Ripon Amateur Operatic Society is raring to reopen its improved, new look theatre after an 18-month closure.
The society received grants from an Aviva Community Fund scheme and Arts Council England totalling more than £80,000 during the pandemic.
The funding has enabled Ripon Operatic Hall to be renovated with improved accessibility, which will be further enhanced when a wheelchair lift is fitted in the coming months.
The actors are now eager to get back under the lights and the first performance back will be the youth group’s We Will Rock You from July 21.
The studio space during and after renovation work.
The society’s theatre on Allhallowgate has become a community asset, with a range of groups including baby ballet and zumba also using the space.
Committee member and performer Linda Aikman said:
“Lockdown affected us enormously because we’re performers and it’s what we love to do.
“The money means we have a safe space to put on our shows. It’s now a place for everyone, it was really important for the committee to make sure the theatre is somewhere everyone can enjoy.”
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The society staged numerous shows before the pandemic.
Its performance of Oliver! has been rescheduled for the third time and will now be performed at Harrogate Theatre in April 2022.
