Westacre Theatre has launched fundraiser to help secure its future in West Norfolk

A theatre is on a fundraising mission to “quite literally” save it from extinction.

At a 'Live by the Lake' launch party on Thursday, July 11, Westacre Theatre began a Crowdfunder campaign to support crucial upgrades and secure a sustainable future for the venue.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: “As a theatre, we are facing big challenges and our urgent campaign is to support crucial upgrades and secure a sustainable future for Westacre Theatre.”

Staff at the theatre are doing all they can to keep its head above water, but the reality is that the indoor theatre can only hold 83 viewers - and they cannot schedule enough sell-out shows to cover expenses, which are increasing every year.

The theatre space under the canopy outside is also reaching the end of its life, and staff are at a “crossroads” with what to do next.

Members of staff are determined to secure investment so they have a sustainable future.

They say this would be a future where people can continue to have a space to “flourish and benefit” from the “incredible skills and joy” performing arts bring.

It will also ensure that a much-loved and treasured community arts venue will not have to close.

It is hoped that through investment, they will be able to treble the capacity so that shows can reach an even wider audience.

Liz Brewer, head of communications at the theatre, said the venue has been receiving various donations over the few weeks since the campaign went live.

“We have a lot of performances going on at the moment, so every opportunity we get to try and promote it to people that come through the door,” she said.

Westacre Theatre’s aim is to raise £500,000, which would allow members to apply for match funding with an investment goal of £3million.

The second phase of their plan would then see a new 250-seat auditorium with a connecting foyer put in place, as well as a bar area, a green room, accommodation, a large workshop and scene dock at the rear, a box office, lavatories, and dressing rooms.

They would also hope to provide improved parking with an increased capacity to almost triple what is currently on offer.

This means the theatre will be able to “attract larger touring companies and get more bums on seats, which equals more revenue and a much brighter future to look forward to”.

Liz added: “It will be a real shame if it will be no more.

“We want to make sure performing arts stay there for the young, letting them have a place where they can actually perform, as it is just slipping further and further off the curriculum.

“It's such a shame if we can't keep our theatres and local arts spaces alive.”