A THEATRE is equipped for a vibrant future after the completion of a £100,000 revamp.

Vital work done inside and outside the 100-year-old Chorley Little Theatre will ensure its future for years to come – and already 29 shows on 47 nights are booked for 2011, with more being planned.

Among the varied acts is comedian Jenny Eclair, who plays two nights, fresh from her stint on I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here.

Only a couple of years ago, the theatre, home to Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society and Chorley Empire Community Cinema, was forced to close its doors for three months when it was found a long term undiscovered leak had rotted a main girder supporting the roof.

However, there is now an air of optimism surrounding the theatre, attributed to chairman Ian Robinson and his team of dozens of volunteers.

Ian Robinson, said: “We spent 10 years saving money to have the outside repain-ted but when they went up on the roof they found a leak that had rotted a girder.

"So we took the opportunity to get the work done that we wanted doing.

"We have extended the bar, created new dressing rooms and created a much-needed rehearsal room.”

The 100-year-old theatre has now become a landmark in the town after the outside was repainted and new signs put up – courtesy of Chorley company Poppy Signs.

Company managing director Dave McDonald donated the huge sign, which adorns the front of the building and a smaller one for the side.

He said: “I was happy to help when I found out it was for the theatre.

"I’ve lived in Chorley all my life and so have the technicians in the workshop.

“The theatre is an asset to the town.”