A UNIQUE East Cornwall theatre is calling for more support to boost its chances of winning a funding package to revamp the facility. Callington Prim Raf — which is also known as Callington Amateur Dramatic Society — not only needs new members but also more local groups to use the theatre in Biscombe's Lane as a community venue. An open evening is being held tomorrow night (Friday) to attract new interest and give people a tour of the theatre which has been in existence since 1949. There are plans in the pipeline to insulate the building, install new costume stalls, emergency exits, disabled access, cast toilets and re-roof part of the structure but in excess of £30,000 is needed to do the work. Martin Linnette, the chairman of Prim Raf, said in order to win grants they needed to demonstrate that the theatre was pro-active in the community. 'We put on three or four shows a year and have children's shows and workshops through the summer for young people,' he said. 'Recently we have lost several of our stalwart members and need to boost numbers — particularly in the back-stage department.' Directors, DIY experts, people with needlework skills and make-up, sound and lighting talents are all being sought to join the theatre. In a bid to generate new income and promote itself as a community venue, the theatre is hoping to attract groups who want to hold meetings, dance classes and lectures. It also wants more people to know about a costume hire service available for fancy dress parties and to other drama groups. Prim Raf gets its name from the joining together of the staff from the local primary school and an RAF outstation in Callington nearly 60 years ago. An amateur dramatic society which can boast its own theatre is very rare but Mr Linnette said he still believed a lot of local people did not know about it. 'There has been a considerable amount of development in Callington over the last five years and I think a lot of new residents are not aware of us,' he said. 'The town is very poorly served by community facilities for teenagers especially and the local theatre club is somewhere they can get together and be safely supervised whilst enjoying a worthwhile hobby.' The small theatre can cater for an audience of 75 but has movable seating so the arena can be cleared or changed around if necessary. Anyone interested in joining up or using the Prim Raf theatre can go along to the open evening tomorrow from 6.30pm to 9pm or contact Martin Linnette on 01579 384998.