An Edinburgh theatre has been revamped at a cost of £2.6m.

Visitors will find King's Theatre brighter, cooler and more comfortable, a spokesman said, after the roof was replaced, stonework was repaired, the foyer was redecorated and ventilation to the auditorium was improved.

Works were completed in June, having begun on site in September 2011, although the theatre was able to remain open until the end of pantomime season in January.

Theatre goers will get their first taste of the refreshed venue when it opens its doors to the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival on August 11.

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Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland and The Nancie Massey Trust, works also included putting in a new box office, fitting new carpets in the main public areas, installing new seats and boosting facilities for wheelchair users.

Of the new works only the box office has a contemporary look. All other works to public areas have been undertaken with a view to restoring the theatre back to its original grandeur and aesthetic.

Duncan Hendry, Chief Executive of the Festival City Theatres Trust, said: "Our audiences will see and feel a real difference."

The revamp, designed by Edinburgh-based architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates, is only the third significant refurbishment the theatre has undergone in over 100 years.

The next stage of works is likely to focus on improvements to the Upper Circle, including reflooring and the installation of replacement seating. The ceiling fresco would also be repainted as part of an improvement of the auditorium's overall decorative scheme.

(NE)