The Theatre Chipping Norton launches ‘Head above Water’ fundraising campaign to return after coronavirus

The popular arts venue closed last week as part the nation's shutdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In less than a week the fundraising campaign entitled: 'Head above Water' has raised more than £15,700.

The theatre issued the following statement about the fundraising campaign: "In September 1973, fundraising for the theatre began as a true community resource, with residents of Chipping Norton each asked to contribute £1 towards the conversion.

"Forty seven years later, we now stand as a rare example of a successful rural receiving and producing theatre, funded and supported almost entirely by local people, local councils and local businesses as well as the Friends Membership scheme.

"Sadly, due to the Coronavirus we have had to close the theatre for a minimum of 12 weeks, but the closure could be for much longer.

"We are absolutely heart broken that we have had to cancel shows, some of which we have been planning and looking forward to for months.

"More worryingly, however is that without shows we have suddenly lost 75 per cent of our income over night.

"It is a very scary time right now for everybody, and we want to ensure that we are here for you when this is all over. But without your support this might not be possible.

If you are able to donate to our Head Above Water campaign we would be incredibly grateful."

People can donate online through the following web link: https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/head-above-water or by calling the theatre's box office on 01608 642350.