It was 50 years ago that a group of people determined to save the New Wimbledon Theatre got together and did just that.

In 1968 the theatre was going through turbulent times.

The lease on the theatre was about to run out and Merton Council wanted to close it down.

However due to the passion of Mavis Oswald, an avid theatre goer, a group of like- minded people was formed to campaign against its closure.

These Founder Friends, with the support of local actors, musicians, directors and writers, succeeded in saving the theatre.

Then on Sunday, August 26, the band got back together to celebrate that golden anniversary.

This came in the form of a star-studded gala evening produced by Jan Hunt of the Paper Moon Company and hosted TV's Don Maclean.