Designed by Frank Matcham in 1895 and originally called the Cirque and Grand Opera House, this lavishly oriental theatre has welcomed all the greats of British theatre, survived two wars, two IRA bombs and for a brief while acted as a cinema. Northern Ireland's first listed building, the Opera House revival was the catalyst for the city’s rebirth after the Troubles. But the public and backstage facilities needed their own refreshment to match 21st-century tastes. This has come with a programme of massive state funding which will welcome, amongst other advances, a new box office, bars, lifts, restaurants, a studio theatre and a new art gallery, the Phoenix.