The back end of last year marked a special anniversary for the town as 2022 celebrated the 45th anniversary of the opening of the Hexagon Theatre.

The venue, which was seen some of the biggest names in the showbiz world visit Reading, showcased the milestone with numerous special concerts and performances that focused on numerous genres.

Operas, pantomimes, musicals, and orchestras are just some of the events that took place to commemorate the celebration during the previous year, with more plans expected for 2023.

This will include a ‘Hexabition’ exploring memorabilia from the Hexagon’s past as it marks the grand opening in 1977.

Reading Chronicle: The Hexagon in 1977

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, who is Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Reading’s Hexagon theatre has kept us entertained over the years with big-name comedians like Frankie Howerd and Victoria Wood, singers including Ben E King, Cilla Black and Paloma Faith, spectacular musicals like We Will Rock You, hilarious pantomimes and exquisite classical concerts - and even snooker and wrestling back in the day!

“It’s not just about the big names though, local amateur, community and youth groups have always been at the heart of the Hexagon.

“Many future stars began their careers performing here including Kate Winslet, Christian Bale and our very own Hexagon panto star, Justin Fletcher.”

Reading Chronicle: A momentous day for the Hexagon which had opened seven years prior (BBC)

A glimpse of the Hexagon's interior as it featured on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow in April 1984

Some of the notable performances and personalities it has featured over the years include:

• 1970s: Morecambe and Wise, Frankie Howerd, Whitesnake, Billy Connolly, Quentin Crisp.

• 1980s: Victoria Wood, Nana Mouskouri, The Smiths, The Cure, Cilla Black, David Essex, Ben E King, Chaka Khan, French and Saunders.

• 1990s: Chuck Berry, Newman and Baddiel, Norman Wisdom, Kenneth Branagh and James Brown.

• 2000s: Joan Rivers, The League of Gentlemen, Dinner Ladies, Tim Minchin, The Saturdays, Cabaret, McFly, Rik Mayall in the New Statesman and Peter Kay.

• 2010s: Goldfrapp, Stephen Merchant, La Roux, The Amazons, Diversity, Kaiser Chiefs, Noel Fielding and Paloma Faith.

• 2020s: Sarah Millican, Stars of Strictly, Mo Gilligan, Laura Marling, John Bishop, Omid Djalili, Nish Kumar and We Will Rock You.