AN Oscar winning York actress has urged residents in Yorkshire to support a new theatre.

Dame Judi Dench is a patron of East Riding Theatre in Beverley, which is a Grade II listed chapel which is being transformed into a 200-seat theatre by a team of 80 volunteers, and hopes to open in December.

She said: “Theatre is a staple of the arts community and it’s fantastic that Beverley, with its rich cultural heritage, will benefit from both the venue and the visitors it attracts.

“As the theatre is still seeking sponsors at this point, the support of the public is vital in enabling ERT to present a world-class artistic programme and deliver innovative creative learning projects both locally and nationally, which will inevitably attract visitors from all over the country to the East Riding and have a significant impact on the local economy.

“As a Yorkshire born actress I am proud to be patron of this exciting new theatre and urge you to support it in any way you can.”

The theatre will host Vincent Regan’s new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, directed by Mike Friend, from its opening night on Wednesday, December 17, through until Saturday, January 3.

For more information and to book tickets go to eastridingtheatre.co.uk