Mill at Sonning boss: We were on the brink but locals have saved us

However, it added that a group of local supporters had formed a consortium to save the venue, just as "it seemed the curtain might fall for good". Together, the residents have donated a "significant" amount of money to the theatre to allow it to continue operating.

Sally Hughes, managing director of the Mill at Sonning, told The Stage the locals had invested "a nice chunk of money to really see us over a tricky time".

"The money is a real lifesaver and means we continue without financial worries," she added.

However, Hughes said a recently launched fundraiser backed by Judi Dench would continue. 

"It’s like the Forth bridge this building – there’s still so much to be done and our waterwheel doesn’t work at the moment. It’s the icon of the building but it needs work on it. It’s just a big old grade II*-listed building that needs constant repair. So absolutely, the crowdfunding will continue," she said.

Hughes described particular challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising costs, which meant that building a set was "at least twice the amount now".

"Every bill that was maybe £2,000 is now £4,000 and you can’t keep putting prices up to meet all those developments. It was all coming to a bit of a crunch," she said.

In the Instagram post, the venue said the locals’ kindness had given it "hope, stability and the chance to dream again".