The first community theatre for amateur and professional groups is on course to be built in Dubai next year. The theatre will have tiered and gallery seating for 500.

The project is being initiated by two British theatre enthusiasts, Brian and Sami Wilkie, who feel that there is a desperate need for a theatre in Dubai.

Sami said, "Various drama groups over the years have voiced a need for a proper theatre, but with the transient nature of the population it is very difficult to actually do it.

"Currently, every time a local or international group performs, a stage has to be created with the lighting. They are held in hotels or some other location.

"This community theatre, costing Dh10 million, will solve that problem. The leasing rates will be reasonable so everybody can use it."

She feels that with the new theatre, both performers and the audience will no longer have to compromise on productions.

The husband-wife duo are working to set up a multinational committee that is representative of the UAE population and will be responsible for the project. They will organise fund-raising events to help raise money to build the theatre.

"We are hoping to be able to raise Dh5 million within six months, so construction can begin next year. The rest of the money can be raised as the building work progresses. We hope to open it in 2003."

The fund-raising was launched with a pledge by the National Bank of Dubai and Sami hopes that more corporate investors will come forward. The theatre can be used for plays, ballets and dance performances, along with corporate seminars and meetings.

Sami expects that the theatre will help encourage cultural activities. "A few years ago, a theatre was built in converted army barracks in Singapore. Within a year, three more had to be built. The culture just came alive," she said.

"We expect something similar to happen here and hope that the theatre will be in use for most of the year."

"What we really need are some enthusiastic volunteers to help raise the funds and help get the theatre built," he said. "People of all nationalities who have an interest in theatre and would like to assist are asked to contact us on (04) 3440453."