The Gateway Theatre in Seaton has replaced its fluorescent tube lighting with energy-efficient LEDs as it continues to improve its green credentials.

The change was made possible by a fundraising campaign and a carefully managed work programme that managed to fit in around the theatre performances and the community activities that take place there.

Theatre manager Sophia Moseley said: "We are very grateful to Millman Electrical Ltd who were extremely accommodating and managed to dip in and out, keeping the disruption to the minimum." 

She added that a special scaffold had to be used to enable the electrician to reach the lights in the auditorium where the ceiling is very high, and this piece of kit was supplied by Northcott Building Contractors.

The LEDs themselves were supplied by City Electrical Factors of Honiton, further supporting the Gateway Theatre’s green initiative and its support of local commerce and business.

The lights were paid for with a a grant from East Devon District Council’s Culture Leisure and Tourism Fund, generous donations from Yvonne Waite’s Chair Yoga class, and other fundraising activities.

Sophia said: "It took a while to raise the funds, and we are very grateful to everyone for their support and contribution to the new lighting.

"It not only means brighter lighting for our theatre users, especially the NHS blood donation service, but also lower bills. The future of the theatre is quite literally looking bright!’