THE show will go on at a Workington theatre, despite a 'mindless' attack on the premises by vandals last week.

The Theatre Royal, on Washington Street, will continue with its performances of 'Last of the Summer Wine' which starts tonight, December 6, despite the attack which caused a 'scene of devastation'.

The theatre is known to many in the area as 'a heart of the community' with a social media statement describing the vandalism 'an appalling crime against all of us and we are deeply saddened'.

A spokesman for the Theatre Royal said: "Imagine the shock when entering the building earlier this week to find a scene of devastation.

"The foyer bar had been ransacked; chairs overturned, the row of glass fridges smashed to smithereens and the recently stocked shelves completely emptied.

"The devastation continued up the stairs to the small mezzanine bar with alcohol spilling down the stairs.

"Glass-framed photographs smashed, carpets and walls awash with alcohol. The laptop computers and other technical equipment were either missing or destroyed."

Times and Star: The drinks fridge which was smashed into by vandalsThe drinks fridge which was smashed into by vandals (Image: Theatre Royal)

The playgoers sent out a message asking people in the town to help urgent replacement of  equipment and tasks such as redecorating the mezzanine bar, donations to the funding link, and help towards new CCTV, fridges, laptops, microphones, and technical equipment.

Speaking about the incident, chairperson Anne Bowmer said: "It was a terrible shock to find that someone or persons had mindlessly violated our theatre in this way."

Police were called at around 6.25pm on last Wednesday, November 29 to a report that the Theatre Royal, Washington Street, Workington, had been broken into and items stolen from within.

Police attended the scene.

Times and Star: Laptops were smashed during the vandalismLaptops were smashed during the vandalism (Image: Theatre Royal)

Four 16-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the damage and break in at the theatre. They have since been released on police bail.

Members of the playgoers are encouraging people to attend to this week's show, the Workington Playgoers production of Last of the Summer Wine from December 6-9 to support the Theatre.

You can also support the theatre by becoming a 'friend' of the Theatre Royal. More information can be found on their website.