Pirbright Players are looking for benefactors to fund new stage lighting, which would be owned by the Players, in Lord Pirbright’s Hall.

“The present lighting, which is 40 years old, has had to be taken down because of being unsafe,” said Carole Gailer, chair of Pirbright Players.

“The cost to take down the unsafe rigging and replace with new modern stage lighting and safe rigging is about £16,000, well beyond the affordability of the Players.

“A new lighting plan with costs and illustration has been produced. The Players are not a charity but all profits go to the cost of productions.

“Pirbright Players are vital to our beautiful Pirbright village. It was founded in 1971 and has built up an excellent reputation for quality productions.

“Each year the Players produce one to two successful shows – plays, musicals or pantomimes. New, modern LED stage lighting in Lord Pirbright’s Hall will be safe, attractive and enjoyed by audiences and the local community.”

Recent productions include Gosforth’s Fete, Treasure Island, The Wizard of Oz and Robin Hood.

At present the hall has no stage lights at all, which means it can affect people having weddings, children’s parties and bands as well as putting on shows.

Lord Pirbright’s Hall was built in 1899 by Lord Pirbright and formally donated to the Pirbright Parish in 1901 to commemorate the accession of King Edward VII. It hosts a variety of exercise classes, ballet and events.

“The Players are rehearsing for Cinderella, which will be performed on 30 and 31 January,” Carole said. “We need the new stage lighting installed by the end of December so we can rehearse with lights. Otherwise we will have to hire lights as the last resort. The production can’t be moved.”

For more details or if you can help the Players, email [email protected] or visit pirbrightplayers.spanglefish.org