Those that drive on Ballina Road and pass the Rochdale Theatre would have noticed building scaffolding all around the building.

Publicity officer Jenny Dowell said planned work to replace the roof and install insulation is going ahead. This is part of the cultural grant money received by the Lismore Theatre Company in 2019.

"The works were planned for this time of the year but with the coronavirus pandemic, the timing makes doing the works easier", Jenny said, "when we finish we will have a sparkling old building that will look really good"

"Now we just need restrictions to lift so people can come back to the theatre", she added.

Educating Rita was to be the first play for the 2020 season on March 20 before the coronavirus crowd gathering restrictions delayed the start. This is still the plan when restrictions are eased.

"The set is as it was so gathering dust", Jenny mentioned, "it will add atmosphere to the professors office when we get underway".

The children's pantomime show "Puss In Thongs" has also been postponed and was scheduled for the first school holidays will be moved to the first available school holiday period.

In the meantime new plays are starting their audition process so it will be a busy theatre season when it can get underway.

At least the Rochdale Theatre will look better as well as be more comfortable with the roof and insulation adding to the already painted exterior and air conditioning installed in 2019.