The Friends of Eden Court (FOEC), one of the most successful theatre clubs in the country, has presented a proposal to its members to evolve and become an integral part of the new Eden Court.

Currently the organisation operates independently from the theatre. It has been proposed that the organisation will move ‘in-house’ when the venue reopens following the completion of the current development project. Members of the organisation are being asked for their opinions at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 26 April and will vote on whether they approve the formation of a new Eden Court theatre club.

First founded in 1975 when Eden Court was still being built the FOEC have provided Eden Court with many years of support and have raised over £500,000 for the theatre. The FOEC have been particularly keen on supporting theatre work with young people, and donated funds towards stage equipment and refurbishments.

The proposal to develop the Friends organisation as part of the new Eden Court means that members of the new club will continue to enjoy the privileges presently offered to the existing Friends, such as ticket discounts and priority booking. It will also be possible to develop additional ones such as an increased social element. In view of this,the Friends' Committee is suggesting to its members that it is time to reconsider the Friends' of Eden Court separate existence.

Director of the Friends and also one of its original members, Rhona Kirk, said

"We've much to be proud of, and the good news is it doesn't have to stop there! We can still be the theatre's friends and play our part in Eden Court's future. A new ‘Friends’ will be as good as we make it!"

Chairman of the Friends Committee said,

“The Friends have enjoyed a long relationship with Eden Court Theatre and our support and commitment doesn't need to end. If we think what we personally have enjoyed by being members and realise that it will still be there for us - and more! - in a new theatre club, then we can move forward with confidence. In my view there need be no losers - just winners”.

The decision to dissolve the Society must be approved by a majority of 75per cent of those attending the Annual General Meeting.