THE shows will go on! That's the message from members of the community of Long Eaton who have come together to help local drama groups affected by the devastating blaze at the Duchess Theatre. 

Several were left with nowhere to go when the fire gutted the refurbished building, in West Gate, on November 16. 

But St John's Church, on College Street, and Wilsthorpe School, on Derby Road, have both offered the use of their halls to make sure the show can still go on. 

The Riverside Drama Company's production 'Cause of Death' by Peter Gordon will go ahead as planned tonight (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday at St John's, while the town's first professional pantomime is set to run at the school from December 9 to 13. 

The Arcade Players have rescheduled their play 'It Runs In The Family' by Ray Cooney, which was due to appear at the Duchess Theatre last week, for the first week of February at St John's Church.

Kate Walker, church administrator, said "The Riverside Drama Company and the Arcade Players have audiences from Long Eaton and both wanted to stay in the town, so it was an ideal opportunity for them to use the hall. 

"We wanted to help them and get the community involved in using the church hall." 

Paul Norris, spokesperson for The Riverside Drama Company, said: "We're very happy to be going ahead with the play. A lot of hard work has gone into it since we finished our last play in June.

"St John's have been very generous, not only with the use of the hall but also by helping us to put lighting up and lending us their props."

Diane Hollingsworth, publicity officer for the Arcade Players, added: "We looked at several venues and decided that we should stay in Long Eaton. St.John's were very helpful." 

The pantomime is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Long Eaton. Its president, Roger Alton, said: "The fire deprived the town of a wonderful amenity and we were really looking forward to providing some seasonal joy to lots of families

"I am delighted to report that both Danny Smith, the headteacher of Wilsthorpe School, and Jerry Graham, the show's producer, have been able to work something out that will mean the show will go on." 

Danny Smith added: "We are pleased to be able to help. Wilsthorpe is a community school and we have a venue with a good stage, good seating and facilities to make everyone welcome."