A THEATRE in Oxford is calling for the county’s drama lovers to step up to the plate and help fund much needed renovations.

The Oxford Playhouse still has to find £150,000 in order to complete work to the theatre and has begun its fundraiser Take Your Seat.

The project allows audience members to leave a legacy by putting a name plaque on a seat for £500 or spending £15 on a tin of paint to brighten up the theatre.

Chief executive Louise Chantal said she was hoping Oxfordshire residents would chip in to transform the Beaumont Street venue.

She said: “No matter how big or small, every donation is much appreciated and makes a real difference.

“All donations will help the Playhouse create an even more welcoming and comfortable space that reflects the exceptional quality of the work on stage.

“We see the seats as a way to be part of the legacy – a longstanding gift for someone who may have spent time at the Playhouse and have memories here.”

Arts Council England contributed a large portion of the funding, bringing the total raised to £600,000.

So far this has paid for new foyer and circle bars and upgrading the air conditioning unit.

The theatre has not been fully renovated since it opened 77 years ago although several changes were made in 1991.

The venue was the UK’s last new theatre to be constructed before the Second World War and has featured actors such as Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Ronnie Barker and John Gielgud gracing the stage.

Perhaps the most famous production was Oxford University Dramatic Society’s Dr Faustus in 1966, which featured Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Ms Chantal added: “Other notable student performers over the years have included Rowan Atkinson, Michael Palin and Dudley Moore, and more recently, Emily Mortimer and Emilia Fox.

“Students who went on to success in other fields included politicians Shirley Williams and Nigel Lawson, director John Schlesinger and writers Alan Bennett and Christopher Hampton.”

* Anyone wanting to name a seat or make a donation should contact the development office at the Playhouse on 01865 305315.