MOST theatre owners would delight in the prospect of playing host to a packed house.

For Jakki Moore, however, it’s something of a double-edged sword. For hers is a seating system so unique that it beggars belief.

Each time Millom’s Beggars Theatre has a big show, it must borrow chairs from a neighbouring school, and it falls to owner and artistic director Jakki to transport them.

Now she’s launching a unique appeal to give the arts venue the seating it deserves – and give her back a break.

Jakki said: “We are beggar by name and by nature. It takes about three trips in my Golf. I used to do it in a Mini, which was pretty hard work.

“It’s usually just myself and Cathy who works with me. Sometimes people help if they are passing by or my partner will if it’s a weekend.

“I am getting way too old to move them back and forth every time we have a good audience.”

The Market Square theatre was set up ‘by accident’ in 2009 and currently has 100 chairs of its own.

Over the years this small treasure has attracted big names such as comedians Eddie Izzard, Jason Manford and Jenny Eclair. With a capacity of 245, the more popular gigs have caused Jakki to call on St James Catholic Primary School in Lonsdale Road for the use of its dining chairs.

In a bid to meet the cost of funding an entire set of seating – around £5,000 – the theatre, also a registered charity, is offering punters the chance to purchase their very own chair.

Taking inspiration from the plaques for patrons typically seen in larger theatres, Beggars will give priority to the buyer every time they attend an event in exchange for a one-off donation of £20 to £50.

Already the scheme is proving popular and Jakki has received around 20 pledges.

“The school has been fantastic but it’s time for our own chairs. We want to buy some new comfortable ones,” said Jakki.

“Say if you wanted to sit in the front row every time you came, you’d pay £50. Buyers aren’t going to come to every event but when they do they can get in touch and we can reserve it for them.

“We don’t use a seating plan at the minute so we’re drawing one up for people to decide where they’d like to be.

“People have been fantastic, we’ve had lots of them getting in touch. We’re hoping to get the full lot, so we’ll have to see how it goes.

“Anyone interested in buying a chair can do so with cash, PayPal or just give us a shout.”

For more information email jakki@beggarstheatre.co.uk or contact Beggars Theatre on 01229 775677.