£1.4m project will create 'bigger, better and more beautiful' Georgian

CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at one of the region's most historic theatres yesterday - despite the latest setback to mar its ambitious redevelopment plans.

Chairman of the trustees, Lady Crathorne, led the topping-out ceremony at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, attended by representatives from all the partners involved in the £1.4m restoration.

The town's mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons, also paid tribute to the people behind the project.

"The building will be bigger, better and more beautiful but, in essence, will remain the same," he said.

But the rejuvenation has not been without its problems.

First, the work on the foundations was more complex than expected, driving up the cost by £300,000 and putting work five month's behind schedule.

Harrogate builders W G Birch were then the subject of a buy-out, and Walter Thompson's had to take up where the firm left off, adding another couple of months to the delay.

Yesterday, it was thieves who spoiled the party, breaking into the site to search the offices for cash and valuables - and, frustrated by the absence of any money, making off with builders' tools.

Nevertheless, the mood at yesterday's ceremony to mark to completion of the external building work was resolutely upbeat as drinks were served in what will soon be the theatre's bar.

"The physical restoration is phase one but perhaps phase two is even more important," said Coun Parsons.

"The next stage will be to develop the theatre in education so that every child in every Richmond school will visit the building to see a production at least once during their school career.

"Hopefully, that will mean a new generation will grow up with a love for this beautiful building while we will do everything we can to work with the theatre to enhance its role as a tourist attraction.''

The Heritage Lottery Fund had already pledged £575,000 towards the restoration appeal, which is backed by The Northern Echo.

Among the stars who have supported the campaign are Edward Fox, Prunella Scales, Rodney Bewes, Tim Healy and wife Denise Welch, Gary Wilmot, opera star Sir Thomas Allen, Timothy West and Patricia Routledge.