Hi-de-Hi! star Jeffrey Holland backs fight to save historic Walsall theatre
Hi-de-Hi! star Jeffrey Holland has vowed to bring his one-man show back to the Black Country to help save an under-threat theatre group.
The popular actor started his career with the Grange Players back in the 1960s.
However, the group, which has operated from a site in Walsall since the 1950s, is in desperate need of a cash injection to keep it going.
The Grange Players are appealing for help to raise £60,000 to carry out vital works that will allow them to reopen their Grange Playhouse.
Bosses of the registered charity have launched a Save The Grange appeal.
But now the group's patron Mr Holland, 71, who is from the town, has backed the fundraising push.
Mr Holland, who recently performed in the Grand Theatre's production of Brassed Off, said: "I started off my acting career there back in the 1960s. Now I'm the patron and have been for the last few years.
"It's a tragedy that they are in such a state. I have offered to help with fundraising by doing my one-man play again and other activities as well.
"They need to raise a lot of money. It's tragic, the building is in such need of repair.
"I remember my aunt was actually involved in helping the construction of the building in the first place back in the 1950s.
"I've got a life-long link with it and it would be immensely sad to see anything happen to it that couldn't be put right.
"It is where I started out and it's the only little theatre of its kind like it in the area – and everyone can use the facilities.
"We mustn't let the Grange go, it's unique. I've seen many productions there and the standards are very high."
The building belongs to Walsall Borough Council but the group leases it off the council.
A council spokesman said: “The council has worked closely with the theatre group and their legal representative in recent years, completing a new lease on terms aimed at assisting them to attract external funding, supporting their long-standing theatre productions from these premises.”
There are more than 300 members with around 50 active, including actors, actresses, and backstage crew.
The group's first fundraiser will be a Burns Supper on January 25 but the venue and time is yet to be confirmed.
Anyone who wants to buy a ticket for the Burns Supper, make a donation or help can find contact details at grangeplayers.co.uk
