A NEW programme of theatrical and musical entertainment is taking shape in Callington this autumn but organisers need support from the public to keep the momentum going.

CAVe (Callington Arts Venue) was instigated last year by a band of enthusiastic residents who wanted to give local people a wide variety of film, theatre and musical experiences which they normally have to travel much further afield to get.

Over the past year there has been a Spanish guitar duo, a renowned jazz singer and the likes of Cornwall's Miracle Theatre performing in the town, and although there has been a good response to some events, the CAVe committee would like to see a boost in numbers.

Committee member Gail Buttery said: 'When Miracle performed Rumplestiltskin we had a packed house for three nights but when they came back in the summer with Romeo and Juliet we struggled to get 60 people there.

'Twenty-four people came to see the guitarists Duo Volatus last week and it's just not enough people to sustain it.'

Mrs Buttery said CAVe had no subsidies and relied on ticket sales to keep going: 'The idea is not to make lots of money but we would like to build up a bit of a reserve so we can book more acts in the future.

'We are trying to reach across all ages and interests so what is stopping the people of Callington coming out and enjoying themselves?'

The town hall has a new bar licence so people can have a drink before or during the show and most tickets are priced under £10.

'There will be a performance by a flamenco company in November and we are looking to provide tapas to make it a bit more of a Spanish night,' added Mrs Buttery. 'Where else can you get that for under £10?'

She said that CAVe was developed so people did not have to travel to Plymouth for entertainment. Over the next three months there will be opera, dance, a Christmas puppet show, a slapstick comedy, Gilbert and Sullivan and a host of classic films and family films. Entry is free to all the films.

'We would like the town hall to be full every time we put something on — we need at least 100 people each time to balance the books,' added Mrs Buttery.

The committee is welcoming suggestions at Callington Town Hall where people can also find a programme of what's on this autumn. Alternatively they can email [email protected]">[email protected] and go on the mailing system.