EAST Lancashire provides just some of the 49,000 amateur theatre groups in the UK where an astounding 10million people actively taking part. Annual income through ticket sales amounts to about £543m.

Some of the larger theatre groups require a budget of around £95,000 to put on just one of their shows. The only way this money can be clawed back is through ticket sales – there are no multi-billionaire producers in amateur theatre.

Amateur theatre is no longer a subject of derision, of cardboard sets and prima donnas.

Many amateur productions rival touring professional shows – amateur theatre is, after all, the first real training ground for the film and theatre stars of the future.

The cultural and creative hub of any town defines who you are, amateur theatre groups are an invaluable resource to your town's cultural well-being. I would urge you to support your local theatre groups and the work they create.

Take time to listen to their stories and meet some of the hard-working volunteers who just want to create great theatre for your town to enjoy.

Julian Cound, Amateur Stage Magazine.