Wyvern Theatre September 2006, it closed temporarily after the discovery of traces of asbestos in the venue's offices and roof void during a routine inspection. It remained closed until September 2007 and the closure was used to refurbish the venue, bringing new decor, bars, cafés, disabled entrances and new seating costing £1.3 million. The first performance afterwards was on 25 September 2007. Over the years The Wyvern Theatre has had its own mascot in the form of a 6-foot-high green dragon-like creature known as Willy the Wyvern. Willy the Wyvern became the theatre's mascot originally during in its founding years but faded
Westland Wyvern "Albion" until March 1955 when the problems had been resolved. 830 Sqn. took the Wyvern into combat from HMS "Eagle", flying 79 sorties during Operation Musketeer; the armed response to the Suez Crisis. Two Wyverns were lost to damage from Egyptian light anti-aircraft fire; both pilots of the aircraft successfully ejected over the sea, and were picked up by "Eagle"'s search and rescue helicopter. The squadron returned to the UK on "Eagle" after this conflict and disbanded in January 1957. Consequently, 813 was the last Wyvern squadron, disbanding on 22 April 1958. All Wyverns were withdrawn from service by 1958: