A TOWN'S theatre could do more if it had a bigger pool of actors, its committee members have said.

Registered charity Buckley Theatre Club has been running for more than 50 years and in 2002 became licensed to hold productions at its base, Hawkesbury Little Theatre.

And despite holding two shows a year as well as an annual pantomime, treasurer Peter Watkin told the Leader the theatre is 'the best kept secret in Buckley' - with even long term residents being as yet unaware of it.

With the charity having done about £20,000 of improvements in the last three years - including lighting and structural works - Mr Watkin said he is keen to see bigger audiences as well as potential new cast members.

He said: "Our pantomime is very well supported - the first week is usually down on numbers, but on the second week when word of mouth gets around you can't get a seat.

"We want people to know we're here but we want them to come in and support and join us.

"We have just done a show in April, but if we had a bigger pool of cast members we could have the theatre quarterly.

"It is a shame, because we have the theatre here and we come down most weeks rehearsing."

John Guest, committee member and stage director, told the Leader: "We have been getting far better audiences over the pantomime period, but it is more difficult to publicise the plays.

"We do get appreciative audiences but if there were more people within the group, we could do more."

Mr Guest, 76, said since the charity was licensed to hold productions at Hawkesbury Little Theatre, which is based off Mill Lane in Buckley, more than £50,000 of improvements have been undertaken including an extension of the building, central heating and more.

Mr Watkin, 74, added: "Our next production will hopefully be a play in September. It will be a farce but we have not decided the play yet."

For more information about Buckley Theatre Club contact Mr Watkin on 07765 453333.

Alternatively contact Sue Guest, secretary, via the Facebook page by searching for 'Buckley Theatre Club'.