BACK in 2008, Shanklin Theatre was on the path to demolition.

Ten years on, the auditorium was packed with fans, performers and regulars celebrating a decade of productions, workshops and comedy shows since the Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) saved the historic building.

A comical history of the theatre, including a devastating fire and the two world wars, was interspersed with performances from groups that now use the theatre on a regular basis.

Footsteps Dance Studio performed a medley of tap, ballet and the can-can, which even revealed the words Shanklin Theatre across the dancers' bums, before First Act gave the audience a hilarious Ruff Guide to Macbeth.

Popular musical group, Island Savoyards, performed their favourite musical moments, The Pepperpot Players had the audience in hysterics with their rendition of 'If I Were Not Upon the Stage', and Spotlight IOW, who run weekly workshops for Island children, performed songs from Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors and The Greatest Showman.

In recognition of the hard work and dedication needed to save the theatre and to continue the creative hub it is today, it was planned the Lord Lt Major General Martin White would present Vic Farrow, chairman of Shanklin Theatre ltd, with a special award.

As Vic could not attend the evening, David Kast, managing director of Shanklin Theatre, accepted the award in his place. He welcomed the High Sheriff, thanked everyone for being involved and toasted to the next ten years and beyond.

The Lord Lt said: "Well done to all of you for your success. In order to keep a ship running, you need dedication — and that's Vic Farrow."

High Sheriff Gioia Minghella attended the evening and said that Shanklin Theatre was fit for the most illustrious talent.

She said: "My own family has a strong association here. My much missed mama was a patron, my singing sister sang here and this stage was the location for Anthony's earliest theatrical experiences.

"It seems to me that those experiences are what inspired Anthony's love of performing arts and his successful career — it can be traced back to here."

Mrs Minghella spoke of how the theatre changes the lives of the audiences, who find magic, and the performers, who find extraordinary fulfilment.

"I believe this wonderful historic space so brilliantly transformed by the hard work of those who saved it will bring much joy for years to come."