The Robin Hood Theatre Company, custodians of the Robin Hood Theatre, in Averham, launch fundraising appeal
A community theatre is appealing for help funding a refurbishment project.
The Robin Hood Theatre, in Averham, was built in 1913, and over the year has seen countless productions performed in the small village venue.
With over a century of use, the theatre has seen better days and is now in need of so much needed TLC.
The custodians of the theatre, The Robin Hood Theatre Company took over as trustees has already made headway into revamping the front of house area, and replacing wiring in the building, but now their attention has turned to the main auditorium.
It is estimated that the cost of full auditorium refurbishment could range between £40,000 to £50,000.
Initially, the aim is to replace the stage curtains, while conserving the historical golden appliques from the originals.
The venue’s seating, originally installed in 1971, is also one of the main focuses of the project.
At over 50 years old, the 150 seats will be replaced with new ones. However, this alone is estimated to around £20,000.
Walls will also be given a facelift with a new lick of paint, and worn out carpets will be replaced.
Typically, the theatre stages five or six in-house productions a year, as well as hosting shows from other companies including Argent Theatre and the Newark Amateur Operatic Society.
Chairman of the board, Geoff Morgan, said: “One the best way to support us is to come and see one of the productions we put on.
“We also have a gift aid scheme, where people can make a donation when booking tickets, or you can contact us directly to make a larger donation.”
Donations to the project can be made via the theatre’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/rhtc
Further down the line, it is hoped that the theatre will be able to complete an extension which was built in the early 2000s by Nottinghamshire County Council when the authority owned the building, but never actually finished.
Upcoming productions at the theatre include The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night, this June, followed by Blackadder in September, and It’s a Wonderful Life in December.
