Curtain rises on theatre extension

DRAMA and musical groups are celebrating the opening of a new £200,000 extension at Daneside Theatre in Congleton.

The extension has provided a welcome and long-awaited boost for the groups who use the popular venue in Park Road.

The theatre did not have dedicated rehearsal space, and groups had to practice their lines on the stage or in a workshop used for scenery.

The three-storey extension was more than three years in the planning, and is used for storing scenery on the ground floor.

The first floor features a rehearsal room, meeting room and kitchen, with a larger rehearsal room on the second floor.

The extension is due to be opened next month by Congleton MP Ann Winterton, president of Congleton Amateur Operatic Society, Congleton Pantomime and Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre.

The scheme was made possible by numerous grants including £57,000 from the Arts Council of England, and support from Congleton Borough and Town Councils, Congleton Inclosure Trust and Congleton Rotary Club.

"The new extension is fully wheelchair accessible, including a lift to the stage, and we expect to attract new users to the venue," said Paul Drage, technical manager of Daneside Theatre Trust.

"Two dance schools have already started to use the rehearsal rooms for classes, and the two main rooms have been fitted with special floors from one of the major dance floor companies in Europe and the USA."

Anyone who would like details about hiring the new extension or the theatre should ring Lesley Lee on 274230.