THE Kirk Theatre in Pickering has been been given a revamp ahead of the Spring season.

The new facilities include a licensed bar, along with an improved website and online booking system.

Manager Luke Arnold said thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, the theatre only closed for four weeks to allow the work be completed as quickly as possible.

“It’s an incredibly exciting phase that our local theatre is going through,” he said. “We’re lucky enough to have a great bunch of dedicated volunteers working hard to offer a better experience to theatre goers and there are more improvements to come.”

The theatre, which is a former methodist church, was bought by Pickering Musical Society in 1977 and took six years to convert.

Forthcoming shows include Oliver, When we are Marrie’, a Michael Jackson Tribute and the Harmonia Choir.

Box officer manager Bridget Robinson-Clark said: “These changes will make the Kirk Theatre more up-to-date and tickets much easier to book. Our volunteers are fantastic and they are passionate about this theatre.

“We couldn’t have done all this work without their dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm.”

To become a volunteer, email info.pickeringmusicalsociety@gmail.com or phone 01751 474833. For theatre information, go to kirktheatre.co.uk