OFFICIALLY, Jim and Sheila Russell may be retired - but they are among a small army of volunteers who help keep a unique theatre running. Steve Parsley spoke to them about their passion and the £1m appeal which could fuel a new beginning for what, from the outside, appears an unremarkable building.

SHEILA RUSSELL can remember walking up Victoria Road when she was a child and asking her mother about the white-daubed building which always seemed to have colourful posters outside.

"Oh that's just an old theatre, dear," she was told.

But, even if her parents showed no propensity for putting their daughter on the stage, the seeds had been planted in a little girl's mind.

Today, both Sheila, aged 58, and husband Jim, 70, enjoy a view of Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal few others can boast.

Their home, perched high on the town's Bolton Avenue, boasts panoramic views over the roof.

But they also have an intimate knowledge of the internal workings of a playhouse, thought to be the best preserved example of a Georgian theatre anywhere in Europe - and are keen to share it with others.

"What we have right in Richmond is a gem. No other town in the country has got one," says Sheila.

"However, people seem to think it's just for a few. I know lots of people who have never visited, which is such a shame."

Having grown up and married, Sheila now shares her discovery of the Georgian Theatre with Jim.

They took their own children to the pantomime and enjoyed evenings of music hall as well as performing themselves in The Richmond Reviews and then with the Richmond Operatic Society.

Such was their love of theatre, they have also become an integral part of its day-to-day operation.

Sheila, who started helping with the box office, progressed as a tour guide and then through administration, eventually taking over responsibility for the bar.

Jim is now stage manager and one of the more experienced guides, although he too can turn his hand to most other front-of-house duties whenever required.

Neither are paid. It is all done for love.

But, perhaps the couple are among the best-qualified to comment on how important community involvement will be, if the theatre is to have a future.

"The prize draw is one way we've been raising money towards the appeal, but although people have heard about it, some seem to think the theatre's not here for them," said Sheila.

"If they tried it, though, they would see that the types of show we have include something which will appeal to everyone. It really is their theatre, not ours."

Jim said: "There is a school of thought which says the theatre could become a museum, but in my view that would be a shame. We would prefer to see it stay alive and vibrant."

The theatre has permission for a new extension, which will provide a new access for disabled people, and an improved coffee lounge and bar.

The £1.1m appeal will also pay for a restoration programme, which will add Georgian authenticity to the ageing auditorium, stage and dressing rooms.

But much relies on the public supporting fundraising events planned over the coming months, including a series of gala concerts.

Jim said: "As a tour guide, I've shown people around who have come from as far afield as Africa - but there are still some people in Richmond who have never been to this theatre or don't even know where it is.

"What I'd say to them is: 'Please come and visit'. I know it's a clich, but if they don't use it, they could lose it.

THE following concerts have been arranged for Georgian Theatre appeal:

* An Evening of Jazz with Mick Donnelly Jazz Quartet and Barnard Castle School Jazz Band, at 7.30pm Saturday, October 6. Tickets from £5.

* Grand Gala performance of Cosi Fan Tutte by Pimlico Opera, 7pm Thursday, October 18. Tickets include champagne and buffet. Dress is formal.

* North Country Theatre presents 2001, Space Idiocy - a comedy for all - at 7.30pm on Friday, November 2. Tickets cost from £5.

* The Fettlers perform at a Friday Folk Night with guest performances from other invited bands from 7.30pm on Friday, December 7. The show will be hosted by BBC Radio Cleveland's Alistair Anderson. Tickets cost from £3.

* The Carol Andrews Singers' Christmas Concert and Georgian Theatre Appeal Grand Prize Draw, from 7.30pm on Saturday, December 15. Tickets cost from £3.

For more details, telephone (01748) 823710 or the box office on (01748) 823021.

Read more about the theatre campaign here.