The Muswell Hill actress, who stars in the BBC’s Dr Foster, has pledged her support to bring the derelict theatre back to life

Actress and writer Suranne Jones has thrown her theatrical support behind the campaign to restore the Victorian Theatre at Alexandra Palace.

The theatre has been closed to audiences for 80 years, first opening in 1875 to bring “wonder and spectacle”, including popular opera, musicals, plays and early cinema screenings.

Work has begun to clear asbestos, but Alexandra Park and Palace Trust needs to raise one million pound to bring the project to fruition.

Mother-of-one Ms Jones said: “This is a wonderfully atmospheric space. Bringing the theatre at Alexandra Palace back to life after all these years will enable audiences to enjoy it again.”

The theatre is expected to re-open as a 1,300 seat venue in Spring 2018.

There could be experimental immersive theatre, as well as intimate gigs, larger musical performances, comedy, and a cinema space.

The ornate decor and structure of the Victorian theatre will be largely kept the same, with the slanted floor converted to a flat audience space.

Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios will preserve a “derelict” atmosphere – rather than trying to recreate the gaudy colours of the old theatre.

A more modern stage will be created in front of the old one, but visitors will still be able to visit the former stage and view the stage machinery and decor.

– Donate to the project here: support.alexandrapalace.com.