IT'S been six long weeks of building work and fundraising, but finally the Oxford Playhouse is ready for lift-off.

Staff have been pulling out all the stops as part of an £800,000 refurbishment to the theatre's auditorium ahead of the grand opening.

The revamp, which includes new and improved seating, a powerful sound system and spotlights, was completed last week.

And last night theatre goers had their first glimpse of the new look as the Playhouse's production of Peter Pan in Scarlet opened.

Chief executive Louise Chantal said seeing the finished auditorium had felt "surreal".

She added: "We really wanted to grasp the opportunity to make a statement with the refurbishment and show that it should be something people enjoy coming to.

"The theatre is not years old so it was never meant to be an historical building, it was always meant to be contemporary."

The theatre has spent the last two years fundraising, and although the revamp has been paid for, staff still need about £100,000 to help pay for future shows.

Builders have been on site for up to 16 hours a day to make show the theatre was ready for the grand opening.

As well as 32 extra seats, 30 per cent of the existing spaces are covered in a different coloured velvet to the traditional red, including orange and purple.

The theatre has also sold more than 120 plaques to be placed on seats, with all the money going towards the project.

Ms Chantal said: "We have made the carpets and walls a very neutral colour. It shows that what is important is the audience and what they are seeing on the stage.

"The people of Oxford have really stepped in when other institutions such as trusts and foundations may have been unable to contribute.

"If we can't raise the rest of the money it will have an impact on our budget for future shows.

"We might not be able to put on ones like Peter Pan, and we will have to take fewer risks."

Performances of Peter Pan will take place until September 4, with part of the money paid for each ticket going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The theatre will also be holding a gala evening on September 1 as an official reopening for the refurbishment.

Tickets for performances are available from the box office.

Support the theatre with a donation at its website oxfordplayhouse.com/supportus.