HOPES of a theatre in Warrington have been boosted after a Town Hall meeting.

Campaigners and drama and entertainment groups were urged to join forces to help turn the ‘dream’ into reality, providing somewhere to create the next Pete Postlethwaite or Rick Astley.

Monday’s meeting heard how Blackburn’s Thwaites Empire Theatre, which is run at a profit, mainly by volunteers, had become a success.

Lymm designer David Cockayne was also on hand to discuss the topic of theatre space to the 58-strong audience.

Following discussions at the meeting, sponsored by Warrington and District Arts Council (WADAC), the Civic Society and Theatre for Warrington group, it was agreed societies would seek council support from the council support to assist with finding a suitable premises and to obtain grant funding.

Those present also agreed to form a group of interested parties to help progress the campaign and for there to be a feasibility study, of which £3,000 collected by the original Theatre for Warrington group 10 years ago could go towards.

WADAC member Celia Jordan chaired the meeting and praised the 58-strong audience for in attendance for their ‘fantastic enthusiasm’ throughout the evening.

She said: “We need to push the project off the ground and get some real momentum behind this – it is shameful a town of 210,000 has not got a theatre. We need one.

“But we do need the support of the council and arts groups.

“How will the future Pete Postlethwaite or Rick Astley hone their skills if we have not got such a facility here?”

A Warrington theatre could possibly accommodate 500 people if constructed, with a number of possible sites locations highlighted.

They include Showbar, Our Lady’s RC Church in Latchford and the Odeon in Westbrook, as well as sites at Riverside Retail Park and Cockhedge Shopping Centre.

Thwaites Empire Theatre chairman Michael Berry and director John Anson were at the meeting and explained to those in attendance how Blackburn's 330-capacity site came to thrive after opening its doors in 2002.

"We had no money or a home. People were dreaming – but don't just dream, work on it and make it a reality," said Mr Berry.

"This was done purely by hard work and generosity – £800,000 was collected by fundraising.

"You need fundraisers, partners and volunteers, we have around 40 volunteers – they are absolutely vital.

"It is vital to get everybody involved – passion is the key for a theatre.

"We have turned our theatre into a community resource, not just a theatre. People believe in it and everybody is pulling in the same direction.

"If you can get that then it works."

Former Mayor Cllr Linda Dirir was also in attendance and spoke of her hunger for a theatre.

She said: "I was instrumental in setting up the Theatre for Warrington group ten years ago.

"When I was Mayor of Warrington I was embarrassed that I had to go to The Brindley to support our groups."

Campaigners are set to discuss plans for an independent assessment imminently and are urging anyone who wants to get involved to e-mail wadac@outlook.com.