TWO 300 plus seat theatres have been unveiled at the official opening of Bromsgrove School’s new performing arts complex.

The complex includes the new Cobham Theatre and Routh Concert Hall, a large drama studio, and a suite of new music classrooms, recording studios, and practice rooms.

The development took 18 months to construct, finishing in September, before it was formally unveiled with an array of performances on Wednesday, November 22.

Tim Norton, director of Performing Arts, said: "It is a huge honour and a privilege to be temporary custodian of such a beautiful and exciting new facility.

“I'm delighted we were able to show off so many of the magical things the theatre can offer.

“The opening showcase - highlighting flying, complex sound and lights design and pyrotechnics - was just a taste of what we can do.

“We now look forward to finding ways of unlocking the full potential of both our students and our facilities over the coming years and exploring the many ways we can share what we have created with our local community."

The theatre is able to accommodate a variety of performance styles due to flexible seating, while a hydraulic thrust stage allows for a wide range of drama and dance performances.

The concert hall, which transforms the historic Routh Hall, includes a raised performance area large enough to hold a full orchestra.

Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, and the Honorary Christopher Lyttleton 12th Viscount Cobham officially opened the venues.

Visitors were treated to variety of performances including a string orchestra, senior school percussionists Drum Line, and a re-enactment of the Irish Fusiliers Scene from 'Oh! What A Lovely War' by Upper Fourth students.