Leisure Connection and South Bedfordshire District Council (SBDC) have opened the new £16m Grove Theatre in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Operated by Leisure Connection, the theatre is adjacent to the Dunstable Leisure Centre – also managed by Leisure Connection in partnership with SBDC – which boasts six bars and restaurants.

Graham Farrant, chief executive of Leisure Connection, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Grove Theatre as the latest addition to our portfolio and we hope that it’s enjoyed by all.

“We are extremely pleased with the end result and would like to congratulate everyone who has put in lots of hard work and long hours to accomplish this.”

The two-level auditorium seats 780 people but the stalls seating is retractable, providing a flat floor space that boosts the capacity to 1,000 people.

The orchestra pit has a moveable floor to enable technicians to lower or raise it to create a larger stage area, additional seating or a different size pit.

There are facilities for performers on three levels, including principle and chorus dressing rooms, a green room and conference facilities. Details: www.grovetheatre.co.uk