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VIDEO: 'The good news for us is Websters Theatre is reopen now in time for panto'

The venue was forced to close in the summer when storms dislodged masonry from its spire.

A West End theatre is looking forward to its panto season thanks to a little devine intervention.

Websters Theatre was forced to close in the summer when storms dislodged masonry from its spire.

 Guest appearance: the bar and bistro will open temporarily in time for panto but then permanently in the New Year
Guest appearance: the bar and bistro will open temporarily in time for panto but then permanently in the New Year

The converted-church theatre in Kelvinbridge has only recently reopened.

And venue manager Pete Sneddon has revealed the part the Church of Scotland played in ensuring speedy repairs.

"Unfortunately during the summer some of the older stone in this church fell and landed on the pavement in Great Western Road.

"Fortunately no one was injured but that meant, for safety reasons, we were forced to shut the building, pavement and one lane of Great Western Road.

"All operations in the theatre, bar and bistro had to cease.

 Reopen: Websters has the church to thank for helping out with repairs
Reopen: Websters has the church to thank for helping out with repairs

"We were unsure how we were going to recover from that but fortunately the Church of Scotland, who still own half the building, agreed to fund the scaffolding that has gone up to ensure that both the lane on Great Western Road and the pavement could reopen.

"The good news for us is that meant we could reopen the theatre side of things.

"The bar and bistro remains closed at the moment but the trust is very hopeful that that will reopen in time for panto, possibly on a temporary basis, but definitely reopening in fulness in the early part of next year."

The theatre has staged a number of shows since reopening.

But the big one for its tills is the panto - this year Jackie and the Baked Beans Stock.

 Poster: this year's pantomime at Websters Theatre
Poster: this year's pantomime at Websters Theatre

Pete said: "The panto is a big deal for the theatre - we are delighted to be welcoming theatregoers this year.

"Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be a fabulous show."

Websters opened in Glasgow architect John Honeyman’s Category ‘A’ listed Lansdowne Church two years ago.

The Four Acres Charitable Trust that runs the building is working with the Church of Scotland to try and establish a long term use for the church.

https://youtu.be/x4WXKMjxCGI

Watch: Peter Sneddon at Websters Theatre explains what happened over the summer

Many new features have been added to make the venue an appealing theatre space.

An outside beer garden recently opened and a new heating system and outdoor lighting have been installed.

The new bar, restaurant and theatre is named after the designer of the stained glass Alf Webster.

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