LITTLE theatre-goers have been given booster seats so they can get a better view of action on the stage.

Friends of the Empire Theatre and Cinema, in Consett, has spent £1,150 on 72 new booster seats for youngsters.

Friends chairman Dennis Lavin said: “We want a trip to the Empire to be a wonderful experience for children.

“If you instil a love of the theatre in children at a young age it can last a lifetime, and it gets them away from screens and computer games.

“The last thing we want is for youngsters to be staring at the back of a seat throughout a performance so when we realised the existing booster seats needed replacing, we were keen to help.”

The Empire Theatre and Cinema has an action-packed programme of live theatre, music and comedy performances for 2019, including shows aimed at children.

Next month, children can enjoy Milkshake! Live, Milkshake Monkey’s Musical on Saturday, March 2, at 12.30pm and 3.00pm. Tickets cost £15.50, £13.50 for children under 16 and £54 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.

Other highlights this year include The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Saturday, July 20, at 1.30pm, and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly on Saturday, October 12 at 2.30pm.

Nicola Dailly, the venue’s arts programme manager, said: “It’s wonderful to witness children experiencing the magic of the theatre, which is why we are so grateful to the Friends for their latest donation.

"We have some fantastic family shows coming up this year and these booster seats will ensure little ones have the best view possible.”

The Friends of the Empire group was founded in 1978 and there are now more than 400 members who receive benefits such as discounts on selected shows and 10 per cent off daytime café purchases. Since 2003, the friends have raised more than £120,000.

Monthly coffee mornings are held to raise funds and new members are always welcome. To find out more contact 03000 262 400.

To view this year’s programme and to book tickets, visit www.empireconsett.co.uk or call 03000 262 400.