THE Gladstone Theatre is about to become the first Wirral theatre to introduce a total ban on smoking.

Visitors to the Greendale Road venue in the picturesque village of Port Sunlight will no longer be able to 'light up' as from Monday, November 1.

Alan Shone, chairman of the Gladstone Theatre Trust, told me: "Having a smoke-free atmosphere in the auditorium and bar areas is sure to enhance our reputation as a venue for an enjoyable evening."

The ban is the latest phase in the Gladstone's plans to bring the friendly theatre up-to-date, while maintaining the character, comfort and commitment to audiences.

The theatre has recently had more than £80,000 spent on auditorium improvements. Included in the work was the removal of all original seating, repairing, relaying, sanding, sealing and varnishing the floor, complete refurbishment and replacement of all 460 seats, with space for four wheelchair users to have their partners sit alongside, and replacement of the carpet.

Several cities, including Liverpool, are considering banning smoking in public places.

Meanwhile, the Gladstone's new programme is well underway. The week before last, the Port Sunlight Players' production of 'Blood Brothers' played to sell-out audiences and, last week, Heswall Operatic brought the house down with a lively production of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner's musical comedy 'My Fair Lady'.

Next week, Bebington Dramatic Society presents Helen Edmundson's 'The Clearing' from October 28-30. Rock Ferry Amateur Operatic Society presents Harold Arlen and E. Harburg's 'Wizard of Oz' from November 17-20 and there is also a 'Children in Need' charity concert in November. Looking ahead to Christmas, the Port Sunlight Players present Julie Whitehead's pantomime, 'Aladdin.'

For details, phone the box office on 643-8757 for a programme or you can visit their website at: www.gladstone.co.uk