There's a bit of a song and dance going on backstage at the Sheppey Little Theatre now the curtain has finally gone up on a year-long revamp project.

The two-storey extension, providing a green room for performers, toilets and an open area through to the stage, was officially unveiled at the weekend.

But the £30,000 project was not without drama.

Work, which began last November, was put on hold when funds dried up – leading to the launch of an appeal by the Friends of Sheppey Little Theatre in February to raise an extra £10,000.

Sponsorship and donations from individuals, charities and businesses – including £5,000 from Queenborough Fisheries Trust – brought in enough, and more, to complete the work.

Derek Friday, chairman of the theatre’s governing body – Sheppey Entertainment Association – has been involved in the project from the outset.

He said: “It’s one of our dreams fulfilled and I am dead chuffed. You could say it’s been a year of blood, sweat and tears but it’s made a vast improvement and we now have a theatre to be proud of.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and to all those who were good and kind enough to put some money towards funding the project.”

The green room, named in honour of Mr Friday, has also been equipped with barres – allowing dance classes to be held there.

Among the guests looking around the new extension at the weekend was Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Elizabeth Tullberg, who lives near Faversham, and who has agreed to become the theatre’s patron.

The theatre, which is run by volunteers, will use the remainder of the fundraising appeal cash to upgrade another two backstage toilets.