You’ve done it!

In less than a week more than £2,000 has been pledged to help preserve the historic facade of Bungay’s Fisher Theatre.

Since the appeal to raise £1,850 was printed in last week’s Beccles and Bungay Journal friends of the theatre have rallied round to show how much the building means to them along with the wide variety of events it hosts.

The money is needed to pay for much needed repairs to the Grade II Listed buidling.

Trustees and managers of the theatre have applied for a grant to cover the costs of renovating the facade, improving the cellar area and installing power assisted doors to make it more wheelchair friendly.

However, before the grant can be considered the theatre had to raise £1,850 in match funding as part of the cost of the improvements.

“It was vital that we achieved our target to enable the grant process to continue,” said theatre manager Jason Collins.

“We would like to say how very grateful we are for everyone who has come forward with an offer to make a donation to our appeal.

“It has been a truly magnificent response and shows just how much the Fisher Theatre at Bungay means to so many people in the area,” he said.

Although the theatre was not in danger of closing down permanently the renovations planned are vital to help preserve the building.

The original five trustees who started the theatre back in 1995 are all still involved and actively working to make it succeed.

The theatre has been at the heart of the local arts scene since re-opening and has won numerous awards.

The Fisher Theatre in Bungay was first opened in February 1828 with a performance of The Belle’s Stratagem.

It was one of 13 theatres designed and built across East Anglia by David Fisher serving the circuit of Fisher’s company, The Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians.

WIt is hoped that theatre trustees will know if the grant application has been successful by the end of the year.

• Do you have favourite memories of seeing shows and exhibitions at Bungay’s Fisher Theatre? Email david.lennard@archant.co.uk