Curtain-up for Skipton Little Theatre’s £20,000 roof appeal (From Craven Herald)

Curtain-up for Skipton Little Theatre’s £20,000 roof appeal

3:20pm Friday 29th June 2012 in Leisure

Skipton Little Theatre needs to raise a five figure sum for roof repairs.

It is organising a series of fundraising events, starting with a summer revue next Friday, July 6.

The 72-seat theatre was opened in a converted stable in 1960 and an adjoining workshop was built to store scenery and costumes.

While the roof of the main theatre is fine, the asbestos roof of the workshop has deteriorated to such an extent that it will have to be replaced.

“It is suffering from wear and tear,” said committee member Chris Birch. “We didn’t realise how bad it was until the rain started to come in. We need to do something and to do something now.”

A giant tarpaulin has been erected as a temporary solution, but a new roof is needed before the onslaught of another winter.

Initial quotes for the work have come in at £20,000.

“We are looking at ways to raise the money,” said Mr Birch. “We have had bucket collections at the last three plays, are looking for sponsors and would consider a ‘sponsor a tile’ scheme.”

Meanwhile two fundraising events have been organised.

A summer revue, with songs, sketches and jokes, will be staged at the Little Theatre next Friday from 7.30pm and that will be followed by a production of Sleuth, by Anthony Shaffer, from Tuesday, July 31, to Saturday, August 4.

Another “Raise the Roof” play will be held next year.

Tickets can be booked by calling 07527 141176 or emailing skipton.little.theatre@gmail.com To donate to the appeal, call Chris Rose on (01756) 793056.