overall comfort for filmgoers. A display of the new cinema seat at our temporary Box Office in Swan Walk Shopping Centre was met with a very positive response – and a lot of excitement around the cupholders!

Customers were also keen to see the calming grey and blue colour schemes.

Behind the scenes: supporting infrastructure has also been addressed, including essential plumbing and heating upgrades. The replacement of end‑of‑life boiler systems marks a significant step forward in improving energy efficiency and reliability.

On the ground floor, works have months, the installation of new partition frameworks alongside electrical and mechanical works, have laid the foundation for more modernised, high‑quality toilet facilities with more cubicles to help reduce those interval queues.

Enhanced accessibility

A key highlight of the refurbishment's enhanced accessibility features include a dedicated Changing Places unit – a specialist provision designed to support visitors with complex needs. The facility will offer generous space for wheelchair users, a ceiling track hoist system, a height‑adjustable adult‑sized changing bench, a wash basin, a handheld shower and non‑slip flooring.

Local organisation Autism Support Crawley described this addition as: “a game changer for families” reflecting the significant positive impact the new facility is expected to have on inclusivity within the community’s night‑time economy.

The Capitol’s Venue Manager, Matthew Effemey, said:

The upcoming programme

Whilst works continue, preparations are underway for our pantomime Dick Whittington, which will be the first event to be staged after the Refurb project is complete.

Dancer, choreographer and TV star Louie Spence will be joined by UK Panto award nominee, Will Jennings, who had audiences rolling in the aisles as Guy of Gisbourne in Robin Hood.

This year, Will takes on the villainous role of King Rat, but audiences can still expect to enjoy his popular comedy antics alongside any cunning conniving.

Other recent programme announcements for Spring 2027 include the Olivier award winning Pride & Prejudice (sort of…), Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.