Newcastle's much-loved Tyneside Cinema may not recover from the financial blow dealt by the coronavirus lockdown, its chief executive has revealed.
In a video message to supporters, CEO Holli Keeble said it was a "challenging time" for the organisation, and that she was "very grateful" for the support of cinema staff and of loyal customers.
But, she said, full-time closure was a real possibility.
Asking those who valued the cinema to "please consider donating" to help safeguard its future, she said: " Tyneside Cinema is a much-loved venue in Newcastle, which is proud to have welcomed people from all backgrounds through the doors for more than 80 years.
"We're a hub for our communities, we're a safe space, and, for many, a refuge.
"The risk to the cinema at this time though is serious. We've already felt the impact and it's really damaged us.
"And we're now in a situation where we could close permanently."
She said any donations would "help us make sure that we do reopen our doors, and that we will all see that red curtain rise again."
The cinema closed from March 18 in a bid to follow government advice on social distancing. Initially, bosses said they would be shut until at least April 13, but from March 20 the entire venue was shut "until further notice".
It's now unclear when, or if, it will reopen.
Donations can be made at https://tynesidecinema.co.uk/support-us/ or by texting 70085 with TYNESIDE 10, TYNESIDE 20 or TYNESIDE 50 to donate that amount of money.
