MEMBERS are getting read to raise the curtain again at a community theatre which has been mothballed for more than a year.

Supporters of Portland’s Royal Manor Theatre in Fortuneswell are hopeful they will be able to open again soon.

Ahead of reopening, the theatre is being given a facelift with a new coat of paint being applied to the windows at the front of the building, a new heating system installed and a new carpet fitted in the auditorium.

The 98-seat theatre, a registered charity, has been shut since March 2020 due to the pandemic.

For the first time since the company’s inception in 1947, members had to switch on the 'ghost light' a tradition meaning the theatre is empty – but it will return.

The theatre could have opened last summer but due to its size and the rules on social distancing a full house would have only allowed a handful of people in at a time. So the decision was made to stay shut.

During lockdown, the theatre had been entertaining audiences on its Facebook page, with pictures and memories of previous shows and events. Some previous shows were also uploaded for people to watch again.

Mike Deadman from the Royal Manor Theatre said: “In March 2020, we switched off the power to the building not realising that it would be the last time we’d be using it for a long while. As with many businesses, it was a sad and also scary time for us."

He added: "Ghost lights are temporary. They're a sign that we might be down now, but our creativity, our drive and our passion for bringing live entertainment to the people of Portland is still centre stage.”

Mr Deadman said he wanted to reassure the community the theatre was still very much in business and plans are in place to start up again soon in a Covid-safe environment.

He said: "This year, fingers crossed, things may be a little better. With guidelines being closely monitored and Covid-19 precautions being strengthened, we’re confident that we’ll be welcoming audiences back again soon. We’re well-versed in putting on a great show and looking after our audiences."

The theatre will announce events as soon as it can. But if you want to be the first to know visit www.royalmanortheatre.co.uk, or check out the Facebook page.