A local theatre has increased its fundraiser target after being saved from closure by its community.

Avenue Theatre, a volunteer-run local theatre-slash-cinema in Sittingbourne, created a gofundme donation page after struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.

They reached their goal of £1000 within a month but increased that target to £5000 after seeing coronavirus cases rising.

When asked about the difference this will make, Alison Spann, one of the staff members at Avenue theatre said: “It means that we can hopefully keep going long term.”

They have taken significant financial losses due to suspended performances and cancellations like many other community theatres across the country. 

A survey by a local theatre director found that 40% of community theatres could close if unable to open performances to bigger audiences.

Ms Spann explained that they received a grant from the local council to get back up and running with government guideline measures. However, the revenue they gained since opening from sparse events, venue hires and film screenings were not enough.

Ms Spann added: “Socially distancing has really decreased how many tickets we can sell obviously and our income from hiring is down.”

Subgrey productions is a theatre company who were due to perform at the Avenue Theatre in April but had to reschedule their performances due to lockdown. The director of the company, Paul Slaughter, said he had started using the theatre for rehearsals and as a base of operations after seeing how important it was to the community.

Mr Slaughter added: “The Avenue Theatre is the unknown quiet hub of the community.”

He is glad to hear that the venue was able to be saved, adding: “The Avenue Theatre has an awful lot to offer the community. I believe in it and I will do whatever I can to help it.”