The Market Place arts centre is installing a glazed alcove in the auditorium to make it more "aesthetically pleasing", and the interior of the theatre will be painted darker to create a cosier atmosphere.

The revamp will help the Corn Exchange get in shape for a testing year ahead.

A £400,000 a year subsidy of taxpayers’ cash supplied by West Berkshire Council, is due to end next year, and politicians are committed to weaning the charity off public funds.

However, 16% of income comes from cinema viewings, which are expected to be hammered by the new six-screen multiplex due to open next year in Cheap Street.

Additionally, new Corn Exchange manager Martin Sutherland has also to boost crowds at out-of-town venue New Greenham Arts, where audience sizes fluctuate significantly.

Town planners have yet to approve the makeover plans. The 150-year-old building was one of the most lavish corn exchanges in the country before it fell into decay. It was restored a decade ago as an arts centre.