SUPPORTERS of an under-threat theatre in East Lancashire are building up to their grand reopening this weekend - after months of effort behind the scenes.

Campaigners are putting the finishing touches to the Royal Court in Bacup ahead of the venue's staging of Beauty and the Beast.

Actors have already been pulling out all the stops to promote the six-night run, including a supporting role at Rawtenstall's Christmas lights switch-on.

Those involved in the Bacup Royal Court Theatre Facebook group have also held a fun run and festive bag packing stint to swell their coffers.

Plans are also in place to stage a fundraising ghost-hunting night at the Royal Court on February 13, to provide further funds for the cause.

Eerie Productions, recently behind a similar expedition at the Lancaster Grand, is staging the £25-a-head investigation

A Royal Court spokesman said: "The committee would also like to extend great thanks to all of you who have supported us in many ways over the last few difficult months, especially Cllr Jimmy Eaton, the AB&D centre, the committee of the Millennium Theatre, the team at Broadwater Hall, Lancashire Bike riders, and all the fun walkers who braved dreadful rain and raised nearly £900, and of course the members of Bacup Royal Court Theatre Group."

The volunteers have also been working with EON to get the power restored to the Rochdale Road theatre, after the organising committee was left with a substantial bill before it closed.

"Our long-term aim is to bring a variety of entertainment and pleasure to the local community through the theatre, "added the spokesman.

"It will be good to see the theatre back up and running - it's taken a lot of effort from a number of people," said Cllr Eaton.

The theatre has a storied history and was a touring venue for an early Morecambe & Wise - TV producers used the Royal Court as a backdrop for a TV comedy drama conceived by Victoria Wood, in 2010.

For tickets to the panto, go online to Ticket Source or pop into Wishes Galore in Rochdale Road.

The grand reopening will be from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, with a performance of the Royal Court Singers and Bytes at 2pm and a tour of the theatre at 2.30pm. Refreshments will be available throughout.