Local companies come up trumps to help Merlin Theatre's fundraising auction

Local businesses are coming up trumps for the Merlin Theatre by offering great prizes to bid for in its black tie fundraising auction taking place on Friday 23 September at Marston House.

The evening will be hosted by Frome-based actor Mark McGann and Life on Mars stars Philip Glenister and Dean Andrews.

Prizes coming under the hammer include:

• The chance to dream up your favourite ice-cream flavour at Cafe La Strada, which will then be sold for a month with all profits going the Merlin.
• An intimate cinema experience at the Merlin for just you and your loved ones
• A personal performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol by Pip Utton at your home
• A night in a lambing shed with a local farmer
• Broadcast your own Desert Island Discs on Frome FM
• Enjoy a round of at Orchardleigh with Jeremy Guscott and another Bath Rugby player as your host
• A hair makeover courtesy of Melanie Giles Hairdressing
• A lantern from Pilgrimage on Catherine Hill
• A meal at the Archangel
• Christina Oswin jewellery
• A chance to spend the day on the set of Coronation Street during filming and have a backstage tour

"We've had tremendous support from local businesses offering a great range of prizes to bid for. There really is something to suit all tastes on our auction list," said Alison Herbert, of events management company Pop Projects, who has also donated her time to help the Merlin with the auction.

Some items will be offered in a 'silent auction' on the Merlin's website so even if you can't make it on the night you can still put in a bid.

Tickets for the event on Friday 23 September are selling fast so if you want to come along on the night you need to get onto the Merlin Theatre's box office on 01373 465949 as quick as you can.

Tickets are ₤50 a person and will include a champagne reception and a three-course meal along with the auction and entertainment.