THE iconic Chorley Little Theatre is changing its name – to reflect its size and ambitions.

The theatre will mark its 120th anniversary by removing the word 'little' from its name.

The theatre – home to Chorley Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society (CADOS) – will soon be opening up a studio space in the old Hyatt restaurant next door.

Work is ongoing to turn the restaurant into a new space that will enable productions to be performed ‘in-the-round’ – as well more experimental and challenging pieces that may not get full audiences on the main stage.

The venue will be renamed Chorley Theatre from January 2020. The venue will have room for around 350 customers over two stages.

Operations director Ian Robinson said: “CADOS used to be in Chorley Little Theatre when it sat 50 people on St Georges Street so we feel it’s time we had a name that was a bit clearer about who we are and what we offer.

“The same ethos will be behind everything, and we’re still run by volunteers with any profits going back towards the upkeep of the building.

“CADOS shows are currently getting their highest audiences ever, and we offer much more with big-name comedy nights, music and events all year round so we felt it was time to be a bit bolder with the name.”

The theatre has also vowed to keep showing films – despite the current film society winding down.

Chorley Empire Community Cinema – formerly Chorley Film Society – has been hiring the venue since 1990.

Mr Robinson added: “This is one of the longest-running cinemas in the UK and we’ll still have the biggest cinema auditorium in Chorley despite other developments in town, so we’ll continue to show films old and new, as well as special events.”

A special night looking back at the achievements of the community cinema will be held on October 6, with drinks and nibbles included in the ticket price to see Kenneth Branagh film All Is True.