A group who have been supporting a theatre for many years have stepped down from their role after raising almost £1 million. 

Friends of Theatre by the Lake have stood down from their role in supporting the theatre, handing over a cheque of £11,500. 

The Friends group was initially set up as a fundraising group for the then new Keswick theatre and was instrumental in gathering public support. 

Over the past 22 years the committee of twelve volunteers have continued to offer their support. 

Anne Chambers, Chair of Friends of Theatre by the Lake said: "We are delighted and very proud to discover that the charity has raised this sum over the past twenty-two years. It really demonstrates the local and nationwide support for our very special theatre.

"On behalf of the Friends and the current committee I would like to thank all those individuals who have worked tirelessly to run the charity. The fruits of our labour can be seen in the theatre that our entire community benefits from."

The Friends helped to organise an array of activities including social events, theatre trips and promotional concerts amongst other things. 

 In addition, a separate cohort of friends ran the 600 Club, an annual  lottery scheme with monthly prizes which in itself contributed £110,000 towards the total.

With the advent of improved technological solutions to ticketing and communications and the benefits of increased efficiencies, The Friends conducted a ballot of their members in 2020 with almost 2000 members voting to transfer the membership directly to the theatre to continue the good work.

Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director of Theatre by the Lake said: "We are so incredibly grateful to Anne, the committee and all the friends who have come together to support the work of Theatre by the Lake over the years. Their extraordinary achievement will continue to be celebrated by us all."

Theatre by the Lake will continue their fundraising efforts having recently launched a new membership scheme. For more information and to find out how you can support your local theatre visit: theatrebythelake.com/membership.