A GROUP of devastated young performers whose show was cancelled when a theatre ceiling collapsed were handed a lifeline by another generous venue.

Almost 90 children, aged three to 16, had a lucky escape when a section of the roof fell in at the Thwaites Empire Theatre, in Blackburn, in April while they were rehearsing with Bolton and Bury-based Theatre Works.

The youngsters were left disappointed that their production of ‘A Night At The Musicals’ had to be cancelled after months of preparation, and appealed to other centres to open their doors and let them perform for free.

Fortunately, they found a suitable new venue at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre, whose manager, Barbara Hood, offered to help after reading about the group’s plight.

Emma Matthews, who runs Theatre Works with Lauren Bateman, said: “Obviously the children were devastated that they were unable to perform the show after months of preparation. We received so many kind offers from people all across the region offering their venues to us.

“The problem we had was basic logistics and so many venues just couldn’t accommodate that many children.

“We were very lucky to be offered the Burnley Mechanics Theatre for our show.

“The manager was a real lifesaver and it all worked out really well in the end.

“It really is a gorgeous venue and all the children were looked after by the professional staff.

“The show was a great success and the kids were so happy to be able to finally perform their show. We felt so safe and looked after by everyone at the venue.”

Theatre Works has recently joined forces with modelling agency, Stellar Management, and will soon be holding an open casting day for aspiring young actors at Bolton Gymnastics Club, in Summerfield Road, from which the successful youngsters will be offered free representation.

The group is also due to start offering classes in acting for TV to broaden children’s skills.