Business backs community theatre

An act of kindness from a North East-based business will ensure that the Royalty Theatre in Sunderland is able to continue entertaining the public with its regular drama productions.
Adam Penny, left, commercial manager at Lucion Services, and John Appleton, chairman at The Royalty Theatre.Adam Penny, left, commercial manager at Lucion Services, and John Appleton, chairman at The Royalty Theatre.
Adam Penny, left, commercial manager at Lucion Services, and John Appleton, chairman at The Royalty Theatre.

The community theatre, which opened in 1925, needed an asbestos survey to be completed as part of health and safety obligations to keep the historic building open to the public.

Committed to supporting local communities, asbestos and risk management group, Lucion Services stepped in to help the theatre save around £1,000 by providing 50 hours of its services free of charge.

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John Appleton, chairman at The Royalty Theatre, said: “Lucion completed a very thorough and efficient job for us. As a result, we were able stick to our planned schedule for repair work to be carried out and in turn keep the disruption to our business to a minimum while meeting our health and safety obligations.

“To have all of this work completed free of charge is a fantastic gesture.

“We raise funds through memberships and donations and every penny counts towards keeping the facility open for the actors, the young people who attend our Youth Academy and most importantly, our audiences.”

Adam Penny, commercial manager at Lucion, added: “The Royalty Theatre is an important part of Sunderland’s culture and I’m delighted that we could play a role in helping to keep it going for people in the North East.

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“While the building itself doesn’t pose a risk in terms of asbestos presence, our survey was needed by the theatre to protect its insurance policy and enable vital maintenance work to be completed.

“It’s a pleasure to see our work benefitting such a great local amenity.”