A group has been established in an attempt to convince authorities to re-open the Secombe Theatre which was closed in 2016.

Sutton Secombe Theatre Revival is the name of the group who also led a petition after last year’s closure.

They managed to gain 1,350 signatures despite nothing coming from their efforts.

Because of this, Sutton Secombe Theatre Revival is now planning “to draw on all the expertise in the local community, including activists and enablers” in order to re-open the “vital asset”.

In 2014, professional actor and director, Justin Eade, wrote to the Sutton Guardian in support of the Secombe Theatre which is located on Cheam Road.

Justin, who played parts in King Lear, Our House, Blood Brothers and Macbeth in the venue, said: “I do have a form of Autism and for people who are in the know about that illness will tell you that its main affect is the limitation of social skills.

“I feel without the social skills and the self-esteem gained from this fantastic theatre, I would not be where I am today.”

He added: “Please give the community of Sutton the chance to have a local theatre and the opportunity for some to find a passion in theatre and achieve what I have done in over 20 years as a performer.”

The 396-seat Secombe was closed after the Sutton Theatre Trust went into administration in 2016.

The Sutton Theatre Trust took over from Sutton Council in 2014 after the borough revealed proposals to shut down the venue amid budget cuts.

You can follow updates about the group’s activities via their Facebook page ‘Sutton Secombe Theatre Revival’.