A theatre in Colne has reopened after a refurbishment, said to be around £300,000, and the chairman has big plans for the venue.
The site is now bigger, with a more modern and contemporary appearance. It now has a foyer and a bigger courtyard, where there are plans to introduce an outdoor stage.
Tristesse Atkinson-James, chairman of Colne Little Theatre, said: “It looks really stylish, modern and contemporary now.
“It is welcoming and has a big glass front instead of being an old-fashioned box building. It is much bigger too.
“Our courtyard is now much bigger. We are hoping to get an outdoor stage as well as an indoor one.”
Tristesse said the site was in desperate need of a refurbishment.
“It was small and outdated,” she said.
“In terms of accessibility, it was far from ideal. We didn’t have any disabled access facilities.
“Everything needed updating.
“We are always trying to gain popularity and invite more people in so we needed more room for everyone.
“We never used to have a foyer meaning people had to stand in the rain if they ever wanted to collect tickets.”
While the site has only been open for a matter of days, Tristesse says the reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.
She said: “We have been inundated with social media messages from people who are excited to come and visit us.
“A lot of people are booking tickets as they know this is a brand new start for us. They are eager to see what the refurbished site is all about.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone through our doors."
Tristesse has urged customers to “keep their eyes peeled” for updates about shows.
She said: “We have our usual programme of shows but we will also be hosting comedy nights and open mic nights.
“We are also hoping to put on some quizzes and social events too, including afternoon teas and quizzes.
“We want to use the site as much as possible. Since the refurbishment, we’ve had an increase in bookings for use of the theatre for outside parties, which is brilliant.”
Cllr Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s great that the refurbishment work on The Little Theatre is complete – and what a transformation!
“It looks amazing and I’m sure audiences will agree. The changes will secure the future of the theatre for years to come.
“This is the first of the three theatres in Colne’s newly formed Heritage Quarter to be completed with money from Round One of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
“All three theatres are such important assets for Colne and this major investment will really give the town a boost and attract even more people to Pendle.”
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