A former Suffolk theatre that played host to performances from pop star David Bowie and rockers The Kinks is set to be revived as a concert venue.
Plans to revamp and reopen the old Theatre (The Assembly Hall) in Framlingham as an arts venue have been approved by East Suffolk Council.
For 20 years, the building was known as Theatre Antiques Centre and housed an antiques dealership which closed in 2020.
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However, prior to this use, the Church Street venue was a popular concert hall in the 1960s and 70s, while many other events were held there, including political hustings, tractor launches and fundraising parties.
Bowie was perhaps the most famous name to have played at the hall, although his 1967 visit was with the band The Riot Squad when he was then known as David Jones.
But other well-known performers to have graced the theatre include the Merseybeat band The Swinging Blue Jeans and Eric Burdon from R&B and rock band The Animals.
Currently, the premises also includes a residential flat.
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A statement from architects Hoare Ridge and Morris said the proposal was to reduce the floor area of the residential use, to create a studio/events space in the hall (but smaller than the original hall) and to form new toilets and a kitchenette to serve the building.
A first floor studio will be formed at mezzanine level to be privately let and to provide some steady rental income.
The architects said the intention was for the theatre to complement the use of the old Framlingham Conservative Club (Con Club) at 10 Church Street, from which it was separated 20 years ago, but has now been reunited through ownership.
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Mark Hoare, from Paperhouse Properties, which owns the Con Club and theatre, said: "Our hope is that the theatre can serve as a venue for a wide range of events, including exhibitions, lectures, performances and occasionally concerts."
