THE photographs we have published today showing work under way at the Theatre Royal might come as a bit of a shock to thespians.

It is less than three weeks since the grand old theatre closed its doors ready for a £4.1 million revamp. Yet already, the raked main stage has been removed and stall seating has been stripped out.

The theatre, loved by so many, suddenly seems like an empty shell.

The sight will cause a few pangs for those who have witnessed great productions there, such as last year’s Brassed Off, 2013’s The Legend Of King Arthur or any of Dame Berwick’s 36 great panto performances.

It is all for the best of reasons, of course. Much-loved as the theatre is, the building has been showing its age.

When the revamp is completed, hopefully by the end of this year, we should truly have what chief executive Liz Wilson once told this newspaper would be a world-class building to go with the world-class theatre performed there.

The refurbishment of the theatre will complete the transformation of this ancient city’s great cultural institutions.

The next few months may be inconvenient for theatre lovers. But it will surely be worth the wait.