TWO of the Theatre Royal Bath’s most popular visitors have lent their support to the theatre’s fundraising campaign for financial support during the Covid-19 coronavirus closure.

David Suchet, star of TRB Productions’ recent West End transfer The Price, and Jon Monie, with well over 1,000 pantomime performances to his name, are leading a campaign asking theatregoers and the supporters of the Theatre Royal Bath to consider donating over the coming months as the theatre’s income from ticket sales, bar takings and merchandise has been brought to a halt.

In video messages recorded last week, David Suchet, well-loved by millions of television viewers as Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and award-winning local comedian Jon Monie from Holt, both describe the Theatre Royal as “one of this country’s very special theatres” and “a very special place” with many memories for performers and audiences alike.

They stress the need for donations to support the theatre through the coming months while all three venues remain temporarily closed.

David Suchet said: “Donations will ensure that when the Theatre Royal Bath doors can reopen, and they most certainly will, the Theatre Royal Bath will continue to stand proudly as a part of your community, locally and nationally, and retains its place as the country’s leading regional theatre.”

Theatre Royal Bath director Danny Moar said: “We’re thrilled to have David and Jon’s support as we launch this fundraising campaign and have received many supportive messages from producers, performers and our very generous and loyal audience members."

"These are unprecedented times and even as the government and the country look to beginning the easing of lockdown restrictions it is very clear that the entertainment industry, and theatres especially, will be at the end of the queue.

"This is why we are asking for support now. Many of our audience members have very generously donated some or all of their refunds in recent weeks but this is a small amount compared to what the theatre would have brought in during a busy and popular summer season, especially for a theatre with no regular public subsidy.

"I am continually liaising with producers, visiting companies, actors and agents to ensure we have the strongest possible season in place for the moment we are able to re-open.”

Kate Cross, director of the award-winning Egg Theatre has also spoken to egg audiences, highlighting the creative work for families which is on hold.

Donations can be made through the Theatre Royal Bath’s website at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/donate