A THEATRE company faces closure unless more people get behind it, according to its managers.

Despite spending tens of thousands of pounds on vital improvements to Sunderland’s Royalty Theatre, the company is finding it increasingly hard to attract an audience.

November’s production of Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean played to houses of only 33 per cent capacity – believed to be among the lowest audience figures in the Royalty’s 86- year history.

Even the December pantomime, Old King Cole, struggled to reach a 60 per cent audience level – a far cry from a few years ago when 90 per cent of the tickets were snapped up at the 200-seat venue.

Theatre chiefs are now warning that unless audience levels start to improve, it could spell curtains for the long-established group, which began life in 1925 as Sunderland Drama Club.

Vice-chairwoman Anna Snell said: “Our message is a simple one – use it, or lose it.

“Over the past few months, we have raised a huge amount of money through our own efforts and many organisations have responded positively to our fundraising applications.

“But the commitment and interest shown by these bodies is simply not being matched by the people of Sunderland.”

Ms Snell said more improvement work was planned, but warned: “This will be a waste of time if people are not coming through the doors.”

The company’s next production is Snake in the Grass by Alan Ayckbourn. It opens at 7.30pm on Monday and runs nightly until Saturday. Tickets are available at the door or from Sunderland Tourist Information Centre, on 0191-553-2000.