THE managers of Wallingford’s revamped Corn Exchange theatre and cinema are urging supporters to dig deep and raise another £150,000 for new equipment.

Last month the home of the Sinodun Players group reopened following a £650,000 refurbishment.

The theatre has been redecorated and given a new roof and performances of Cinderella, the Players’ 70th annual pantomime were a great success.

The heating and ventilation system has also been updated, but managers of the Grade II listed building in the Market Place say more work still needs to be done and this will cost a further £150,000.

Fundraiser for the roof project, John Warburton, said: “We now have a building that is dry again and will be warm and comfortable, with the potential to serve Wallingford into the 21st century.

“We now need to move onwards and upwards.

“With voluntary staffing and management the organisation returns a surplus, which goes into our reserves ready for improvement projects.

“For example, we were able to contribute more than £200,000 towards the roof project from ticket sales in the past few years.

“But to ensure that every customer wants to return to the venue, we must keep up with the latest technology so that the Corn Exchange provides a great experience.”

Mr Warburton said refurbishing the stage will cost about £20,000, while lighting rigs with the latest environmentally-friendly and economic LED systems will cost about £30,000.

The fundraising coordinator added that electric winches to raise and lower the cinema screen and lighting bars would cost a further £50,000, while another £50,000 was needed for a Dolby sound system, to allow the venue to compete with other cinemas.

Mr Warburton added: “Cinderella, which was a great success, finished last month and we are now concentrating on cinema screenings – we want a building fit for the 21st century.”

Cash or cheques – payable to Sinodun Players – can be placed in a box at the Corn Exchange or posted to fundraising coordinator John Warburton, Corn Exchange, Market Place, Wallingford OX10 0EG. Donations can be made by BACS to Sinodun Players, National Westminster Bank, sort code 60-22-19, Account No. 66525705.