Arts diary: A new look for the Neptune Theatre; The Neptune is being transformed, writes Philip Key.

Byline: Philip Key 

LIVERPOOL'S Neptune Theatre has had all its seats ripped out.

But manager Louise Hughes insists that they will all be back again before the start of the new season next month.

The work has been carried out to improve seating at the theatre and meet new stringent requirements on disabled access.

It is the first phase of a number of improvements at the theatre which last year celebrated its 90th birthday.

Carpets have been removed to be later replaced and new seating will give extra leg-room -- the theatre was notorious for its cramped seating -- and six wheelchair spaces.

Ms Hughes says: ``We have lost 40 seats but the new seating will be comfortable and still have the cast iron motif. ''

Capacity at the theatre has been reduced to 398. Wheelchair users will be able to use a lift in School Lane which takes them to the second floor theatre.

The latest work has allowed the theatre to stage a full season of shows, the first to be programmed by manager Louise Hughes who has been at the theatre for the last 12 months and one with which she is delighted.

It opens on September 21 with a new production of the musical Oliver! starring Liverpool actors Al T. Kossy as Fagin and Carl Chase as Bill Sykes.

Among the celebrities appearing will be Sir Clement Freud who will star in his own show Clement Freud Entertains in which he will talk about his life as a cook, soldier, night club owner, journalist and Member of Parliament.

Jenny Agutter will present English Places, English Faces, readings about England and the English from a variety of writers. Schools inspector and best-selling writer Gervaise Phinn will talk about his life visiting schools in the Yorkshire Dales and actor and documentary presenter Tony Robinson will stage his own show ``in which you can ask me anything you like''.

Lenny Henry will also star in his own show over two nights in November. Dramas include Kissing Sid James, Girls Night and a murder mystery with audience involvement, Murder One Night.

There is a strong comic element to the line-up with the Jongleurs Comedy Club taking Wednesday dates in September, October and November.

Other comics appearing include Rob Brydon (of the TV show Marion and Geoff), Jeff Green, Jeremy Hardy, Adam Hills and Mark Thomas.

CAPTION(S):

The Neptune has sacrificed 40 seats