Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight launches £25,000 fundraising appeal

Sep 28 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

A COMMUNITY theatre in Port Sunlight has launched a £25,000 fundraising appeal.

Trustees at the Gladstone Theatre, which is run by a registered charity, are facing the bill to replace the building’s old boiler and modify central heating and ventilation equipment in its 400-seat auditorium.

Audience numbers have increased substantially in recent years and the Gladstone Theatre Trust is expecting the theatre to become even busier if Pacific Road Arts Centre is closed by Wirral Council.

Alan Davies, the theatre’s fundraising co-ordinator said: “Usually we can fund the theatre improvements from the proceeds of our show performances.

“However, on this occasion we are faced with raising a larger than normal amount.

“Since the Theatre Trust is a charity all donations received goes directly into improving the Gladstone as a valued community asset.

“We are appealing to members of the public and local business organisations to assist by making a charitable donation to help with the improvement work.”

Opened in 1891 by William Gladstone MP, the building on Greendale Road was originally a dining room for male workers at the Lever Brothers factory.

The Gladstone Theatre Trust formed in 1984 and was a joint venture between the Stork Dramatic Society, Port Sunlight Players and Bebington Dramatic Society to safeguard the future of the theatre.

It is managed by volunteers who are responsible for fundraising and keeping it open for the benefit of the community.

Over the last 25 years the theatre’s improvement fund appeal has funded a new box office, seating, extended bar, new toilet facilities, sound and lighting equipment and disabled access.

l Donations can be made by calling the theatre box office on 643 8757 or online at www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

Cheques should be made payable to the Gladstone Theatre Trust and, if sent by post, marked for the attention of Alan Davies.