Toilet refurb: next stage to start this summer

Out with the old: why the toilets need upgrading

Let's be honest – the downstairs Stalls toilets have seen better days.

Installed over 25 years ago, they've struggled to keep up with the 80,000 people who visit Theatre Royal Winchester each year. Our audiences have told us loud and clear: there aren't enough loos, the queues are too long and the facilities feel cramped, outdated and well past their prime.

Water damage, peeling paint and frequent maintenance issues haven't helped – and with the rest of the building now looking fresh (hello stylish new foyer and Circle toilets), the old loos really stand out.

What's happening and when

We're delivering the refurbishment in stages – designed to keep the theatre open and disruption to a minimum.

• Phase 1 (completing July 2025)
  • Our old staff kitchen is being transformed into four brand-new, gender-inclusive cubicles for all. This flexible layout helps reduce queues and meets a wider range of audience need. The new toilets will open to the public this summer.
• Phase 2 (July – September 2025)
  • Next, we strip out and completely refurbish the existing single sex Stalls toilets. Expect more cubicles, more urinals, a cleaner, more modern environment and energy-efficient fittings that save water, cut carbon and speed up interval loo breaks!

A better experience for everyone

This project is all about improving your visit – and making sure our venue works better for the people who use it every day.

The new toilets will:

• Reduce queues and waiting times
• Be more accessible and inclusive
• Support our sustainability goals with water-saving and low-energy features
• Match the high standard of our recently refurbished front-of-house spaces

Whether you're here for a show, a workshop or just popping in to say hello, we want every part of your experience to feel considered, comfortable and up to date.

How it's all funded

The full toilet refurbishment is a £390,000 project – most of which has already been secured through Play to the Crowd's Capital Restoration Levy (included in every ticket), along with generous grants from charitable trusts and foundations.

To complete the work, £100,000 is still needed to help fund Phase 2 and bring the full project over the finish line.

As part of this final push, Play to the Crowd is running a public appeal to raise awareness and support for the project – helping ensure that everything stays on schedule for completion this autumn.

Find out more about how you can help at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/toilets-2025

Keeping you in the loop

We'll keep audiences updated as the work progresses – and we can't wait to welcome you back to a fresher, faster loo break soon!

In the meantime, thank you for continuing to support Play to the Crowd just by turning up, booking tickets and being part of what we do.

If you would like to invest in Phase 2, please get in touch with our Fundraising Manager, Becca Moore, by emailing becca@playtothecrowd.co.uk