The Island’s only theatre has held an open house to show off its new lift.

Months of hard work has finally paid off for staff and members of Sheppey Little Theatre after it opened the 'Lift for Life’ on Sunday.

The theatre, in Meyrick Road, Sheerness, was awarded a grant of more than £50,000 last year, which went towards the cost of building the lift from the foyer to the auditorium.

Members of the theatre came along on Sunday to see the long-awaited lift in action, and staff were also given a demonstration of how it works.

The grant came after the theatre won a public vote on the Big Lottery Fund’s The People’s Millions, which was aired on ITV’s Meridian news at the time.

Sheppey Little Theatre went head-to-head with Island-based Big Fish Arts to win The People’s Millions grant.

Islanders phoned in to vote for who they wanted to see win, and the theatre received the most phone votes.

They only found out they had won when a Meridian film crew arrived at the theatre with a giant cheque.

The film crew was at the theatre again for the open day to follow up their story, which was then featured on the ITV evening news on Sunday.

Chairman Derek Friday said: “We had a nice afternoon. The lift and ramp are proving to be a great success.”

Mr Friday said it was good to see the results of all the hard work pay off and that the theatre was already looking at the next project, which is likely to be a revamp of the men’s dressing room.

Mr Friday said: “We are hoping to rebuild the gentlemen’s dressing room to make it more presentable.”

Sheppey Little Theatre in Meyrick Road, Sheerness, is hosting two Island dance schools’ shows.

Children from Razzamataz Theatre School will take part in The Razz Showcase 2009 on Friday and Saturday.

Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5 from the Times Guardian Office, 44 High Street, Sheerness.

Dancers from Starquest Youth Theatre will be performing Dick Whittington and his Cat at the theatre on Thursday, December 17 and Friday, December 18 at 7.30pm. There will also be performances on Saturday, December 19, at 3pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 from the theatre’s box office, which is open Saturdays 9am – 3pm. Alternatively, phone 01795 665700.

Razzamataz dancers will also be taking part in Aladdin at the theatre on Friday, January 1, at 2pm, Saturday, January 2, at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, January 3, at 10am, 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 from the Times Guardian office.