THE curtain will rise on the new face of Minehead's Regal Theatre next Saturday (December 29) - but only to give audiences the chance to enjoy some seasonal slapstick.

The £254,000 project to revamp the town centre building has created a street level box office, additional toilets, improved plumbing and electrical systems and an all important and long awaited lift to enable theatregoers with limited mobility to access all areas.

The building work means the theatre has been closed since September but MATA - the Minehead Amateur Theatrical Association - which has spearheaded a 15-year fundraising campaign for the improvements, announced this week that it would re-open for the annual panto.

Minehead Panto People's production of Babes in the Wood will be staged at the Regal even though the theatre will not be fully open.

Theatre spokesman Elaine Ross said a site meeting last week to assess the progress of the refurbishment had concluded the panto could go ahead.

But she said the work was not completed and there were still some elements that needed finishing off, which would have an impact on theatregoers.

"Unfortunately, the lift will not be in full operation and it will not be possible to accommodate people in wheelchairs for the panto," said Mrs Ross.

The new box office will also not be in use so a temporary box office in the Methodists Church opposite the theatre will continue.

Mrs Ross said that as the church premises were a little restricted, people were urged to book their seats in advance to avoid queues and waiting on the night of performances.

The refurbishment, including the commissioning of the lift, is expected to be completed by the end of January in time for the local film society's showing of A Royal Affair.

Meanwhile, volunteers are gearing up for training with the new facilities and a big cleaning operation is about to get underway to ensure the theatre can be open for the panto's opening night next Saturday.

The production runs until January 5 at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinées on December 29 and 30 and January 1 and 5.

The box office can be contacted on 01643 706430 or, alternatively, tickets can be bought online at boxoffice@ regaltheatre.co.uk.