Python star backs theatre's plea

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Monty Python star Terry Jones has backed calls for a theatre in his home town Colwyn Bay to receive £1.25m funding for refurbishment.

The comedian wrote a letter in support of Theatr Colwyn, Conwy, which he said needed bringing into the 21st Century.

The theatre, of which Mr Jones is patron, applied for funding from the Welsh Assembly Government's North Wales Coastal Strategic Regeneration Fund.

Manager Phil Batty said he was grateful of support from a "lovely chap".

Mr Jones, who co-wrote, directed and starred in the controversial film The Life of Brian, said the auditorium is "as charming as it ever was", but the venue needed modernising to survive.

He added: "I am convinced the regeneration scheme for Theatr Colwyn will be an important revitalising element for the future of the town and the whole of north Wales."

Theatre bosses claim the building is one of the oldest in the town

If the application is successful, the re-development plan includes moving a bar downstairs, improved access and the renovation of stage facilities and dressing rooms.

Theatre manager Mr Batty said any money was likely to be awarded on a "fifty-fifty" match-funding basis.

He said he was "begging and pleading to MPs and AMs" to see if the match-funding could be reduced to "an achievable level like 80-20".

He added: "Terry Jones is supporting us in our bid. He popped in recently and it was really nice to see him.

"He's a lovely chap."

Mr Batty said the theatre was "one of, if not the oldest building in Colwyn Bay".

He added that plans were being made for Mr Jones to attend a special screening of The Life of Brian at Theatr Colwyn next year.

Mr Jones was born in Colwyn Bay and lived there until moving to Surrey at the age of five.

The North Wales Coastal Strategic Regeneration Fund aims to regenerate areas and rid them of their negative images.

Both Colwyn Bay and Rhyl have been designated as part of the regeneration area.