An historic aircraft museum has become the latest sponsor of the theatre in a new venture.

The de Havilland Aircraft Museum, in London Colney, is supporting a special performance of the classic Alan Ayckbourn play “Communicating Doors”, performed by the resident Company of Ten at the Abbey Theatre, St Albans.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the museum, and it is also very rewarding to be involved with the theatre, especially a local one,” said museum marketing director Mike Nevin, who negotiated the partnership.

Teresa Clarke, of Company of Ten, added: “We are delighted that this wonderful museum is supporting our production at the Abbey Theatre and we can assure theatregoers of a memorable and rewarding evening.”

Tickets for the September 14 performance, in aid of the museum’s new hangar project, are now on sale at the museum in Salisbury Hall, London Colney, and are available from the museum’s Aeroshop by contracting Aeroshop@dehavillandmuseum.co.uk 01727 826400.

The museum’s new hangar will cost an estimated £2.2 million. An application for a £1.5 million grant towards the cost has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the museum must fund the remaining £700,000.

Mr Nevin added: “There will be complementary glass of wine or soft drink for all of our theatregoers at the special performance, and we will also be holding a very special raffle which will have star prizes of aviation paintings signed by, among others, Battle of Britain ace Wing Commander Bob Stanford Tuck.