The refurbished Almeida Theatre in Islington, north London, had its first performance last night after a £7.6m makeover by architect Burrell Foley Fischer. The seating has been rearranged to improve sight lines, and new lighting, sound equipment and ventilation have been installed. Main contractor was Banner Holdings, QS was Roger Rawlinson Associates, structural engineer was Alan Conisbee Associates, M&E consultant was Max Fordham, acoustic consultant was Arup Acoustics and theatre consultant was Theatre Plan.