Bosses of a Grade-II listed theatre in Cheltenham say they are "heralding a new era" after a successful campaign to raise funds to save the venue.
The Cheltenham Playhouse has hit its fundraising target of £100,000 after financial troubles earlier this year put the 186-seater theatre at risk of closure.
The announcement comes as the historic playhouse, parts of which date back to 1806, celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Last year, new trustees took over the management of the theatre, which is a registered charity, but the board warned in May this year that finances were in a "dire state" despite "huge gestures" of support from the community.
The theatre had already launched an 80th birthday fundraising campaign - dubbed ’80 for 80’ - but increased the target and hoped to raise more donations.
A series of fundraising initiatives, including a 12-hour sponsored monologue and a Season of Fundraising programme, was put in place alongside public and charitable trust donations and a cash injection of £25,000 from Cheltenham Borough Council.
“This financial milestone is a vital positive step for the charity; this year has possibly been the charity’s toughest act yet, but we are still standing,” said new theatre manager Miles Leven, who joined the charity in September.
“We are heralding a new era as we move out of a year when we just needed to get through to December and survive, into a year where we aim to thrive.
“We needed to rely on the supportive community we have at the Playhouse to reach this goal and it didn’t disappoint. We have been overwhelmed by the determination of everyone connected to the theatre and are grateful from the bottom of our hearts for how they have come out to support us.”
Bosses at the theatre said the money would be used to keep the playhouse "on an even operating keel", but that future fundraising campaigns would always "play an important part" in its future.
"As we near the festive season, a lot of hopes are pinned on a successful pantomime season to lead the community theatre into a brighter 2026," added Mr Leven.
“Every penny spent on tickets benefits the charity and allows us to go into 2026 on a sure footing. Survive to thrive is within our reach.”
The Playhouse pantomime, Dick Whittington, opens on the December 12 and runs until January 3, 2026.
