JUST £25,000 more is needed to guarantee the survival of Winchester Theatre Royal.

Play to the Crowd, which runs the theatre and Hat Fair, has raised £200,000 since launching its emergency appeal.

It now has until the end of September to raise the remaining amount.

Deryck Newland, chief executive, said: "Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has made a donation, shared the details of our appeal or sent a message of support. It’s been truly overwhelming.

"If you’ve not donated – now is the time – we’ve still got to raise £25,000 by the end of the month in order for the charity to survive beyond the Covid crisis."

The £200,000 raised includes donations and pledges made offline and online through Play to the Crowd’s Crowdfunder page.

The charity has received substantial donations from Winchester Rotary, Winchester Musicals and Operatic Society and Rathbones as well as messages of support from well-known faces including theatrical royalty Dame Judi Dench and Sian Phillips, comedians Marcus Brigstocke and Mark Watson, and high profile theatre companies such as Motionhouse.

Mr Newland added: "We know it’s tough out there but if you are able to make a donation – whatever the size – we will be extremely grateful."

Donations to Play to the Crowd’s Survival Appeal can be made via its Crowdfunder page www.crowdfunder.co.uk/playtothecrowd, via cheque (made payable to Play to the Crowd) and sent to Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, SO23 8SB or call the Box Office on 01962 840 440.

For further information contact Kirstie Mathieson, communications and development director: kirstie@playtothecrowd.co.uk.