The fight is now on to save The Savoy Theatre, which is threatened with closure unless much needed funding and resource is found.

In a letter to the Beacon, Vic Bignell, Chair of the Theatre's Trustees, thanked the local community for their recent support following the article published in The Beacon.

"Many people turned out to support the showing of "Mamma Mia" , he said, "and also contributed to a collection afterwards which has so far raised £831.18 for the charity. The show was so popular; we are going to re-show it for a couple of days starting 5th September.

"This, of course, is just the first step in difficult times for us as we still desperately require donations and volunteers to help support the continued operation of the Savoy Theatre and Cinema.

"We have had very few volunteers and think not many people realize we are an independent charitable trust (Reg. charity no: 1102792). We are staffed almost entirely by a few volunteers. We receive no subsidies from the county council, the arts council or other organizations."

Meanwhile Beacon reader, John Vaughton, believes he has the answer to the problems of keeping The Savoy open.

He wrote to us: "The answer to the Savoy Theatre's financial woes was obvious throughout last week, when one only had to see the number of people of all ages queueing the length of Church Street to get  into the theatre to see the film Mama Mia.

"At the end of the performance they were spilling out with a 'a feel good factor' written all over their faces. 

"Provide entertainment with a capital 'E', advertise much more aggresively than is the case at present and I am sure the good people of Monmouth will support this little gem of a theatre".

There are various ways the public can help The Savoy - from finding a rich philanthropist or business to sponsor the theatre, making a donation, or volunteering your time to help.

Vic added: "We are holding an open meeting at the Savoy Theatre for people who are interested in volunteering a small amount of their time, or help."

The meeting is on Wednesday 3rd September at 6.00pm. If you want more information, please phone Vic on 01600 750488 or e-mail them at [email protected]">[email protected]

"Of course, by far the easiest way to support us is to come along and watch a film. With the community supporting us, we hope the Savoy can survive for another 80 years," Vic added.