Backstage at The Gateway – with theatre manager Sophia Moseley

Oh, to be 20 again, but with the confidence I have now, so when I walk into the very chilly Gateway Theatre dressing room, and am faced with three bare chested handsome young men, my first thought isn't that I hope they're warm enough.

I'm talking about the New West End Jersey Boys who performed live last Saturday night and had everyone either singing or dancing to the Frankie Valli hits they belted out. Yet another brilliant night for our audience to enjoy.

Talking of belting things out, did you come along to the Joey the Lips concert? When they sang 'It's Raining Men, Hallelujah', I cannot deny I raised my arms in the air and sang at the top of my voice.

I was helping behind the bar at the time, so apologies to those who were waiting to be served, I couldn't help myself. But in my defence, neither could the others; dance fitness expert and Passiflora owner, Angela was in her element, as was fabulous volunteer Sally, not sure Dennis enjoyed being surrounded by gyrating women mind.

I saw Richard Foord MP for the third time. It's becoming a regular thing with him and me, and I'm sure the look on his face was one of recognition rather than alarm when I hurtled down the office stairs and ran across the road to persuade him to come inside, so I could show him round our theatre, and especially show him the old boiler in the basement. And no, I'm not talking about a long forgotten panto dame we keep down there.

I'm not sure a guided tour of The Gateway was on his agenda when he planned a visit to Seaton, but a dash of spontaneity does everyone a bit of good. He still doesn't remember my name, maybe next time.

 What's this about our old boiler, you may ask? We have a very elderly and infirm heating system that was installed when the theatre was rebuilt in the 1950s. It is sadly on its last legs and has to be replaced, and the Seaton Town Council who own the building, are getting the work done in the summer.

Our tenancy agreement means we have to find half the cost, which is going to be a gigantic amount of money The Gateway Theatre charity has to find as it continues to hobble out of the aftereffects of the pandemic. It also means we have to close the theatre for two weeks which will impact our income, so it's going to be a double whammy for us.

That's why we have set up a GoFundMe account in the hope, with your help, we can raise something towards the cost.

Meanwhile, I'll dig out a couple of my mohair cardis. We have the award-winning Take That tribute band coming to perform next month, and you know what these boy bands are like.

Sophia Moseley