A NORTH-EAST 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 through its doors.

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 originally started in 1925 as Sunderland Drama Club.

Vice-chairman Anna Snell said: "Our message is a simple one - use it, or lose it.

"Over the last 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 being shown by these bodies is just not being matched by the people of Sunderland."

She added: "It is incredibly frustrating bearing in mind the enormous efforts which have been made to improve the theatre itself.

"For example, after repeated grumbles from some audience members we have totally overhauled the heating system, and installed on-stage amplification to make things easier for those with hearing problems."

Ms Snell said there was still much work to be done, with more improvements planned over the next 12 months.

But, she adde: "This will be a waste of time if people are not coming through the doors to see the productions."

The company's next production is Snake in the Grass, a psychological thriller by Alan Ayckbourn. Directed by David Farn.

It opens at 7.30pm on Monday January 25 and runs nightly until Saturday January 30. Tickets are available at the door or from Sunderland Tourist Information Centre 0191-553 2000.