A COMMUNITY theatre in Boscombe has unveiled new lighting created from entirely recycled products.

Shelley Theatre, on Beechwood Avenue, was built in 1849 for Frankenstein author Mary Shelley by her son Percy, before being used as a college canteen and later lying empty for eight years.

However, the venue has taken another step towards being restored to its former glory with the help of lighting experts who gathered disused equipment to brighten up the old theatre.

Shelley’s director John Dunne heaped praise on Michael Grubb and Mark Masters, whose businesses helped provide the lights and design.

He said: “The theatre looked incredible when it was lit up with these creatively designed lights. We’re delighted.”

Branded as the Re:lit project, business owner Michael Grubb said the most important thing was to bring people together and make the space more attractive for community use again. He added: “We are working alongside the generosity and support of lighting manufacturers to take superseded, damaged and ex-demo lighting off their shelves and to put it to better use.”

Mark Masters, pictured inset, a partner at branding firm the ID Group, said the wastage of fully functioning lighting equipment, such as LED lamps, was an issue that needed addressing.

“There is a real charm with the theatre and a huge factor is how lighting can bring the space to life,” he said. “The aim is to create something special and slash energy consumption at the same time.”

The lights were officially unveiled to a packed theatre at the end of last month on the same night as the winners of their new logo contests were unveiled.

Richard Smith won the contest for the design of the main new logo and Sam Lyons for the design of the kids’ club logo.

Zoe Dunne, one of the event’s organisers, said: “The lights looked absolutely amazing and the logo competition winners were really excited. It was a great night.”