A multi-million revamp of Cornwall's main theatre was given royal approval today (Friday) during a special visit. 

The Hall for Cornwall welcomed Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and royal patron of the Truro theatre.

His Royal Highness toured the new Cornwall Playhouse auditorium and viewed the impressive new setup of the 1,300-seat theatre, which has welcomed more than 400,000 audience members through the doors since reopening in 2021.

As well as meeting members from across the theatre’s 150-strong workforce, The Duke also enjoyed a specially-commissioned performance by young performers from Hall for Cornwall’s Get Creative programme and met with theatre sponsors DHL, which provides investment to support the theatre’s mission to reach 10,000 young people each year.

Julien Boast, Hall for Cornwall chief executive, said: “It’s an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Hall for Cornwall. The Duke has been a key supporter throughout our redevelopment.”

Falmouth Packet: Laughter from the princeLaughter from the prince (Image: Hugh Hastings/Hall for Cornwall)

Leader of Cornwall Council Linda Taylor was also at the visit and said: “We’re proud to share this Cornwall success story with The Duke.

"Culture is key to the prosperity of our region and Hall for Cornwall stands as a beacon for our continued investment in culture for Cornwall. “

During the 90-minute visit, The Duke watched preparations for that evening’s performance, dance show Emerald Storm, before visiting the new café, bar and workspaces.

Falmouth Packet: The Duke greets people outside the theatreThe Duke greets people outside the theatre (Image: Hugh Hastings/Hall for Cornwall)

A Cornish lunch was then provided, hosted by Hall for Cornwall chair Lord John Hutton, MP Cherilyn Mackrory and representatives from Cornwall Council, Truro City Council, LEP, Arts Council England and the theatre’s headline sponsors DHL.

Hall for Cornwall’s transformation was jointly funded by Arts Council England, Cornwall Council, the European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, HM Treasury, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (via the Local Growth Fund and Getting Building Fund), and the Culture Recovery Fund.