The Round is the refurbished studio space at Lancaster's Dukes Theatre.
For the first time, it will enable the Dukes to present events in both the main auditorium – now known as The Rake – and The Round which now has its own entrance along Moor Lane.

Arts Council England and the Northwest Regional Development Agency have funded the renovations to the tune of £336,000 in support of The Dukes' aim to become a unique producing theatre and cultural centre for the region.

The Round will have a focus on quality with a new reception area and true in-the-round theatre space. With just 230 seats, it will be suited to more intimate theatre performances, live music and dance.

Those attending the official launch last Thursday were given a preview of the type of diverse entertainment likely to be presented at The Dukes in the near future.

First to perform in The Round was Lancaster's own Kriss Foster who sang comic ditties with a local theme including one about Morecambe where city mayor, Coun Keith Budden did a good job as sidekick.

Sujata Banergee Dance Company, who will appear in a show on October 21, performed a blessing for the new space during their routine and the programme ended with a scene from The Bomb which will be the first play to be presented at The Round from October 9.

Dukes director, Joe Sumison said: "We're sure that audiences will appreciate the unique qualities of The Round just as they do in Manchester at the Royal Exchange and in London at The Globe."

The Dukes have contacted many other local arts organisations to discuss future plans, especially Ludus Dance in the hope Lancaster could become a centre for dance theatre.

Ian Tabbron, head of theatre at Arts Council England North West, said the Arts Council was hugely impressed by the Dukes ambition and vision given their limited resources.

It was a cut in Arts Council funding last year which prompted the Dukes' new long-term strategy with continued support from Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council.

At one stage, there was concern for the Dukes' future but now it's looking forward to a packed programme.

Joe said: "We want to showcase the cream of Lancashire's talent alongside the best of the rest so this autumn local musicians, dancers and theatre-makers share our spaces with Courtney Pine, Northern Broadsides and an international film programme."