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Soap star backs Lowther Pavilion
A SOAP star has come out in support of a struggling Lytham theatre where he started out in showbiz.
Craig Kelly, from St Annes, who plays knicker factory boss Luke Strong in Coronation Street, has become the first Honorary Patron of the Friends of Lowther Pavilion.
The Central Beach facility is set to lose out on 30,000 next year as a result of Fylde Council budget cuts.
Craig, who has also appeared in the hit film Titanic alongside Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, has stepped in to help save the theatre.
The 38-year-old said: "I really wanted to support this group as I was born and bred in the area.
"Local theatre is so important, and this is where I got my grounding and ambition.
"I'm really impressed with the progress the group has made, and look forward to working with them for the long-term future of the theatre."
The Friends of Lowther Pavilion intend to raise money to improve and develop the theatre, and will lobby Fylde Council to transfer the running of the theatre into the hands of an independent charitable trust.
Chairman of the group Peter Taylor said: "We've been overwhelmed by the support of the public, and even more so by the number of locally born or based people within the public eye who have offered to support the group, many of whom have performed in the theatre during their younger days."
Robert Silverwood, owner of Lowther Pavilion Cafe, added: "This is fantastic news.
"Anything which helps the theatre is welcome – and this is a real coup, and will be a snowballing effect that attracts more people.
"Local people should realise what they have on their doorstep. The theatre is there for people in Lytham, but also people across the Fylde and they should make use of this facility. It is a valuable asset to the community."
Membership to the group starts from just 10 per year and includes discounts to many of the shows and events at the theatre.
The next event planned by the Friends group is An Evening With Julian Clary on June 3 and the Summer Ball on Saturday June 13.
Tickets are still available at 40 per person and tables seat up to 10 people. Tickets are available from the Box Office on (01253) 658666 or visit www.friendsoflowtherpavilion.co.uk.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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