THE campaign to save Worcestershire's major theatre venue is forging towards its appeal target.

A spokesman for the appeal for the Malvern Theatres, the Festival and The Forum, said they were delighted to announce that its Covid-19 fundraising effort has so far raised more than £50,000 in donations from audiences, friends, and supporters.

Bromsgrove has already seen the demise of its Artrix Theatre but the Malvern theatres have vowed to fight on.

They noy hoping to see their appeal hit the £100,000 mark soon, with every penny being used to cover unavoidable monthly costs, as well as bolster the theatre’s diminishing reserves.   The theatre’s skeleton staff are also busy applying for trust and grant support to help the theatre get through the next few months.

When the theatre closed its doors in March its income disappeared overnight and its long-term future is in jeopardy without significant financial support.

Chief Executive, Nic Lloyd, said: “We have been overwhelmed with this show of support. Malvern Theatres is at the heart of our community and we are so delighted that so many have come forward to help us in our hour of need.

“We work hard to provide entertainment 364 days of the year, not to mention our weekly classes for people of all ages and abilities, and we know that the loss of the theatre would be devastating for everyone in the town, including the many businesses who rely on us for customers.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, including the many people who have set up monthly direct debits. If you’ve yet to contribute, please consider doing so today. Every single penny we raise over the next six months will make a vital difference to our future.”

Members of the public are also doing their own fundraisers for the theatre, including Leigh Sinton postman Ian Palmer who will be doing his usual round dressed as a superhero and is hoping to raise £500.

To donate visit malvern-theatres.co.uk/support