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.

Oxford Mail:

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.

Oxford Mail:

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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Oxford Mail:

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.