REDBRIDGE Drama Centre is to get a high-tech revamp to give its audiences even more of a treat.

The centre in Churchfields, South Woodford, has just been awarded a venue development funding grant of £120,000 from the Arts Council England.

This award will be given over three years and enables a major refurbishment of the 100 seat Lovegrove Theatre with state of the art lighting and sound equipment.

Keith Homer, who runs Redbridge Drama Centre, is delighted with the funding. He said: "This gives us a fantastic opportunity to expand and bring in more diverse work.

"The theatre will have a more varied program and a greater number of performances with more theatre companies coming in to take up residencies."

"The funding also allows us to redesign our website which will also have facilities for people to buy tickets for upcoming events online."

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Joyce Ryan, who is chairwoman of Redbridge Drama Centre, was there on Wednesday, May 16, to congratulate staff.

She also presented an additional £3,500 cheque from the Jack Petchey Foundation for the The International Youth Theatre Festival which takes place from July 21 to 28.

The centre also received an extra award from the Arts Council of £14,130 specifically for the event. Mrs Ryan said: "I look forward to watching the drama centre go from strength to strength.

"I am particularly excited with the plans for the International Festival and I am confident that this will be extremely successful and will produce lasting international links."

This is the first youth festival of its kind in Redbridge for 15 years and will incorporate youth theatre groups from Lithuania, Slovenia and Romania.

The festival consists of performances from each company with post-show discussion seminars about theatre in the respective countries. There will also be workshops led by Vital Stages Theatre Company and the centre's resident professionals.

The centre aims to increase its profile to make every Thursday night a theatre night amongst high school drama departments, primary schools and local theatre goers in the area.

To find out more about the festival or other productions phone the drama centre on 8504 5451 or visit www.redbridgedramacentre.co.uk