THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds worth of equipment from a theatre group as they were performing a sold out show at a nearby venue.

Intruders entered the Bacup Royal Court Theatre on Saturday evening before taking a sound desk, a flat screen television, two projectors, an air compressor and a small generator.

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At the time of the break-in, the theatre group were on stage for the final performance of a sold out run of Opening Night – A Musical Extravaganza at the Millennium Theatre in Waterfoot.

The theft of the equipment, valued at £2,500, is a third blow for the theatre and its performers in recent months.

The Royal Court Theatre itself is currently unable to open after the power was disconnected after a bill of £53,000 was run up over a period of years.

New management are currently trying to raise enough money to re-open the theatre.

Last weekend’s show was originally due to take place at Broadwater Hall in Bacup, but that venue was closed and boarded up earlier this month when the building’s owner took possession of the premises.

Juliette Shepherd, secretary of Bacup Royal Court Theatre, said: “After a fantastic, successfully sold out show weekend with overwhelming support from everyone we got the news of the break in.

“As we were performing our last show, the Bacup Royal Court Theatre was broken into. Some of our equipment has been taken.

“Thanks to the quick response of the police some DNA evidence has been taken.

“The people who did this knew exactly where these objects were in the theatre, as many of the things stolen were hidden in nooks and crannies.

“If anyone has further information or can help the police with their investigation please contact us.

“This is another setback but we’re determined to get the theatre back open.”

The Royal Court Theatre has been a community theatre for more than 120 years, dating back to Victorian times.

It has also been the venue for an episode of Most Haunted.

A police spokesman said they were notified of the theft at 10.55pm on Saturday.

He added: “Intruders forced a panel to gain entry through a fire escape door and escaped with electrical equipment including a generator.”