A thief in the theatre

A sneak thief dampened the enjoyment of last night's performance of 'Belfry' in the Town Hall Theatre for one member of the audience, writes Brian Byrne.

She had left her coat over her purse on her seat before the show began and then went back to the foyer. When she came back, her purse was visible, with all the cash taken but cards left.

"My own fault, and lesson learned," she told the Diary. "At least my cards weren't taken, but people should be made aware that they have to be careful, even here amongst friends."

There are reports of a small boy on his own being seen for a while in the theatre, but then he disappeared.