Watford Palace Theatre is due to open its doors to the public after an £8.7million refurbishment on Tuesday.

Initially, access will be limited to the new-look foyer, with box office and Caf Purple, which will be serving drinks and refreshments throughout the day.

The opening performance, The Country Wife, is on Friday, October 8, but before that, the Palace plans to put on a season of one-off shows, yet to be announced, during September.

The demand for backstage tours during October has exceeded all expectations and the theatre has now programmed in extra tours in November and December.

[Posted on Watford Observer Online on August 5, 2004]