A PERFORMER at the Cliffs Pavilion has welcomed a major refurbishment of the venue.

The Westcliff theatre will close for seven weeks, from Monday, to replace all of its 1,630 seats.

Jazz musician Digby Fairweather said theatregoers would appreciate watching shows in greater comfort.

Mr Fairweather, who will appear at the Birmingham International Jazz Festival this weekend, added: “The Cliffs is our principal concert hall. People who pay a lot of money for leisure deserve the best facilities.”

The seats, which were last replaced 18 years ago, are being upgraded thanks to funding from Southend Council.

But one theatregoer questioned whether users would end up paying the price of the revamp.

Louise Kingdom, 30, from Rayleigh, said: “It will be more comfortable for audiences, but I wonder if they will put more charges on tickets to recoup the cost.”

The upgrade forms part of an agreement between the council and the Cliffs’ operator, HQ Theatres, to continue investing in its facilities.

While the theatre is refurbished, the rest of the building, including the Foyer bar, will be open.

In addition to the seating, carpet in the theatre’s foyer will be replaced with funding from HQ Theatres.

Ellen McPhillips, theatre director, said: “We are delighted the Cliffs Pavilion will be brought back up to its shining best by these projects.”

The theatre will reopen on Monday, September 6, with the touring production of the Rocky Horror Show, starring Christopher Biggins.