THEATREGOERS at Stratford will be treated to an experience fit for the 21st century if new £100m plans for the RSC get the go-ahead.

Last Thursday the Royal Shakespeare Company's redevelopment director, Jonathan Pope, outlined the company's radical scheme for the future.

It involved demolishing the 1930s Grade II-listed building to make way for "one of the best modern Shakespeare houses in the world".

Gone will be the typical 1930s facade, the foyer and fountain staircase - which some may regret - but also the sickeningly high raked auditorium, cramped bars and backstage facilities and no-go areas for disabled people.

Mr Pope said: "This theatre is well past its sell-by date. We want to create a better atmosphere for theatregoers, with improved visibility and increased comfort.

"The project as a whole will be an exciting experience for all age groups from 9am in the morning until 11.30pm, at night, with workshops, exhibitions, talks and courses on lighting and make up, seven days a week.

"A place for everyone to enjoy, and where actors and staff will be proud to work."

The new larger theatre, which will extend further out into Bancroft Gardens, will seat 1,050 people.

It will feature an adaptable auditorium allowing large-scale thrust stage and proscenium stage performances and be supported by modern backstage, rehearsal and administration rooms and attractive improved audience facilities.

In addition a 650-seat adaptable auditorium will be created in the current car parking area at The Other Place with the old auditorium being converted into backstage and rehearsal facilities.

This is expected to be the first to be redeveloped, providing a home for Shakespeare and other main stage productions while the principal playhouse is under construction.

With the new TOP auditorium seating around 650 people and the Swan Theatre's capacity of 430 seats, a minimum of 1,080 seats would be available in Stratford during the transition.

Other benefits to theatregoers will include a new footbridge across the river from the recreation ground where more car parking exists and a whole new waterside enhancement scheme, with restaurants, shops and space for outside public entertainment. The RSC hopes the project will be completed in the year 2008.

Regulars to the theatre may fear seat prices will soar to pay for the ambitious plans.

Mr Pope said: "Naturally we want to charge serious prices for those who can afford it but the company is about making it available for as many people as possible."

He said it was hoped to use profits from all the extra activities to help keep the general prices down.

The £100m cost, is expected largely to come from matched funding from a Lottery grant and influential donors.

He added: "We'll be raising some money with small projects like selling bricks with people's names on so they can say they have contributed but can't hope to raise great amounts ourselves."

The next stage for the RSC is to submit detailed plans by renowned Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat, which should be completed by early summer next year.