The “friendliest little theatre” in East Hampshire has reopened with a bang following a dazzling transformation.

People around Whitehill & Bordon woke to the sound of distant drums on Saturday as the curtain rose on the new-look Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre.

The Station Road venue closed in late July for a six-figure renovation which saw major changes to the exterior and interior of the former army school.

A new entrance canopy and digital screens have been added to the front while accessibility has been improved and the interior freshened up with new lift, lighting and wider automatic doors being installed.

Rob Allerston, Phoenix Theatre director and Cllr Catherine Clark, EHDC chairman, had the honour of cutting the bunting after a sculpture was unveiled outside.

Farnham Taiko also brought a sensei of occasion by luring residents to the big re-opening with their hypnotic drums with Mr Allerston calling the milestone “amazing”.

He said: “The fact we’re here today, albeit a couple of weeks later than hoped for, opening our doors is tremendous for so many people.

“Today is a nice opportunity for us to open our doors and bring together the mix of things I want to specialise in.

“So why not wake up the neighbours?” referred Mr Allerston to the drummers based at Weydon School.

The venue reopened with a packed programme with the auditorium hosting a film screening, open rehearsal, live music and three short plays.

Visitors were treated to some beautiful piano playing by a talented Ukrainian teenager while a dance workshop, Lego building session and Kathakali exhibition also wowed visitors on a memorable day.

“We’ve tried to improve the kerb appeal, to sort out the leaks, the creaks, and that was just me,” said Mr Allerston.

“This is your space, this is your theatre. It’s an open door.”