Artists are coming out in support of a Deal theatre that is struggling to find a way to remain viable if it has to open when social distancing rules are still in place.

The creative bunch are donating artwork for a Great Art Raffle that's being organised by one of the Astor Theatre's longest running customers.

Penny Harvey, manager of Stagecatz, decided to host the raffle for the Stanhope Road venue which has been home to the theatre school since 2011.

And when she set out to get donations of art she found the theatre had so much support she didn't even need to ask.

She said: "I was having a conversation with (artistic director) James Tillitt about the future of the theatre and about how he wouldn't be able to put events on if social distancing rules continue."

She decided to do what she could to help and wanted her fundraising to be represenative of the individuals and organisations that use the theatre.

When she realised how difficult it would be because of lockdown she remembered the premises is also used as an exhibition space for artists.

She has set up a facebook page to garner support and has now firmed up all the raffle prizes she needs.

The first piece to be raffled will be by artist and Seaward Gallery owner Penny Bearman.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 3, and the draw will be made a week later on Friday, July 10.

Other pieces up for grabs include work by Neil Kelly (NED), Helen Rose and Deirdre Kashden.

Mrs Harvey said: "A raffle is more exciting than an auction.

"I like the idea of it being a community thing and a lot of people don't have much money where they are furloyghed. Plus anyone can win."

Helpers and artists are discussing the potential for postcard sized prints to got on sale too, for those who miss out.

She is using digital technology called Raffal to sell the tickets. The application will draw the winner and inform Mrs Harvey. She will then contact the winner to arrange for collection or delivery.

When it is set up she will reveal the link on the Facebook page where tickets can be purchased for £5 each.

After the draw, the next week's prize will be revealed and tickets will go on sale.

Support for the Astor Theatre flooded in as the venue was forced to close, ironically when it was preparing a closed when it was making lans for a celebratory party to mark 10 years under the current management.

A Go Fund Me campaign has raised nearly £14,000 which will be used to maintain the building, pay the gas, electric, water and insurance overheads for as long as the cash is there.

But James Tillitt, creative director, said: "That won't last forever.

"It will be financially impossible for us to reopen with any social distancing restrictions in place. I have measured up the auditorium and with the seating in rows we can only fit between 20-25 people. Given the one way systems, protective shields, masks, gloves and the necessity for cleaning before, during and after an event it is a non starter. Plus overheads and staff costs add to the difficulty.

"The other element in all of this is that a sizable majority of my audiences are in the high risk group of being over 70.

"At the moment all events are cancelled until the end of August and I am now going to have to cancel the solidly booked autumn programme as well. I am booking shows from January 2021 with the proviso that we may not be able to reopen in the new year. "

To take part search the Great Art Raffle on Facebook.

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