THE curtain is set to raise on a community theatre which has undergone a major makeover.

Four times a year, a cast and crew get together at the Garrick Theatre in Bank Street, Whitefield, to put on a series of performances of a chosen play.

But in recent years, the talented thespians have become the victims of their own success.

Playing to packed houses, there is often not enough space for audience members to relax during the intervals — and now that has all changed.

In the last three years, the theatre's treasurer Martin Ashton and lighting engineer Peter Hill have been overseeing a renovation project.

The theatre bought extra land in late 2012, obtained planning permission, and then started construction last October.

Work is now complete and the venue boasts a bar area, a bigger foyer and cast dressing rooms, as well as more space for storing props.

Mr Ashton said: "It has been a lot of work, but we're thrilled with the finished product.

"I would say in the last 12 months, I have been at the theatre every day bar Christmas Day and New Year's Day, but the effort has been worth it when you look around now."

When the theatre’s board surveyed supporters about what changes they wanted, they insisted on the stage's intimate layout to stay.

"A lot of people like being very close to the action during a play, no matter where they sit, and we didn't want to change that," said one of the theatre organisers Jane Embury.

She added: "But we have been able to add a second performance space, which we are hoping to use for one-off plays from visiting companies.

"It's an exciting development for us and everyone who has seen it so far has given their seal of approval."

The revamped theatre can be viewed at an open day to be held from 11am to 3pm on Saturday September 19.

At 7.30pm that evening, the theatre's run of "Salt of the Earth" begins. It will stage evening shows until September 26, with a matinee show at 2.30pm on the final date.

Tickets cost £8.50 and are available via whitefieldgarrick.org