Arson attack on theatre

SEAFORD operatic Society is counting the cost of a burglary where vandals ransacked and tried to set fire to the Barn Theatre.

But despite facing a 2,500 repair bill and an estimated 1,000 to make the theatre burglar-proof, members have vowed the show will go on.

The society s secretary, Maureen Collins, was one of the first to survey the damage at the theatre in Saxon Road.

She said: When I came in the lights were on everywhere, kitchen cupboards had been torn off, and a roll of cotton wool from the first aid box had been set alight.

It is thought the yobs were disturbed before they managed to get a blaze going and escaped through a window at the rear of the theatre.

She added: It is just purely vandalism. There is nothing in the hall they could want. We will be able to repair most of the damage, but it is just the fact somebody has tried to burn the place down.

Paint was also poured into two projectors and the lighting control console, and a fire extinguisher pulled from the wall. The vandals even stole the 5 tea kitty from the kitchen.

Now to make the theatre safer the society is considering security measures, including window bars, new locks and a burglar alarm.

But at a cost of up to 1,000 this will be a drain on theatre time and resources while work continues on the Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Mrs Collins said: We are trying to put a good show on and working very hard, and we are distracted by this going on.

Tickets for the panto which runs from December 8-15 are available from Stephen Newberry Estate Agents, Church Street.

Readers who would like to make a donation towards security work, or can help out in some way, can call Mrs Collins on 01323 895803