PLANS to open a new intimate theatre in Ulverston are storming ahead.

Overbeck Theatre is the brainchild of Chris Benefield and Liz Drew of Ulverston's Tinners' Rabbit Art Gallery and Bookshop.

After announcing their plans in September to create the threatre in the former Union Street Church offers of help have flooded in.

In only six months a seven-strong committee has been formed to take the project forward, a bid for charitable status has been made and approaches have been made to raise funds. The cost to create the 100-seat theatre has been estimated at £100,000.

A long-term lease on the former church has also been secured, a logo is being designed for the committee and a website is to be set up soon.

The group is now trying to raise the profile of the theatre by staging its first fund-raising event.

One of Britain's foremost guitarists, with a strong national and international reputation, Neil Smith, is to perform in the Lantern House in Ulverston tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.30pm. There will also be a guest appearance by the newly-chosen South Cumbrian poet laureate John Irwin.

Committee member Helen Adams said: "We have been told that we have to get a feasibility study done just to make sure that there is a need for it in the area. We are sure it will prove there is and by getting people along to the fundraising events will go a long way.

"The event will also raise the profile of the theatre as it will give people a taste of what kind of things will happen when it is up and running."

The committee stages open monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month in the Hope and Anchor at 8.30pm. Anyone interested in helping with the theatre project is welcome to attend.

Tickets for the event on May 15 cost £7.50 and are available at Tinners' Rabbit on Market Street. Organisers would also welcome any raffle prizes.

May 14, 2003 10:00