Patronage at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre rose from 52,000 in 2009-10 to a projected 67,000 in the past financial year.

The estimated 29 per cent rise in patronage was revealed in the Warrnambool City Council’s post-refurbishment review of the theatre.

Lighthouse Theatre manager Greg Diamantis said the 2013-14 period was the first full financial year to allow for a proper assessment of the centre’s progress.

He said a mixture of big-name acts, community performances and conferences had contributed to the impressive figures, which were released at this week’s city council meeting.

“There’s no doubt 2013-14 was a fabulous year for the venue,” Mr Diamantis said. “(The period) 2012-13 was strong but it came quite soon after the renovations.

“It’s not just the national and international names that have generated (boosted attendance numbers) but community engagement as well.”

Some of Australia’s biggest musical acts performed on the Lighthouse Theatre stage during the past 12 months,  including Russell Morris, Glenn Sharrock, Leo Sayer, Richard Clapton and Brian Cadd.

Entertainers such as Dave Hughes and Ernie Sigley have also had their moment in the spotlight.

“Circus Oz was quite a coup for us,” Mr Diamantis said. “It was the first time they had performed at the theatre and the audience reception was fantastic.”

Previously known as the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre and the Warrnambool Entertainment Centre, the $9 million refurbishment of the site was revealed in April 2012.

“Opera Australia were impressed with our back-stage facilities, as well as the friendliness of our staff, so it’s wonderful to receive that type of feedback,” Mr Diamantis said.

“Our partnership with Deakin University has also increased accessibility to some theatrical productions, including an upcoming Bell Shakespeare performance.”