Ever since it opened as a concert hall in 1901, audience members have struggled with the sight lines because unlike most theatres the ground floor is flat.

Architects have now come up with a scheme to rake the rear half of the stalls so that about 300 seats will be on a slope, rising to a maximum of nearly 3ft.

The first 10 rows will still have removable seats and will be converted into a standing area when needed.

"We want everyone who visits the theatre to have an enjoyable experience and the improvements will lead to much better visibility, which we know has been a problem," said community services spokeswoman Amanda Byrne.

"The huge variety of events we are able to stage at The Victoria is a credit to the town and this should improve the venue still further."

But some music fans may fear it will spoil the atmosphere.

Alison Ackroyd, of Sowerby Bridge, has been to the theatre for a number of gigs.

She said: "If the seating is a permanent fixture it will spoil the atmosphere for gigs like Ocean Colour Scene and Morrissey.

"If it doesn't affect the standing area then I think it is a great idea."

Calderdale Council has set aside more than £550,000 for upgrading the dressing rooms for visiting artists and improving all 600 seats in the stalls.

According to architect Mick Widdup, work on the seating should begin at the end of July and be completed in time for the next major stage production in September – the theatre will close during the work.

The planning application he has put to the council indicates how a new sloping timber floor will be built on top of the back half of the existing floor.

"All the dilapidated seating will be replaced with new bespoke theatre seats which are safe to use and attractive, adding to the experience of a visit to this otherwise finely ornamented auditorium."

The existing sprung dance floor will be locked into a stable position and retained.

The unsightly sound and lighting control desk at the back of the stalls will be put into a new enclosure.

"The proposed renovation seeks to provide a seated auditorium worthy of the theatre's reputation, allowing excellent views of the stage yet retaining all the existing structural elements," said Mr Widdup, of Planet Architecture.

"This intervention will ensure the future success of the theatre in the face of ever improving competition."

Courier Comment