Cast members of Hyde Little Theatre's latest play 'When We Were Married' were delighted to receive a cheque for more than £15,000 from Jigsaw Homes Group when they took to the stage.
The cast were performing JB Priestley's comedy at Hyde Festival Theatre last week when they were presented with the cheque, accepted by the cast on behalf of Hyde Little Theatre.
The vital funding will now enable the theatre group to produce a programme of community activities.
Hyde Little Theatre has been a big part of local theatre in Tameside since 1967, producing three plays and an annual pantomime each year.
But this summer will see the biggest plans yet for Hyde Little Theatre's 'In The Community' projects, as they launch a programme of activities taking place at their studios on Market Street in Hyde.
The new summer programme will now be possible thanks to the grant funding totalling £15,520 from Jigsaw Homes Group, allowing them to facilitate weekly sessions for all in the community.
Easter 2019 saw the launch of Hyde Little Theatre's first youth theatre group for ages four to 18 years with primary and secondary sections already attracting more than 100 children and young people from the local area each week.
Gavin Chadwick, from Hyde Little Theatre, said the grant funding will allow HLT to really step up plans this summer to provide members of the community with a chance to get creative in the various sessions to be offered.
"Starting at the end of February, our programme will include something for all ages, from early learning sessions with story-telling, brand new adult and children's choir, an introduction to dance, yoga and pilates, along with many well-being activities for adults," said Gavin.
"It will be great to run these sessions around our youth theatre and rehearsals taking place for our summer play season.
"Our committee has recently been considering the social impact over the past couple of years and how we can give a contribution to the local community by providing these sessions, which are open to everyone.
"We really feel it is a chance for a fresh start for many who will attend and our base Studio 9 is the perfect location to offer a selection of interactive activities to all.
"We are excited to launch our programme and look forward to welcoming new faces from the community very soon," he added.
Meanwhile, the 'When We Are Married' cast enjoyed a well-supported run which is set to continue at Guide Bridge Theatre next month.
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