STUDIO Theatre in Salisbury has marked a significant milestone as it held a topping-out ceremony to celebrate the progress of its extension project.

The building of the new structure has now been completed and members of Studio Theatre were joined by the Mayor of Salisbury, Mike Osment, for a topping-out ceremony. 

Invited guests were taken on tours of the new extension, which will provide The new extension to the theatre will provide additional dressing rooms, a scenery dock and a rehearsal room as well as extra space to store furniture, costumes and props. 

Jackie Pilkington, of Studio Theatre, said: “The main building which opened its doors 12 years ago, has always been a source of pride for Studio members and envy of other drama groups nationally.   

“Now with the building work of the extension complete, the theatre is about to become a centre of real creative worth. Not only that, but the space and convenience is thrilling; much more room to rehearse with proper facilities; a spacious workshop and scenery dock; storage facilities for equipment and costumes, and, importantly, dressing rooms for the youth theatre, providing essential privacy. And chaos backstage down to a minimum - a cause to celebrate indeed.”

Studio Theatre says it is "most grateful" for the support of the charitable foundations, businesses, individuals and local councils for their support.

More than £220,000 has been raised for the project. The extension now needs fitting out and another £40,000 is required.

Studio Theatre launched its bid to raise the funds to build a two-storey extension on its premises in Ashley Road in 2016. 

Studio Theatre has raised the money by holding gala evenings, garden parties, bric-a-brac and book sales, and fundraising dinners to boost funds for the project.

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 wishing to make a donation and help raise the remaining funds contact Jackie Pilkington by emailing jackie@pilk.co.uk