IF we gave the world Pete Postlethwaite, Sue Johnston and Tim Firth, what should we do for an encore?

An intriguing e-mail reached my garret flat this week, in a bid to enlist Podium's support in the quest for a fully-functioning town centre theatre space.

And seeing as though the appeal came from veteran councillor, and my former home economics teacher, Celia Jordan, who has at least ensured I've been able to fend for myself for the last 20 years, it ticked all the right boxes.

For I've been fortunate enough, for the past few years, to enjoy the varied programme at the Altrincham Garrick, with the folks.

Our tastes have run to most of what Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber have penned, with the occasional classic thrown in. The small yet select company at the venue, with guests, are always up to the task.

Such a pity then that little Altrincham, and even Runcorn for heaven's sake, can boast reputable theatres capable of hosting touring productions, when Warrington is left wanting.

If we needed reminding, we had a perfectly serviceable venue in the scandalously now-demolished Crosfields Theatre.

And to her credit Celia has never missed an opportunity to champion the cause for a new stage, more recently when what is now the Showbar, on Friar's Gate, became available.

Perhaps it may be an innovative solution, and thinking outside the box for a mainstream cinema operator to incorporate a flexible auditorium into their plans.

The town is crying out for a star turn though, maybe Mr Odeon or Madam Cineworld can give us a twirl?

* MAYBE you're a true blue in Bewsey, or Labour's flag bearer in Lymm - whatever your colours just make sure you vote.

Ignore all claims that by rooting for Candidate A, you'll let in Candidate B, who'll pawn the family silver and force-feed you porridge oats. Or deport you for having French plaits or a Roman nose.

Stay true to whichever beliefs you hold dear and don't listen to what any politician, pundit, journalist, pollster or shyster has to say, write or tweet.

One curious aside. Four old hands, known to your correspondent, assembled on Church Street destined for a Jolly Boys Night Out in town, all plumped for UKIP's Trevor Nicholl in Warrington North.

He'd battled his way out of Bewsey and made a good fist of setting up his own small business, and that was enough.

As a scoop it's hardly likely to shake Helen Jones' rock-solid majority but if the purple mob claim any headway either side of the river, you heard it here first.

* EVERY so often an eagerly-anticipated baby with a strong bloodline can unite the general populace.

So welcome to the world Samuel Thurston Taylor, the latest addition to the Away Day Crew, and belated congratulations to parents Claire and Mark.

Not only has the little mite known nothing but rugby league glory since birth (even on his Leyther side)but his mum can happily explain his middle name to anyone not acquainted with a certain NRL legend.

* IT'S been with huge regret that I've read about the sad death of one of my childhood compadres, Terence Clare, in the last couple of editions of the Guardian.

He has featured in these columns before, uncredited, as an athlete in the Backs Olympics, beloved of Manchester Road and Willis Street 80s kids, and a tireless participant in the 15-a-side marathon football matches, staged on summer nights in St Elphin's Park.

The thoughts of the Magill family, and no doubt many others across Warrington, are with his mother Fran and sister Michelle at this very difficult time.