Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre will benefit from a new pre and post-show bar and restaurant if its latest expansion plans are approved.

The organisation has revealed proposals to purchase the neighbouring Penny Farthing pub and convert the building into a social venue for theatregoers.

These plans include a capital contribution from the council of £1.2 million which will take the form of a loan to be repaid to the local authority as part of a restructured lease agreement.

The Royal Court’s short-term plans also include using the regenerated pub to house extra facilities for its Youth Theatre and Community Choir, as well as additional wardrobe and technical areas.

Further down the line, the venue will work architects AHMM to explore further refurbishment and remodelling options, including the potential integration of the building with the theatre itself.

More than £4m has been invested in the Royal Court as part of an ongoing renovation scheme which is due to enter ‘Act 3’ in 2017.

Kevin Fearon, executive producer of the Royal Court, says: “The plans for Act 3 of our refurbishment include developing our basement bar into a new performance space, leaving our Youth Theatre and Choir with nowhere to meet.

“The Penny Farthing can provide this important space for us. The theatre is growing and the whole area is improving and we are delighted that the Council are discussing this loan.”

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