Theatre to undergo refurb and link with acting school

Wyre Council has announced a £220,000 refurbishment and expansion of Thornton Little Theatre in advance of a new management partnership with the Paul Nicholas School of Acting.

Development work includes the creation of a new entrance, foyer and multi-use function room, which will be used either for small meetings or additional theatre changing facilities.

Building work should be finished by mid-June. While the refurbishment is taking place, council officers are striving to ensure it is business as usual by keeping the venue open for as long as possible.

Tom Pridmore, director of leisure services, said: "This major refurbishment marks a new era for the theatre and moreover the local community who have supported the venue and helped business grow since its first refurbishment in 2003. The development will provide new meeting space and better customer facilities including a permanent bar. This will be operated by the theatre's friends group, who provide such enthusiastic and valuable support."

Since its relaunch, when the venue changed from the then little-used Thornton Lecture Hall to the now popular Little Theatre, event bookings have grown year on year. Council officials are now keen to see the venue fully reach its potential and in a partnership forged with the Paul Nicholas School of Acting who will make the venue their national headquarters, the venue will host more community activities.