PATRONS painted the town tonight as The Kings opened for hit musical Chicago after a 500 day closure.

The first theatre fans to walk through the door were gifted a bottle of fizz as they sat down to enjoy the glamorous show about the murderesses of the Cook County jail during America's jazz age.

Pamela Kingsley (pictured centre) and Heather Fraser (pictured right) from the city said they were thrilled to be back out and enjoying life at the theatre.

They added: “We bought the tickets about a month ago so we didn’t have too long to wait to see the show. We’ve been really excited to come along and experience a little normality.”

James Haworth, Theatre Director at the King’s Theatre, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be welcoming our audience back to the King’s at long, long last. I’m so grateful to our staff who have worked hard over the last few weeks to have made this possible, and to our patrons for supporting us during this difficult time. We’re going to have a brilliant run of Chicago followed by a fantastic autumn season.”

The autumn season at the King’s Theatre will continue with audience-favourites including Blood Brothers, The Book of Mormon, 9 to 5 and the King’s Theatre panto starring Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac.

Those going along can expect a star-studded cast with Sinitta playing Matron Mama Morton and Darren Day appearing as Billy Flynn.

The run at The Kings will end on Saturday, September 18.

The King’s Theatre is part of the Ambassador Theatre Group and is the sister venue of the Theatre Royal on Hope Street, Glasgow