HUNDREDS of people witnessed the grand re-opening ceremony of an under-threat theatre in East Lancashire - after months of hard work paid off.
The Bacup Royal Court Theatre was packed to the rafters once again as over 250 excitable visitors were given a guided tour around its premises ahead of performances of the pantomime 'Beauty and the Beast' later this week.
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Families got the chance to play on a bouncy castle which was set up on the stage and face painting was available for all in the foyer.
Bacup-born international opera star Sean Ruane opened the ceremony and was followed by songs from the theatre youth group 'Bytes' and performances from the panto stars.
Theatre committee member, Yvonne Gerrard, who has been visiting the theatre since 1999, said the support from people was overwhelming.
She said: "It was fantastic to see so many people at the open day, we had to split up the tour into three groups as there was so many people.
"There was a one-month-old and ladies as old as 80 going round. There was a couple of people who told me they didn't know the theatre was here.
"The atmosphere was very positive and lots of people said so many nice things about the theatre, it makes all the hard work we've done worth it."
The organising committee was left with a substantial bill before it closed last summer and have agreed on a deal with EON to get the power restored to the centre in Rochdale Road.
Mrs Gerrard said: "As amazing as the day was, we cannot stress enough about how important it is for people to come along and support us at the theatre.
"If we get people on seats we can keep the theatre going, it has been here for so long it is part of the history of Bacup.
"We can't thank everyone enough who has played a part in getting this back together."
Beauty and the Beast will be shown on Friday, January 15, Saturday, January, 17, Friday, January 22, Saturday, January 23 at 7.30pm.
There will also be performances at 2.30pm on Saturday January 16, 23 and Sunday January, 17, 24.
Tickets will cost £8 for adults, £6 for concessions and £25 for a family ticket.
To buy a ticket visit www.ticketsource.co.uk, email brctg@hotmail.com or visit Wishes Galore on Rochdale Road.
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