Volunteers are real stars of the theatre

The theatre, which was built in 1893, was taken on by Natalie and Mike Hayes-Cowley almost two years ago.

The new management has breathed new life into the theatre undertaking significant and sympathetic improvement works as well as securing nationally acclaimed acts.

With visitor numbers increasing, Natalie says it couldn’t be done without the army of loyal volunteers.

She said: “Our wonderful volunteers are the lifeblood of the theatre and we simply could not operate without them.

“As we don’t receive any external funding, we have a limited staff of only 12 which means we need extra help to put on the shows and ensure everyone who visits the theatre has a fantastic time.

“Every single volunteer works really hard and always has a smile on their face and myself and the whole team are so grateful for their time and energy.

“The theatre is an important Lincoln venue and one we are committed to protecting and championing.

“It’s fantastic the theatre has welcomed volunteers for over 20 years now – we truly appreciate all their efforts in helping us to put on shows week after week.”

As the theatre becomes busier, it continues to look for further volunteers.

“Interested parties should contact the box office for more information.

One of the theatre’s longest standing volunteers is Lesley Headley, who has volunteered for around 20 years.

Lesley said: “I absolutely love working at the theatre and I have so many fantastic memories from my time spent there.

“Some of my highlights have been meeting Charlton Heston, David McCallum and the fantastic casts of the shows we have welcomed over the years.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing visitors leaving, grinning from ear to ear and thanking you for a fantastic time.

“One of my fondest memories was being thanked by a parent for helping her son with special needs thoroughly enjoy his first outing to the theatre; to see his huge smile when he came out was just the best.

“The theatre is such an important venue and is the best provincial theatre not just in town, but anywhere if you ask me.

“I want to be able to support the theatre in any way possible and it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to volunteer there alongside a team that shares the same passion as me.”

Carolyn Wilkinson, who has also volunteered at the theatre for 20 years, added: “The selflessness of the volunteers is something that rubs off on each of us who sign up to as much or as little as our circumstances allow.

“Every show and every audience are different and it’s that which keeps us all coming back to work with our friends and customers, old and new.”