Tauranga home of theatre, one of New Zealand's oldest theatre societies, is giving itself a makeover to celebrate its 80th birthday this year.

Thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Lions Foundation, 16th Avenue Theatre is currently refurbishing its foyer, downstairs toilets and auditorium, as well as giving the building a fresh coat of paint.

Tauranga Repertory Society's Sarah Demeke (left), Linda Campbell, Merv Beets, Barbara Webb and Vera Prince back stage at the 16th Ave Theartre.

Theatre vice president Merv Beet says they've been wanting to refurbish the theatre since the idea was first raised back in 2012.

'The theatre looks like a bit of a bombsite at the moment but that's all good. Every bit that is stripped, removed or demolished brings us one step closer to our goal,” says Merv.

'It's been somewhat of a long process but so far so good, everything's on schedule for the work to be finished by the end of June.”

Merv says the refurbishments will not only bring the theatre up-to-date but the work is also an acknowledgement of the support the group has received. 'This theatre is a second home for a lot of people and I'd hate to think how many years it's been since it was last refurbished. We want to make the venue as inviting, comfortable and attractive as we can for them.”

Work on the theatre got underway last week and there's a number of small changes taking place all the time. But as those small changes start to accumulate, Merv says their excitement also grows.

'Myself and the entire committee are excited to eventually be able to invite the public into the theatre to see what we've done and the massive effort we've put into it.

'After all that's why we're doing it, it's not for us; we're doing it for our members and the public.”

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