Theatre unveils improvement plan
FUNDRAISING for a £64,000 refurbishment project to improve seating in Sleaford's Playhouse theatre is well under way and has just received the backing of the town council.
George Shields, honorary treasurer of the Sleaford Little Theatre group which runs the Playhouse, said that audience feedback had been quite clear on this issue and over the last eight years there had also been problems with space in the foyer area during intervals.
Mr Shields said: "The main part of the refurbishment project is to replace the downstairs (stalls) seating with an architect-designed raked, armchair seating that will be more comfortable and provide vastly improved sight lines.
"At the same time, the existing wings of the gallery are to be removed and an additional two rows of raked, armchair seats are to be built in the rear of the gallery."
Sight lines will also be improved for 16 of the existing end of row seats and the total seating capacity will rise by one to 121. The design will also allow for front row seats to be removable for up to 10 wheelchair users.
Other work proposed will include upgrading the stage lighting, extending and modernising the CCTV and installing an intercom system for better communication and audience safety.
The total cost is expected to run to 64,000, of which 15,600 is being met from the theatre group's own reserves. They have just submitted a bid for a 40,000 grant to Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN) and Sleaford Town Council has agreed to send a letter confirming its support for the scheme.
The Little Theatre group is working hard to raise the remaining 8,400 for the project through activities such as quiz nights, seat sponsorship, market stalls and other ventures.
Town councillors will consider at a later date making a donation when they know how much is still needed when the outcome of the fundraising programme is known.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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