The Quay Theatre in Sudbury is looking forward to its new year's programmes of events. Pictured, left to right are, Bryn Hurren (chair of board of directors), Simon Frampton (publicity officer), Jack Bedwell (volunteer) and Jan Mellon (volunteer).

A COMMUNITY arts centre is celebrating a turnaround in fortunes despite the global economic downturn.

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The Quay Theatre in Sudbury has faced some tough decisions over the past few years, being forced to make staffing cuts to cover costs.

But according to chairman of the board of directors, Bryn Hurren, this has now started to pay off and the theatre complex has even made a small profit this year.

Mr Hurren puts the theatre’s success down to the broad range of arts offered there – and the sheer hard work of the directors and volunteers involved.

Other changes have also contributed. The theatre now operates entirely on a box office split with acts, rather than a booking fee, and it is used for far more than the traditional auditorium shows.

Further changes planned for next year to help boost the centre’s turnover include increasing publicity, attracting younger audiences and building on the programme of films offered at the venue.

Apart from the ever-changing selection of auditorium shows at the Quay, the theatre also offers a costume hire facility, its Jetty building hosts regular dance classes and drama groups, the theatre foyer features monthly art exhibitions and the bar is open to the public during the week, and to coincide with shows.

Mr Hurren said: “We have a core audience of people who come here because we offer something that is not mainstream. We have never been afraid to try something new and this year we are aiming to attract younger audiences by increasing our film programme and by offering more music events.

“We are also trying to make our shows more accessible to young people by staging them to coincide with half term. We figure there’s no point waiting here for people to come to us, so we are also trying to give the theatre better publicity by taking a market stall and speaking to people in the town about the wide range of things we have to offer.”

Highlights for the coming season include a visit from Honor Blackman on February 10, which is already sold out. The diverse programme also includes a series of fundraising lectures by local historians, music from 60s soul legend Geno Washington and an evening with the great-grandson of Charles Dickens to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the classics author.

Publicity officer for films at the Quay, Simon Frampton, said: “The size of our auditorium could be seen as a disadvantage, but when you can secure a big star like Honor Blackman to perform in such an intimate place, it is such a coup and people love being able to get so close to someone so well known.”

Mr Frampton said they would still offer the “arty” films they are known for, but they intend to also secure more mainstream films quicker.

Quay co-ordinator and board member Nicky Murphy concluded: “It has really become a community arts centre rather than just a theatre. All of us who volunteer to work here really love the place – we just want everyone else to see how wonderful it is.”

Anyone who would like to see for themselves, can pick up a brochure from The Quay. Tomorrow evening, the theatre will host Doris and Me – an evening of Doris Day songs presented by Janet Seidel.

Tickets are still available on the door, priced £10. Call 01787 374745 for details.