York Theatre Royal has launched a campaign to raise £500,000 to help pay for its biggest upgrade in 50 years. Today The Press publishes the latest in an occasional series of columns by writers explaining what the theatre means to them.

FOR some actors, moving outside the M25 is like relocating to the moon.

Theatre land is there, the West End, the National Theatre, why on earth would you want to leave London? Well, five years ago my wife, Katie, and I did just that, upping sticks and putting down tentative roots in a city called York.

Now I’d toured here before, rehearsed with Pilot Theatre, but this was a whole new kettle of fish. I won’t deny it was a daunting prospect.

Then, like a moth attracted to a bright shining bulb, I found myself drawn to the Theatre Royal. You’ll think it obvious, but an actor’s relationship with a theatre is not a given thing. We sit in wait, usually waiting for our time to take to the stage.

London theatres want you when you are useful to them but here I found an open, inclusive and warm environment. The theatre was a homely hub which welcomed me even when I wasn’t in the cast.

You see here I felt I could use the aspects of my job which just hibernate when we are ‘resting’.

I asked to work in adult engagement, ‘of course’ they said. Use my skills to educate, ‘ ‘sure, why not?’ Before I knew it I’m leading adult acting sessions with the good people of this fair city, engaged in passing on the knowledge which would only sit dormant in my Highgate flat. Because this is a place of opportunity. Of possibility and the chance to show what you can do, regardless of your background.

I have no prouder memory in theatre than seeing people I’d worked with walking out on stage as part of the 2012 Mystery Plays.

I can safely say the Theatre Royal has encouraged me, not only in my roles on the stage, be it Weasel, Duke or Dog; but by the fact that it possesses that rare and valuable thing within the arts. A place where everyone can feel valued and empowered.

So when friends ask me how it’s going? Am I happy moving away from the buzz of the big smoke? I quite clearly answer ‘Ay, there’s nowt I’d change lad’. York’s a very special place, I hope to see that remain so.

• The theatre needs you too! We still need to raise £500,000 to ensure the redevelopment of York Theatre Royal is completed to the highest possible standard. If you or your organisation would like to hold a fundraising event, name a seat, or sponsor part of the building, please email fundraising@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or to make a donation via text Text YTRC15 £(amount you wish to donate) to 70070 or go to: justgiving.com/yorktheatreroyal/donate