Ian Rankin has joined theatre-lovers in a bid to raise cash that would help save Edinburgh's much-loved King’s Theatre.
Capital Theatres operate the King’s Theatre, Festival Theatre and The Studio and is appealing for donations to ensure its three city centre theatres can re-open when possible.
As Scotland’s largest theatre charity, Capital Theatres hope to continue providing access to creativity and the arts for the most vulnerable communities during COVID-19.
With almost 90% of Capital Theatres' income is generated from ticket sales, the sudden closure of theatres in March saw the charity hit with immediate losses. This was made worse by over 57,000 tickets refunds, totalling more than £2.6 million.
The current plan is to have performances back on stages at The King’s, Festival Theatre and The Studio by spring 2021, but social distancing measures would mean theatres could only open at around 20% capacity - which isn't financially viable.
After launching a fundraiser earlier this month, Capital Theatres' campaign has already raised over £50,000 - exceeding its original target of £35,000.
It now has 15 days to reach its new stretch target of £60,000.
You can donate to the crowdfunder here.
Donors can win exciting rewards, which have so far included a sneak preview at the Panto dress rehearsal and a day behind the scenes with tech teams.
New rewards are being added, which include a Scottish Ballet prize with signed pointe shoes from Principal Beth Kingsley-Garner and the chance to go on-stage and meet the cast of the beloved King’s Panto after the 2021 show Sleeping Beauty.
Urging locals to donate, author and King’s Theatre ambassador Ian Rankin, said: "Theatre is necessary. Life would be poorer without it…Help Capital Theatres. Help live theatre. Make your voice heard and help them make all our voices heard.”
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Meanwhile, panto villain Grant Stott said: "The King’s Theatre has seen World Wars, tram systems, Goldbergs and Mr Boni’s all come and go. We have to do what we can to make sure she's still here to see what this brilliant City of Edinburgh does next."
