A town's only theatre is heading for bankruptcy.

That is the stark warning from John Spann who chairs the charity which runs the 100-seat Avenue Theatre in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne .

And in a last-ditch effort to save it, he has launched a desperate plea for donations to keep it afloat.

He says the cinema and playhouse, which has been hosting entertainment in the town since 1989, could go bust within six months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as cancelled shows, the charity's finances have been hit hard by reduced capacity in the auditorium which is now limited to just 20 people and the £7,000 cost of making the venue Covid-safe.

He said: "We are not like other theatres or cinemas. We provide much-needed facilities for the people of Sittingbourne. Any donation to help keep the lights on at the Avenue Theatre will be gratefully received.”

It comes as it was announced another Sittingbourne event, the Christmas lights switch-on, will be axed this year because of the pandemic. The town's annual panto at the converted Swallows leisure centre nearby has also been postponed.

Mr Spann, one of the founding members of the Avenue Theatre, said volunteers had worked hard to ensure it was safe for customers by installing protective screens, contactless infra-red toilets and taps, barriers for one-way systems and contactless payment.

But with a licence to show a film costing £100, it means even sell-out shows only break even.

The 80-year-old said: “Like other theatres, the past six months have been tough. The Avenue Theatre has taken a significant financial loss because of postponed performances and cancellations of bookings.

“This is a very difficult time for us all within the arts community and small theatres are especially vulnerable.

“Despite cutting costs to the bone we still have monthly outgoings of between £1,500 to £2,000. Yet our income has plummeted.”

In a bid to stop the final curtain coming down, the theatre has launched an online appeal to raise £1,000.

Mr Spann said: “We have always tried to be self-sufficient and we have been grateful for any help from Swale council. But times are now very tough.

“We been host to not only plays, music events and film showings but music, drama and community groups like Age UK, people with dementia and the homeless.”

It’s next film show is Love Sarah (12A) tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm and 7.45pm. Admission is £4.50.

The next live show is A Winter’s Night by Touch The Earth on November 21. Mr Spann said: “They insist the show will go on no matter what.”

To donate, visit tinyurl.com/avenuetheatre

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