A friends scheme is to be launched at Astor Community Theatre offering benefits to members and providing much-needed cash to keep the Edwardian venue thriving.

The scheme has been finalised this week in time for the launch of the summer season and coinciding with the five-year anniversary since theatre director James Tillitt took over and restored the dilapidated shell.

Mr Tillitt said: “The Astor Theatre Friends Scheme is absolutely integral to the long-term survival of this theatre.”

Among the benefits of the Friends scheme are: priority booking for selected events, membership and reduced rates of the Last Picture Club, a monthly movie; membership of the theatre’s Lavender Lounge, a monthly late-night member’s club; and exclusive access to the VIP balcony seating area with waiter service for selected shows.

There are also discounts on selected shows, a 10% discount on private events and meetings, listings on the Astor’s website and an invitation to the annual Friends evening.

Visit http://www.theastor.org/ to stay up to date with events at the Astor Theatre.

See this week's Mercury for the full story.