LUDLOW theatre group Two Score Theatre Company raised the roof with their production of Becket by Jean Anouilh at St Laurence’s Church and £1,000 for the local branch of Hope House, the children’s hospice charity.

Playing over four nights at the end of January Two Score’s Becket, directed by internationally renowned opera singer Kim Begley and blending the skills of more than 50 local contributors, earned rave reviews from among the near 500 people who attended.

Becket cast members Giles Emerson (Becket) and Peter Hayter (King Henry II) handed over a giant cheque for £1,000 to the staff at the Ludlow branch of Hope House to mark Two Score’s second successful collaboration with the charity.

“We are very grateful that Two Score Theatre Company chose to support us once again,” said Emily Pearce, fundraiser for Hope House.

“Put simply, we wouldn’t exist without this kind of support.”

Peter Hayter thanked all the people that had made the production possible.

“We are delighted that, thanks to the help and generosity of all at St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Hope House, plus our many local sponsors, programme advertisers and friends, the hard work put in by so many people to make the show a successful project bore such fruit, helping us to cover costs and achieve our aim of raising a significant sum for Hope House,” Mr Hayter said.

“We fully intend for this community show to be the springboard for future exciting projects.”

St Laurence Church has been changing as part of its Vision Project and is now a location for a wide range of community-based activities.

These include plays and concerts by local arts groups.

Hope House Hospice provides care and support for children that have life limited illness and their families. It is heavily dependent upon voluntary funding to do its vital work with families.