A theatre undergoing a £1.5m restoration programme opens its doors on Saturday to those who want to be part of its future.

The project to refurbish Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal has been plagued with problems.

But it is due to reopen in September and bosses are hoping a recruitment day on Saturday will find the right people to run it successfully.

When it closed for a revamp towards the end of last year, builders discovered more work was necessary on the foundations than expected.

This forced up the cost of the project - which included an extension to house a new entrance, cloakroom, coffee lounge and bar - by £200,000.

As fundraisers tried to find the extra cash, the Harrogate-based contractor was taken over, which caused another delay while the theatre's supporters found another firm to carry out the work.

It was due to open in January this year but is now expected to open in September.

The walls and glass are in place and the shape of the new-look building on Victoria Road can be made out beneath the scaffolding.

Now the management hope a recruitment day on Saturday will net the most valuable resource - the people to help run the theatre once it is fully operational again.

Box office assistants, front-of-house staff, assistants for the bar, cafe and shop, tour guides, marketing assistants, stage, sound and lighting crew and administration and research assistants are needed. It is hoped as many people as possible will come forward on a voluntary basis.

"Volunteering in this special theatre has, and will continue to be, an exciting and fulfilling experience," said acting administrator James Allenby.

"Volunteers need only commit to a few hours a week and full training will be given for all positions.

"For those seeking professional employment in theatre, this is a useful way to gain skills and references; volunteering can also contribute towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Youth Arts Leader Awards and the Community Arts Leader Award."

The recruitment open day runs from 10am until 4pm. For further details, call (01748) 823710.