GUIDE Bridge Theatre is offering people the chance to really make their mark by sponsoring one of the new seats that have been installed in its auditorium.
The closure of nearby Oldham Coliseum presented an unlikely opportunity for the Audenshaw facility.
And after volunteers loaded, unloaded and fitted them, people can now sponsor one at the cost of just £25 for three years of £10 for one.
Those who contribute will be recognised on new boards that will be put up, telling the story of the theatre, which has been in its current guise since 1972.
And all funds will go towards the Make It Grander appeal, a larger version of the push that made sure the refurbishment could take place.
Sue Holden, who has been involved at Guide Bridge Theatre for more than 35 years, said: “When we heard the news Oldham Coliseum was closing, with an eye to opportunity we asked them what they were doing with their seats.
“Very kindly, they gifted us enough, with some spares, to refurbish the whole auditorium. Ours were at the end of their usable life.
“We launched Make It Grand, setting a target of £5,000 to renovate it and we organised all kinds of things – we raised £10,004.
“It wasn’t enough for the total spend but we took the rest from reserves. Apart from lying the floor and removing some ducting, everything was done by volunteers in four weeks. It was a brilliant achievement.
“Now it’s been widened to Make It Grander for our next project, further refurbishment including things like replacing emergency exit doors and renewing windows.
“One of the problems with the building is its fallen short of maintenance over the years as the money’s been spent on paying bills and keeping things going.”
*ANYONE interested in sponsoring a seat at Guide Bridge Theatre can email hello@gbtheatre.co.uk.
Have you got tickets upcoming shows at Guide Bridge Theatre yet? Visit the What’s On guide: https://www.gbtheatre.co.uk/GBTProductions.html
