The Lismore Theatre Company committee and their volunteers were very happy after last night's Lismore City Council meeting when councillors voted unanimously to grant them another five year lease for the Rochdale Theatre building in Goonellabah.

The lease was due to expire in July of 2020 and councillors like Darlene Cook spoke glowingly about the role the theatre company plays in our community saying that 'council should support the arts". There was no debate or division within council about extending the lease.

The only concern for the Lismore Theatre Company was the slight increase in costs to "cover a modest increase in the lease fee to at least match the average annual maintenance costs of the building to Council".

The increase in costs in numbers is $2,615 per year. Not a great deal but those costs have to be covered by the theatre company, who are all volunteers, through some other means.

President Sharon Brodie said "last nights unanimous vote was wonderful news, this has been hanging over our head and now it gives us security for the next five years so we can plan what shows we would like to put on".

In regards to the higher costs Sharon said "this increase will be very hard to find, we have to be creative".

"We could increase ticket prices but we are reluctant to do that, we could charge for our sign on Ballina Road to be used in between shows, hire the theatre out for parties or a film night or maybe council can start the increase in costs next year due to COVID-19 this year, we are not making any money because of the crowd restrictions".

"These are just ideas, any proposal would have to be ratified by our wonderful committee".

The long term goal is to buy the building from council.

"The best way would be to be successful in gaining a State or Federal Government grant", said Sharon, "or an amazing benefactor leaving us the money", she added hopefully.

At least we have certainty of seeing some local theatre when the social restrictions and social distancing rules are lifted.

This could happen in Step 3 when social gatherings are increased to 100 as the Rochdale Theatre holds 90, but if social distancing is still in place this reduces the capacity to 25 which makes it an unviable option to put on any show.

When the green light to perform is switched on, one months notice will be given before Elyse Knowles and Gray Wilson can step on stage for Educating Rita.

Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later.