More than £177,000 has been spent on enhancing the Grade II-listed theatre's facade, which saw work commence in July and has seen the return of the 100ft (30.5m) statue of Laetitia, featuring a gold leaf.

Originally installed in 1910, the statue was removed temporarily during World War Two before being replaced in 1991. Elsewhere, the theatre now boasts a new roof and restored stonework.

Backstage areas have been enlarged as part of the scheme, including an expanded space below stage to accommodate larger orchestras. A new scene dock has also been built.

Merton Council facilities technical manager David Leed oversaw the work, which was delivered by Moy Construction. Sarah Booth carried out the restoration of Laetitia's gold leaf.

Council leader Stephen Alambritis said: "The New Wimbledon Theatre is one of our most beautiful buildings and it's still providing world class theatre and music to thousands of people every year.

"To see the refurbished building is so exciting, and now we can all enjoy the wonderful statue, who will hopefully draw even more people through the theatre's doors in future."

The improvements to the theatre's exterior follows the completion of a scheme to overhaul the interior facilities, which saw £500,000 invested by Merton Council.

Image: David Leed (left) with Stephen Alambritis and the statue of Laetitia