A SPECIAL event celebrating the "good old days" will help fund essential repairs to the only theatre in Alloa.

The Alman Dramatic Club will hold a fundraising weekend full of what it has called "mysterious magic, splendiferous song and energetic entertainment".

The Wee County group has arranged a production in a bid to facilitate work to the Coach House Theatre tower, which was seriously compromised by the bad winter.

Water issues were highlighted by the weather and a sum of £15,000 is needed in order to complete the necessary repairs, which include putting up specially made tiles.

Instead of simply asking people to make a donation, the Alman committee decided to organise an event to showcase their talents and attract some support from the public.

And this approach speaks to what the club is all about – engaging with the community and providing entertainment for those in Clackmannanshire.

Senga Awlson, chairperson, said if the group was to try and fund repairs themselves, it would leave very little capital for the November, March and June productions.

She told the Advertiser: "I think it's very important for the community to be able to support us.

"Our patrons are very, very loyal. It gives them the chance to support us as well as having a nice night out."

The unique 63-seater performance venue was built in the early 1900s as the coach house for Inglewood and is a listed building.

It was empty for a number of years before being transformed into The Hay Loft Theatre, later becoming the Coach House.

Along with being home to the Alman, it is hired, and occasionally gifted, to other groups for performances, as is the huge collection of theatrical costumes and properties.

Senga said: "I think it's very important for the community to have a theatre like this and have the opportunity of seeing plays without having to travel too far.

"It's just such a privilege for us to indulge in our hobby, but also to entertain people who are willing to come along and pay to see us."

At the helm of the fundraising drive is Moira Walker who has secured £5,000 from the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust.

And she has put together three performances of the Good Old Days, which invites people to dress up and throw themselves heart and soul into Victorian/Edwardian music hall memories.

The production includes musical director Hugh MacDonald and stars George Marcinkiewicz, David McGirr, Vivienne Fairchild, Leona Reiter, Sandy Sinclair, Brian Smith and David Webster.

For a small consideration, the audience will have access to some of the Alman costumes to dress appropriately for the evening.

Interval drinks may be ordered and a rare raffle will take place, with donations from members and guests welcome.

Performances take place on Friday, August 17, at 7.30pm; Saturday, August 18, at 2.30pm; and Sunday, August 19, at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the shows are available from thealman.com