Customers at Ledbury Community Hospital's new caf will be able to move straight on to the theatre, having been well-fed and watered in time for an evening of drama.

The family running Thackwray's Market Caf, which opened earlier this month, are planning to use it not just as a venue for folk nights but as an early evening restaurant for people wishing to attend productions at the Market Theatre, just across the road.

Sheila Thackwray, who played Mary Magdalene in the Ledbury Passion Play of 2001, said: "We'll be open from 6pm when a play or production is on, and we will offer three course meals."

Katie Dwyer is managing the caf. She is the daughter of Andrew, who is Sheila's partner, and a residential social worker in the area. Andrew and Sheila perform together as folk musicians, under the name of "The Spindwyers" and this gave them the idea of holding music evenings at the caf.

The family, who have a background of running cafes in Wales, also hope to hold an official launch party for the hospital caf, on a date to be arranged.