A BERE ALSTON woman who says she ‘absolutely loved’ working at the Theatre Royal has joined with two former colleagues to stage an online art and craft auction to support the venue which is under threat due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With performances not possible and its prop and costume workshops silent, it is now facing making staff redundant, despite an emergency government grant.

Katie, a special needs art teacher who crafts in her spare time, is inviting others to donate theatre memorabilia, paintings and art and craft items to her auction to benefit the TRP Emergency Appeal launched by the venue in a bid to secure its future.

Items can be posted on the Facebook public group www.facebook.com/trpartsauction, where lots already donated include this original giclee print of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood (pictured right) by successful local artist Jo Beer.

The auction on August 27-29 will invite people to post bids in the comments section under each item in the auction.

Katie, pictured top right during one of her backstage tours during her time as a house manager at the theatre, said she and former colleagues Natalie Roberts and Adam Richards wanted to their ‘little bit to help’. ‘Having worked at TRP I’ve seen first-hand all the wonderful work they do. It is so much more than an entertainment establishment,’ she said.

‘It has such a positive impact on individuals from deprived backgrounds, asylum seekers, young people and people with disabilities.

‘We hope that by raising some valuable funds TRP will make it through the darkness and bounce back into supporting these vital communities.

‘We really need more people to get involved by donation, sharing the auction group and when the time comes, buying the pieces we have on offer.’