A CELEBRATION evening will take place this week to thank supporters who have helped ensure the survival of an Edwardian theatre.

Since 2002, the 800-strong Friends of the Empire Theatre have raised more than £105,000 to support the Consett arts venue.

Their membership fees and donations have helped pay for everything from sound desks, lights and speaker systems at the theatre to children’s booster seats and 3D glasses.

A celebration evening will take place on Wednesday (Dec 3) at which staff from Leisureworks, the sports and arts trust which manages the Empire Theatre, will thank members of the Friends group.

Leisureworks chief executive Lindsay Tuck said: “We would like to thank all of our Friends for their continued commitment to The Empire Theatre.

“Their generosity, advocacy and support is essential to our continued survival and has enabled us to thrive, prosper and benefit the community over many years.

“The celebration evening was an acknowledgement of this tremendous milestone in their fundraising and contributions, and also of their endless energy and enthusiasm, without which the Empire would not be the flourishing, exciting theatre it is today.”