A theatre’s plans to bring back its glory days with a �1m-plus makeover have been boosted by its restoration fund being granted charitable status.

Gorleston’s Pavilion Theatre, which has hosted such stars as Morecambe and Wise and Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee in its 110 year history, has been working with the borough council to prepare a grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Theatre director Stuart Malkovich said gaining charitable status meant they could explore other funding options. In the meantime, they were looking to raise �100,000 to support any grant applications. He said: “After more than a century it is not surprising the building needs love and care. Water drips through the roof when it rains and the windows and brickwork also need work.”