A community theatre which hosts theatrical productions, stand-up comedy, live music, cinema and more is appealing for help to keep it going.

The Trinity Theatre in the heart of Tunbridge Wells is in financial difficulties and needs to raise £100,000.

Following three difficult years in which the cultural venue in Church Road has dealt with the Covid pandemic, enforced closures, inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, audiences have not returned in sufficient numbers for the theatre to run profitably.

Nick Mowat, the theatre's executive director, said: "We urgently need the help of all our friends and supporters if we are to secure the future of the theatre.

"We rely for our income wholly on ticket sales, cafe takings, some valuable corporate sponsors, and the support of our members through the Friendship scheme and volunteering.

"While Trinity was fortunate to receive government-sponsored grants from the Arts Council during the pandemic, they have now come to an end.

"In previous years, we also received support from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, but that too ended in 2020."

The theatre has already cut staff to save money.

But it is not all doom and gloom for the theatre which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

Mr Mowat said: "There is now a new management team which will deliver a new set of priorities combining a broad and interesting programme, with a greater focus on income generation.

"Our youth and creative engagement team will continue to reach out to young and senior citizens across the community.

"The aim is to make the theatre more robust and financially self-sufficient.

"With the planned opening of the clocktower later this year and with our taking on the management of the Pump Room in The Pantiles, we will be well set up for a sustainable future."

He said: "We have some exciting plans which are in very early stages for the programme, concerts with current West End performers and a broader cinema programme."

But he said: "We have a huge challenge to meet before the end of this financial year.

"We need to raise at least £100,000 by the end of March to meet our short-term cashflow needs and to underpin our 2023/24 budget."

The theatre also needs the first £25,000 by the end of January.

Donations can be made via a Just Giving page

Mr Mowat said: "We’ve made a good start and on our way to achieving our first target with £17,000 raised so far.

"Anything anybody can give to help will be hugely appreciated."

Alternatively, for £1,000, supporters can take up lifetime membership and have their name added to a new supporter plaque in the theatre foyer.