A much-loved community venue needs to raise £250,000 if it is to survive the coronavirus crisis.

The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, which operates as a not-for-profit charity, has launched an urgent fundraising appeal backed by the town council.

Home to a 450-seat theatre, a 150-seat studio and a two-screen cinema, the venue was reopened by Sevenoaks Town Council in 2009 and is open 364 days a year for shows and community events.

It is almost entirely funded by revenue from hire of the stages, cinema tickets and support from the local people and businesses, but the "financial devastation" caused by the Covid-19 lockdown has left The Stag in real danger of going under.

Now bosses are calling on the town to rally round with a cash injection to secure its future.

Chief executive Andrew Eyre said: "We have been heartened by the support from local people and hirers and we are determined to bring back The Stag for the community, but we need help.

"We have grown the organisation enormously since the Town Council came on board and we cannot allow that hard work and enthusiasm for the arts to be lost."

"This is an SOS call to all of you: Save our Stag!"

An economic impact report in 2017 found The Stag generates more than £9 million for the local economy and has created almost 200 jobs within its organisation and the wider area.

The venue attracts around 300,000 visits per year, with additional spending in the wider economy as a result.

Sevenoaks Town Council will consider on June 29 whether it can grant aid the theatre to provide funding to see it through its current financial difficulties.

Cllr Nicholas Busvine, Mayor of Sevenoaks, said: "The Stag Theatre is the cultural heart of Sevenoaks.

"It also has a vital part to play in supporting the town centre's night-time economy. Sevenoaks Town Council saved the Stag in 2008 - and we are determined to do so again.

"But for this to happen we will need the support of the local community. This is an SOS call to all of you: Save our Stag!"

Those wishing to help the campaign to save the theatre can donate here.

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