A GROUP of campaigners may be about to join forces with theatre bosses in a bid to run a currently derelict old theatre.

Ringwood Regal Action Group is in talks with Wimborne's Tivoli manager Charlie North-Lewis in the hope that a partnership can be forged to manage the site's shows provided the historic building can be returned to its former glory.

There are plans to transform the Market Place former cinema - which once was home to a nightclub, a squash court and shops - into a central theatre.

Mr North-Lewis told the Daily Echo that the Regal would allow the Tivoli to put on multiple shows when required and allow them to sell more tickets for those shows high in demand, given the potential higher number of seats the Regal could house.

At present, the Tivoli has space for 483 visitors, while the Regal could allow up to 600 people.

"I have experience in setting up theatres," he said. "And I have advised him on what I think he needs to do.

"There is really nothing there from a theatrical point of view at present," he added.

"There are just these two floors. There is no trace of its former life. We would be starting completely from scratch.

"This is a way of protecting both of our venues."

Current proposals for the site include a bar in the basement, an entrance lobby and two "floating" seating areas facing a new stage. There would also a drive at the back so that stage props could be unloaded straight off the back of a lorry into the staging area, with dressing rooms underneath.

The vaulted space at the front and oldest part of the building could also be used to house an art gallery for various exhibits or a restaurant.

Mike Tuck, the group's chairman, said he hopes the cinema and theatre would be able to show live broadcasts of ballets and operas, as well as minority films, pantomimes and popular shows.

The group are currently working hard to become an established charity.