Outdoor theatre to open in the Black Country

The theatre is part of an overhaul at Coronation Gardens in Dudley, according to the borough council's regeneration boss.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said he was hopeful the attraction would be ready to host open-air shows by April.

The amphitheatre is being developed as part of the multi-million regeneration of Dudley town centre.

• For more information on upcoming events and attractions in the region click here

Councillor Ahmed said planning bosses were waiting for the weather to improve before putting the finishing touches to the project, details of which were first revealed last summer.

He said the facility would attract performers from all over the country and also be used as a training base for Dudley College students.

Bosses are also hoping it will provide a tourism boost, joining attractions such as Dudley Zoo and Black Country Museum as being another reason to visit the town.

Councillor Ahmed said: "We are waiting for the weather to clam down, it's just the turf that needs to be placed. Come March, once the grounds are cleared up we can start turfing and start to have events there."

Dudley town centre has undergone significant change over the last 12 months, with the outdoor theatre being the latest addition.

New lighting, paths and trees have been added to complement the new £6 million market place while water is flowing once again in the landmark fountain after decades of being dry.

• Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to welcome Horrible Histories to the stage

A new statue of Dudley poet Ben Boucher was also put up at the end of last year accompanied by new seating. Dudley Hippodrome is also set to be demolished to make way for an open public space.

Councillor Khurshid said:

"Already Coronation Gardens is a popular ground, students come and use it. It looks absolutely brilliant. I hope the people of Dudley will enjoy it. People can come from all over the country to visit it."