Hall For Cornwall chief executive and creative director Julien Boast hosted a special day on Monday when HRH The Earl of Wessex joined trustees and staff for lunch, followed by a visit to the theatre’s exciting transformation project.

Prince Edward is the Patron of Hall For Cornwall and Julien Boast was delighted to have the opportunity to take him on a tour to see first hand the works which are taking place to build a new large-scale theatre on the site of the existing building.

Mr Boast said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Hall For Cornwall and it was fantastic to have the chance to share our plans for the future with our Patron.

“We believe Cornwall deserves a new theatre to celebrate the region’s creative spirit, energy and drive. This is why we are creating a new kind of public space in the heart of our county; a place where all are welcome, where everyone can see the work they crave, where Cornwall’s creative talent can break new ground and where our next generation can be supported.”

The transformed theatre will provide 300 more seats within a new three-tiered auditorium.

The ground breaking project is being delivered in partnership with Cornwall Council, which owns the building. With its exciting Heritage Funded project Revealing City Hall unveiling and celebrating the history and heritage of the iconic Grade II* building, lively bars and cafés, an ERDF and LEP funded creative digital hub with vibrant work and social spaces, the new theatre will resume its place as an important centre of community life in the city.

The royal visit was not the only exciting event for the Hall For Cornwall this week – the trustees also received confirmation that internationally renowned lyricist, producer and author, Sir Tim Rice, has been appointed as HFC’s honorary president.

The royal party arrived at the Hall for Cornwall offices at 1pm where they were met by Julien Boast and Chris Pomfret, the co-chairman of the trustees.

The group enjoyed a buffet lunch provided by members of the Cornwall Federation of Women’s Institutes. The Earl was also introduced to Margaret Johnson and Helen Kestle, County WI Chairman and Vice Chairman, and WI member Pam Selley.

Following lunch the Royal party went to the Hall for Cornwall building where the Earl was introduced to the Mayor of Truro Councillor Bob Smith and Truro City Council clerk Roger Gazzard before being taken on a tour of the building by Doug Lloyd, operations director of, Kier Regional Building, Devon & Cornwall.

“The Hall For Cornwall is a unique and exciting project that will provide an exceptional theatre for the people of Cornwall and for those who are visiting “ said Doug Lloyd. “ I am extremely proud to have opened up the site today for a look behind the scenes to see the significant transformation taking place, which will result in a boost in local employment during the course of the build and beyond.

The new auditorium will pave the way for larger scale shows to be premiered in Cornwall for the first time. At the same time, the building will offer more flexible space, designed to host everything from theatre, music and comedy to gaming sessions and TED-talk style conferences, delivering ever higher standards across the entire programme.

HFC’s community, learning and talent programmes will also be extended, supporting schools and providing opportunities for every young person in Cornwall to feel the benefits of live performance.