A HOLLYWOOD actor's ambitious theatre plans for Beverley look set to win the go-ahead from East Riding councillors.
Plans to transform a disused chapel to create the East Riding Theatre are the brainchild of actor Vincent Regan, who lives in Beverley.
The proposal, which would bring a professional regional theatre to the town, has been recommended for approval when it goes before East Riding planning councillors next week.
Stars such as Dame Judi Dench are involved with the proposed theatre – a not-for-profit company that would be established in the council-owned, listed building in Lord Roberts Road, close to County Hall.
Mr Regan has told the council: "It has been a long journey getting it to this stage but, thanks to the support of many in the council and community, we can look forward to the creation of a diverse arts venue benefiting the region and attracting world-class talent and companies."
Dozens of letters supporting the theatre and café proposal have been lodged with the council's planning department by residents who insist the venue would be a great asset to the town.
Some have told the council there is "a cultural black hole in the East Riding".
They say the venue would fill the gap by fostering local professional musical and theatre talent, as well as receiving the best of national touring companies.
Beverley resident Sylvia Ashwell has told the council: "This pretty chapel has been crying out for public use for many years.
"A dedicated performance space in Beverley would be a real joy.
"There are, of course, places where local groups and travelling entertainers perform but, as they are multi-purpose halls and churches, they do have drawbacks of numerous kinds."
Beverley historian Professor Barbara English said the project would bring much-needed live theatre to the town, which has had a long theatrical tradition over the centuries.
Beverley Folk Festival founder and director Chris Wade is also backing plans to open the theatre this year.
Miss Wade told East Riding Council: "Such a venue is long overdue in the town. Beverley Folk Festival is already looking at working with the theatre as a partner, to programme some of the festival's events there throughout the year and to assist in the programming of some other professional music events there.
"Since the closure of the Picture Playhouse, there has been a great desire from local people to have a dedicated venue in the town for professional performances.
"I feel this theatre will be able to achieve a great deal and I look forward to working with those concerned to help it achieve its aims."
In a report to go before the authority's eastern area planning sub-committee next Monday, planners are recommending approval is given for the scheme.
Planning officers say the theatre would be a valuable addition to the town, supporting the local economy and catering for the needs of residents.
No objections have been lodged against the conversion plans for the 1910 former Baptist Chapel.
If the plan is approved by councillors, it will have to be referred to the Secretary of State for the final stamp of approval, as the venue is a listed building owned by the council.
Dame Judi Dench has agreed to be the patron of the East Riding Theatre and Beverley-born, Bafta-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin is among the stars Vincent Regan is hoping to involve in the project.
