SHE has been part of York Theatre Royal for the past 40 years and there is still no sign of the curtain coming down on her career.

Rita Ridgeon, 72, began work at the theatre four decades ago as a catering assistant before she decided to take on the job of usher in 1991 and has been welcoming customers and stars to the venue ever since.

Since starting in 1973, Rita says she has seen every one of Berwick Kaler’s pantomime roles, including his very first as one of the ugly sisters in Cinderella, and is regularly invited onto the stage by the famous dame.

She said: “I liked this year’s one (Robin Hood) and also Dick Turpin. I’m dragged on every panto but I don’t really want to be on there.

“I remember one year, I was so embarrassed, Berwick had me up on stage and said this performance won’t continue on until you say ‘I believe in fairies’ and it was packed full and my grandchildren were in. I did it, though.”

Rita said the opportunity to meet all the different people is what has kept her at the Theatre Royal for so long.

“It’s variable and social, though I don’t like it when some people sit in the wrong seats,” she said.

“Because I’ve worked here a long time on the stalls doors, I do know a lot of the people who come here. Everyone’s important in my mind who comes through those doors. I like it to be busy.”

Though 40 years have passed since her first day at the theatre, Rita says much of it has remained the same.

“I think it’s been redecorated once.

The seats used to be dark green. I can’t wait for the revamp.”

She added: “I can’t see a point when I wouldn’t want to be here. I think about it sometimes but I’ve been here so long it would be like taking my arm off, taking the theatre away from me.

As long as I’m able-bodied and can do the job, and I really want to see the place change around. I want to be part of it.”