GIGGLESWICK'S new school theatre is to be named after Countdown star Richard Whiteley when it is officially opened next week.

The 288-seat auditorium at Giggleswick School is already used for drama lessons, productions and assemblies but, on Tuesday, it will stage a community open evening.

Built for £900,000 – including a bequest of half a million pounds from the much-loved TV presenter, who died aged 61 in June 2005 – the theatre’s first phase is now complete.

Richard was a pupil at Giggleswick School from 1957 to 1962. His English teacher at the time was the late chat show host Russell Harty, who lived in Giggleswick.

“The first phase of the project was completed without bidding for any public funding, including from the Arts Council,” said Andrew Beales, foundation director. “However, we were pleased to receive £75,000 from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts towards this project. The rest of the gifts raised were from parents, Old Giggleswickians, governors and other friends of the school”.

Just over 100 seats have already been supported by parents, former pupils and friends, through donations of £25 a month over three years. One such donor is Dame Judi Dench, a patron of the Richard Whiteley Theatre.

Patrons also include Kathryn Apanowicz, Jonathan Broadbent, Warwick Brookes, Michael Day, David Fox, Sarah Fox, William Gaunt, John Helliwell, Anthony Millard, Geoffrey Moore, Alan Shallcross, Lord Shuttle-worth, Zoë Wanamaker, Sir Tim Rice, Nicholas Hytner and Carol Vorderman.

The school wants to raise a further £225,000 for lighting and technical equipment and £25,000 has already been donated.

The Giggleswick School Concert Choir will perform a medley of songs from Les Misérables during the open evening, which will take place between 6pm and 7.30pm.