'We're a family here' - Performers come together in sadness and defiance for one last show at Cannock theatre
There was a feeling of sadness, but also defiance, among community theatre members as they prepared to hit the stage of a Cannock theatre for what might be the last time.
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Groups from across Cannock were getting ready to put on a big show at the town's Prince of Wales Theatre on Saturday (April 26) dubbed "The Final Curtain Call... For now!".
Seven of the district's leading performing groups were joining forces to say their goodbyes to the theatre, following news that it was put at risk of permanent closure due to Cannock Chase Council's budget measures aimed at protecting essential frontline services.
Some of the groups have been performing at the theatre since it opened in 1984.
Ahead of the big show on Saturday, groups including Backstreet Theatre Company and Brownhills Musical Theatre Company were going through their routines and rehearsing their big numbers inside the theatre.
While the mood among those on stage seemed good, with the sounds of "Jesus Christ Superstar" ringing throughout the 400-seat theatre from the Brownhills group, there was a feeling of sadness and disappointment among those present at the loss of a theatre many of them had grown up with.
Carrie-Anne Collins from Backstreet said she had been a part of the theatre for years, both as a performer and helping out with running shows.
