A theatre in Lyme Regis is keeping its attendees tuned in following the installation of a hearing loop device.

The Marine Theatre, located on Church Street in Lyme Regis, introduced the device last week following requests from residents in the town over the past year.

The loop device, which has been newly introduced to the theatre, sends a signal directly from the PA system to people's hearing aids, thus reducing background noise and allowing more people to enjoy the live entertainment that is offered at the venue.

Cynny Sharp is one of the residents who rallied for the loop device to be installed and claimed that attending the first event with new equipment will be an emotional moment for her having previously struggled when it comes to watching performances, she said: “I’m going to cry when I first attend an event with the new hearing loop!

"Previously, I’ve walked out of films without subtitles, feeling isolated - I couldn’t hear a word. Hats off to the Marine and hurrah!”

Marine Theatre Director Gabby Rabbitts hoped that this installation will attract more people in the community to visit, she said: “We take inclusivity seriously, so felt compelled to raise the funds from our events to finance this important project. Thanks to Cynny and others for raising the issue with us and we hope this will help more members of the community to enjoy events here.”

The 125-year-old theatre, which in years gone by has been called the Drill Hall and the Drill Hall Theatre, hosts regular productions on its main stage but can also be used as a wedding venue.

In October it staged the Shute Literary Festival for the first time after the fest, which has hosted several internationally-renowned authors over the years, moved from its previous home in Axminster.

Aspiring actors are also encouraged to join the theatre as part of the Marine Theatre Academy which develops actors with two courses including Acting to Camera as well as Technical Theatre.

You can experience the all-new sound system by visiting the theatre, a schedule of upcoming entertainment at the venue is available on their website at https://www.marinetheatre.com/