FOUR years and £7million after work started, the Theatre Royal, Stratford will finally re-open its doors to the public in December.

While the theatre's traditional red auditorium has remained unchanged, the refurbished and enlarged building will include a new state-of-the-art box office, bigger foyer and bar areas and better disabled access.

Facilities have also improved for cast and crew who can now enjoy modern, extended changing areas.

The Theatre Royal was established in 1882 and became a leading theatre under the guidance of Joan Littlewood in the 1950s.

With plays such as A Taste of Honey and Oh What a Lovely War, she helped launch the careers of Michael Caine, Barbara Windsor, Richard Harris and Harry H Corbett.

The first actors and actresses to make use of the new building include MTV star and Walthamstow resident Kat, who will play Aladdin in the classic family pantomime.

Other shows coming soon include Shoot 2 Win, a comedy based on the experiences of a netball team, and Baiju Bawra, a re-working of an epic Indian musical.

All the plays feature black and Asian actors and draw inspiration from a number of ethnic backgrounds.

This cultural diversity is something that artistic director Philip Hedley says he has actively sought to encourage.

"As demography changes, so does the programming and staffing of the theatre," he said.

"I am very proud that in my 22 years as artistic director of the theatre there has been a huge shift in programming towards black and Asian work and that we can boast the most mixed audience in British theatre."

The Theatre Royal, Stratford is located in Gerry Raffles Square.

Aladdin begins on December 1, with the last show taking place on January 26.

To book tickets for this or any other play, call the box office on 8534 0310.