STUDIO Theatre is moving forward with its plans to expand its facilities but more support is needed to reach the £250,000 target.

It is hoped that building can begin this month on the theatre in Ashley Road, Salisbury.

So far more than £120,000 has been raised with a further £25,000 pledged.

The present building, which was opened in 2006, is no longer fit for purpose.

Jackie Pilkington, of Studio Theatre, said: “Anyone who saw the calibre of the production of Les Miserables by the youth theatre, as well as an extensive body of work from the adult theatre over sixty-plus years, would have no hesitation in agreeing that here is a valuable asset to Salisbury’s cultural life.

“What they probably wouldn’t realise is that this is achieved under cramped conditions and chaos backstage.

“We urgently need more space, particularly to accommodate the youth theatre, as recent rulings dictate that segregation in dressing rooms is paramount.

“Tiny temporary cubicles are erected in a small, strictly monitored space, and costumes, props and furniture are everywhere. We desperately need to add on.”

The extension will provide two new dressing rooms, a dedicated rehearsal space, a separate scenery storage area and improved storage for costumes and props.

The amateur theatre group puts on six productions a year and most recently saw its youth theatre members take to stage for the schools edition of Les Miserables.

A fundraising gala performance was held on Friday, February 23. Salisbury MP John Glen and other guests were in attendance.

Studio Theatre has been hard at work fundraising by holding gala evenings, garden parties, bric-a-brac and book sales, and fundraising dinners.

It has also been securing grants from charitable foundations to bring the extension project to fruition.

Organisations that have supported the theatre’s expansion project include the Foyle Foundation, The Worshipful Company of Grocers, The Geoff and Fiona Squire Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Salisbury.

Anyone interested in supporting Studio Theatre’s fundraising efforts is asked to contact Jackie by emailing Jackie at jackie@pilk.co.uk or Peter Mitchell at peter.mitchell203@ntlworld.com