Images © 2010 State of Victoria  (read the Arts Victoria press release here)

"This is the Geelong community's first glimpse of this fantastic transformation of the popular theatre," Mr Batchelor

"The Brumby Labor Government provided $3 million towards the refurbishment of The Playhouse because we know how important the theatre is to the Geelong community.

"I visited the theatre in February just after construction began and it's fantastic to see how this space has been transformed.

"The refurbishment of The Playhouse has breathed new life into what is one of the centrepieces of the arts sector in Geelong and the surrounding regions.

"The redevelopment of the previously-named Ford Theatre includes a new interior design including new seats and house lighting.

"Staging technology has also been improved with new acoustic treatments and lighting upgrades and disability and limited mobility access has been vastly improved with wider aisles, new wheelchair positions and hand rails.

"This refurbishment will ensure that the arts and high quality productions continue to thrive in Geelong."

Member for Geelong Ian Trezise said the redevelopment, which began just 10 weeks ago, had been a resounding success, with the local community playing a major role in the project.

"Over 150 people were engaged to work on this project, the vast majority of which came from the Greater Geelong area, with dozens of local manufacturers and tradesman contributing their skills," Mr Trezise said.

"They worked together to ensure the new theatre was delivered on time and on budget, and looking absolutely fantastic."

Mr Batchelor said the redevelopment would also improve the centre's environmental performance.

"The house lighting system is the first in Australia to be state-of-the-art LED which is the most energy efficient lighting system in the world," Mr Batchelor said.

Students from Geelong's Sacred Heart College will christen The Playhousewith their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoatopening next Thursday 6 May. They will be followed on Wednesday, 12 May with the opening of an Australian musical The Sapphires, starring Christine Anu and Casey Donovan.

For more details of The Playhouse program visit the GPAC website.