Like all theatres and music venues, the Oxford Playhouse is continuing to experience financial difficulty, due to the coronavirus.
Last year it received a boost when Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen appeared on stage for two nights to raise £45,000 as part of his 80th birthday celebrations.
The national treasure delighted fans by posing for photos and signing autographs.
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One of the world's best-loved actors, Sir Ian appeared on stage to share stories from his career, including his defining role as Gandalf in the films based on the JRR Tolkien epics.
Sir Ian McKellen at the Oxford Playhouse
After a standing ovation, he urged audience members to support the Playhouse's work in supporting grassroots theatre and nurturing homegrown talent before making his way to the foyer to collect cash in a bucket.
The collection along with ticket sales and proceeds from souvenir programmes made nearly £45,000, which went towards supporting new plays and Oxford Playhouse productions.
Playhouse director Louise Chantal said at the time:"What Ian McKellen is doing to support theatres across the whole of the country is truly unique - a year-long marathon of giving back to the industry he so clearly adores.
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"We adore him too, and last night was one of the most spellbinding performances I have ever seen - a two-hour love letter to British theatre."
Theatres and music venues have been closed since March due to the coronavirus restrictions imposed by the government.
Despite the government’s £1.57bn rescue package for arts venues, the theatre has suffered a major drop in revenue as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.
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Louise Chantal outside the Oxford Playhouse
In August it announced it would host Said Business School's Masters of Financial Economics students, to help the business school to teach safely.
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