The shows go on as The Hexagon improves and grows
- Innovative ground source heat pump system is now keeping customers warm with clean, green energy
- New flooring installed, new seating on the way and the Studio Theatre construction progresses
- A total of 150,000 visitors enjoyed 200 performances and 125 events as work took place in 2025/26
The Hexagon theatre is now disconnected from the gas network and is fully heated using naturally occurring warm water from underground and air source heat pumps.
This is one of the key achievements for the venue in the last year as it heads towards its 50th anniversary.
A package of improvements to the much-loved theatre is also under way while work continues on the construction of the neighbouring new Studio Theatre.
The Hexagon has continued to operate throughout and has hosted 200 performances, 125 events and welcomed 150,000 visitors in 2025/26.
An annual report on The Hexagon will be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee on 18 November. (https://reading.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=140&MId=6259)
The ground source heat pump system recently became the main source of heating and chilling for The Hexagon after the old inefficient gas boilers were removed.
Warm water which flows naturally underground is pumped to the surface where heat is extracted using a heat pump and transferred for use in the building. The cooler water is then returned underground.
Contractors explored the suitability of the system by drilling two 120m deep boreholes to test if the flow and temperature of the water was sufficient to meet the heating needs of The Hexagon.
Results showed that 15 litres of water per second could be extracted from underground and that water levels returned quickly.
The project was funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme through Salix, who work on behalf of the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, and approved by the Environment Agency.
The system saves 158 tonnes of CO2 per year which is the equivalent of planting more than 2,600 trees each year.
In March, The Hexagon also received £2.06m from Arts Council England supported by Council match funding, to deliver a major programme of improvements to the theatre.
The first phase of this work to replace the auditorium floorboards has been completed and the replacement of the stalls and arena seating is due in January 2027.
The second phase of the works, including the replacement of balcony seating, fire stopping and drainage works are due to take place in summer next year.
Construction of the new Studio Theatre has also progressed significantly and remains on track for opening in spring 2027. The main structure is complete, internal installation work is now under way and the pedestrian footbridge from Queens Walk to the new entrance has been installed.
Throughout the works, the shows have gone on at The Hexagon with another successful year of theatre, comedy, live music, family entertainment, community performances and cinema screenings, generating just over £4m in ticket sales revenue.
The year included several near sell-out shows from top entertainers including Dara O’Briain, Katherine Ryan and Chris McCausland.
Audiences from across the Thames Valley also continue to travel to Reading to enjoy world-class classical music provided by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The Hexagon is one of only a small number of regional venues to host a regular professional orchestral residency.
A total audience of 35,000 enjoyed 48 performances of the 2025/26 panto Beauty and the Beast and tickets are now on sale for this year’s panto, Aladdin.
Councillor Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:
“The Hexagon may be approaching its 50th anniversary but it is now enjoying a new lease of life.
“An innovative new ground source heat pump system means that audiences will enjoy a comfortable environment throughout the year, powered by clean, green energy.
“Customers will also notice an upgraded auditorium over the coming year, with new flooring already laid and modern comfy seating being installed in the stalls and balcony.
“And The Hexagon complex is continuing to grow with the construction of the new Studio Theatre making great progress and on course to open in spring 2027.
“Meanwhile, the curtain has continued to rise on hundreds of performances, attracting thousands of people from miles around as The Hexagon maintains its position as Reading’s cultural flagship venue.”