A glimmer of hope for the financially stricken Astor Theatre in Deal has shone through in the shape of new government funding.

The venue's creative director James Tillitt and a member of the trust's board are "actively pursuing" a new funding stream that's being administered by the arts council.

Mr Tillitt told Kentonline this morning: "Our application is being put together this week for a two year core funding programme.

"I have extremely high hopes that we will get this grant as the Arts Council are now focussing on smaller, community based venues.

"The other major factor in our favour is the sheer amount of support I have had from the town; not just the donations, which are so vital, but also the many messages of support I've had from so many people. "

Mr Tillitt transformed the formerly derelict theatre in 2009 to create the community asset it has become.

The doors to the Stanhope Road building were opened in 2010 and the community interest company (CIC) turned charity has thrived with live gigs, theatre, workshops and art exhibitions ever since.

Additional ventures have seen the launch of an apprenticeship programme and community radio scheme too.

This April Mr Tillitt planned to hold a 10 year anniversary celebration, which he said would combine with the 75th anniversary that the Edwardian building was gifted to the people of Deal by Lord Astor for their fortitude during the Second World War.

But the big party dreams, along with the theatre's summer and autumn programme, had to be scrapped because of lockdown and the continuing uncertainty over viability where social distancing will inevitably lead to much reduced audience sizes.

In recent weeks the Astor has made the headlines for its crowdfunding campaign which has raised £30,000 towards ongoing bills and insurances.

And a Great Art Raffle, set up by Penny Harvey of Stagecatz involves donated art from some of Deal's finest talent being raffled for £5 a ticket.

"I have extremely high hopes that we will get this grant as the Arts Council are now focussing on smaller, community based venues..."

Well known names to donate work include Penny Bearman and Neil Horenz-Kelly (NED), both of whom own galleries in the town, the Seaward Gallery in Broad Street and Don't Walk, Walk Gallery in Victoria Road respectively.

A petition, calling for Deal Town Council to stump up cash from its reserves gained 1,800 signatures, thanks to Astor regular Amber Bytheway.

The authority, which has already helped the Astor with almost £40,000 in financial contributions in Mr Tillitt's 11 year reign, was criticised for being slow to act.

After a meeting last Tuesday (28 July) the authority agreed to increase the cap of its Emergency Grant Fund allocations from £2,000 to £5,000 per grant, one of which the theatre is eligible for.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Mr Tillitt remains positive that the theatre will reopen fully and the anniversary celebration will go ahead next year.

He said: "I had an evening planned for April 18, with a host of all the local groups and acts that were so important in those early days in getting the Astor back on the map.

"The Cocos Lovers and other musicians from the Smugglers group, La Voix - the drag act that more or less started at the Astor, The Gentlemen of Few who started their successful career at the Astor, The Private Widdle Social Club and many others.

"If we can reopen next year we will have this celebration.

How can you help the Astor?

• Cinema screenings: These resume from August 21. That screening is romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally; Monty Python's Life of Brian is on August 31, the Last Waltz is on September 4 and the Rocky Horror Picture Show is on September 11. All screenings are at 7.30pm. To book, click here
• Donate: You can give money via the safe online fundraising page by clicking here.
• Raffle: buy a raffle ticket for a piece of original art. This Friday's offering is by Neil Horenz-Kelly (NED) of the Don't Walk, Walk Gallery. Click here to buy a ticket.

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