THE New Farnham Repertory Company is still pinning its hopes on a miraculous stay of execution for the Redgrave Theatre, despite all seven shortlisted East Street redevelopers' plans to demolish the 1970s building.
The NFRC has appointed a young new artistic director in the form of Chris Vance, who played Darney in the New Rep's A Tale of Two Cities last summer, and is planning another summer season next year.
Chairman of the theatre group Ian Mullins said: "I am absolutely delighted that Chris has decided to join us. He will bring a new young image to the company to attract a new young audience for the future.
"He has youth, talent and energy and he belongs to the new theatrical generation. He is a very exciting young actor."
The NFRC's provisional plans for next year envisage a four-play season of ensemble repertory which, following last summer's Tale of Two Cities, will open with another Charles Dickens classic, David Copperfield.
The season will also include Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I, a yet-to-be-chosen popular comedy and, if possible, a new play.
In the meantime, the NFRC is staging a sponsored rehearsed play reading of George Bernard Shaw's The Devil's Disciple at 3 pm on October 19 at Church House.
Entry is free, but the public will be invited to sponsor the performance in aid of the company's planned summer season.
Described by Ian Mullins as a "stirring melodrama" set during the American War of Independence, the title role will be played by Chris Vance.
Mr Mullins, who was the last artistic director of the Castle Theatre, which preceded the Redgrave, will repeat the only performance he ever gave at the Redgrave in the role of General Burgoyne.
In a statement, the NFRC said: "The NFRC and its multitude of supporters still challenge the disgraceful decision by Waverley Borough Council not to insist on a restored Redgrave Theatre being an integral feature in the East Street development.
"Hopes are still fixed on the Redgrave for the next summer season and so, with a new artistic director, and a great new season being planned for 2003, the NFRC looks to the future of theatre in Farnham with great determination and optimism."