Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal reopened to the public for the first time in over a year at the weekend, but suporters have been warned that there is still work to do and money to raise.

Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal has been transformed since spring 2002; a modern extension has been built overlooking the town's Friary Gardens and includes space for a new coffee lounge, bar, cloakrooms and lift.

The auditorium has been restored to reflect the venue's heritage, with stalls painted to match the original designs while the lighting is designed to recreate the flickering candles which would have illuminated the building more than 200 years ago.

The dressing rooms and stage have been overhauled, along with the front-of-house area, which boasts a new box office.

Spokesman and fund-raising manager Mac Bryant said: "The theatre really does look fantastic. The mix of old and new works well and I think we have an asset of which we can be proud.

"Chairwoman of the board, Lady Crathorne has been an inspiration, not just as a figurehead during the fund-raising, but because of the time and energy she has given to the project."

Mr Bryant emphasised the theatre still needs to find just over £160,000 within the next two months to meet the £1.5m cost of restoration while management will be trying to persuade the local authorities to reconsider funding arrangements for the future.

"We have applications in for grants from a number of sources to meet the restoration costs but we need to know where we stand soon," said Mr Bryant. "If not, we could find we are in the position where we will be applying for money to meet the costs of a project which is already complete - and that will be more difficult.

"We also need to persuade local councils to re-examine the new theatre's role in the community.

"It will be unique in that it is not just an arts venue but an educational resource and a tourist attraction - and we hope to persuade the authorities that new financial arrangements should reflect that."

The first performance at the new venue was by singing ensemble The Songbyrds on Sunday.

The Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society has the honour of performing the first play when She Stoops To Conquer opens on Thursday evening. More details and tickets are available from the box office on (01748) 825252.