Hordes of locals streamed into the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham, on Sunday.

As part of Eltham's Be A Local Tourist Day, hundreds of people enjoyed guided tours of the long-standing ameteur theatre, many of whom were newcomers to the venue.

As honorary secretary Jim Shepherd pointed out, the reason the theatre, now celebrating its 25th anniversary as the Bob Hope Theatre, continues to draw in the crowds is because the organisation is "open to everybody. Older people are of as much value as the younger ones".

This welcoming attitude and community atmosphere wasn't lost on the open day visitors, one of whom commended on its "informal atmosphere and professional shows".

One such show was the recent Last Of The Red Hot Lovers, an example of the theatre's varied programme which, according to chairman Alan Ingram, offers "both modern and traditional shows".

During the open day visitors were invited to watch a stage set being deconstructed as well as viewing the recently refurbished dressing room, giving them a feeling of how the theatre is run from a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.

Although the theatre has had to modernise its ticket sales via the internet, its greatest achievement remains the same.

According to Mr Shepherd it serves as a great confidence builder for its volunteers and actors: "Wilting wallflowers come out of here with confidence".

The hope is that, as a result of this open day, even more people will benifit from the experiences the theatre continues to offer.

By Dean Beadle