Hope for community theatre after £50,000 raised

There is hope of securing the future of a community theatre that was at risk of closure after £50,000 has been raised, newly-appointed trustees have said.

Significant financial losses at the Cheltenham Playhouse over the last two years left the trustees, who took over last month, fearing it would need to close.

The money has come from public donations, production companies, charities, fundraising events and a grant from Cheltenham Borough Council.

Neil Burge, acting chair of trustees, said the cash injection "allows us to move out of pure survival mode and into business recovery mode".

"This is a real milestone not just financially, but mentally as it frees us up to start moving the whole charity forward," he added.

Mr Burge said that the aim was to raise a further £50,000 by the end of the year.

"We are hoping the progress we have made early into our fundraising journey allows potential donors to feel more confident that their money can make a positive difference," he said.

Cheltenham Playhouse, which is a ed charity, houses a 180 seat auditorium and is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025.

Before becoming a theatre, the Grade II listed structure housed a swimming pool and a bakery.

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