A NEWLY refurbished Oxford theatre will receive the Royal seal of approval when Prince Edward pays a visit next month.

The Earl of Wessex will officially reopen the Pegasus Theatre, in Magdalen Street, East Oxford.

It was brought back into use in September last year, after a £7.4m rebuild, but the original 1970s stage remains.

The Prince will tour the building to see the new café, foyer, dressing rooms, workshop room and a fully equipped dance and rehearsal studio.

Modern technical equipment was also installed in the building, meaning it can run music, film editing and production.

Funding for the redevelopment came from the Big Lottery Fund, the Government and the Arts Council.

Oxford author Philip Pullman donated £100,000 to the project and the community raised another £750,000.

Staff at the theatre said it was a coup to get the Prince, who has a background in television production, for the official opening on Wednesday, April 27 – just two days before his nephew Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.

The theatre’s development director Dominique Cadiou said: “We’re thrilled that he has agreed to open the building.

“He’s someone who has a significant background in the arts and young people and for Pegasus that makes it really special.

“At Pegasus we give young people skills that are setting them up for life and we use the arts to do that. This visit is a recognition of what we do.”

She added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to bring special guests here and really connect with local people and local businesses and get them on board with us.”

The prince will drop in on a scriptwriting workshop and meet a lyric writing and performance group preparing for a production in May.

At the end of his visit he will unveil a plaque.

Theatre spokesman Gill Jaggers said: “This is the kind of thing that is a really special occasion for us and all the young people. Not many people get this chance.”

bwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk