A comedian is putting on a show to save his town's theatre from closing.

The Roundhouse, Dover's only dedicated theatre, is due to shut for the refurbishment of its host building, Dover Discovery Centre.

But nearly 1,500 people have so far signed a petition to try to stop that.

And now comic Adam Morrison-Jones, who is from the town, is putting on a fundraising performance to help in the campaign.

Entertainer, a one-man show, is at the theatre in Market Square, from 7.30pm on Friday, February 4.

It tells of a man's ambition to become a success as a holiday park entertainer.

It is produced by the Blackfish Academy for the Performing Arts, which has the theatre at its base.

Mr Morrison-Jones, 35, told KentOnline: "There are already too few opportunities for children, teenagers and young adults to perform onstage and chances are bring slowly taken away.

"This theatre is a heartbeat in the town and I certainly performed in it in my formative years."

Mr Morrison-Jones once performed in the Queen and Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You there.

The petition, set up last summer, by today (Wednesday) had 1,411 names out of a target figure of 1,500.

Its organisers also argue that groups such as Dover Youth Theatre and DODS (Dover Operatic and Dramatic Society) would also lose a performance venue.

The building is owned by Kent County Council and is subject to a £7.75 million refurbishment.

As part of the work the Poltons Family Centre will move into the building, -which houses Dover Library, and a walk-in local and family history archive will be installed.

Archaeology underneath the building, such as the external ruins of the St. Martin’s Le Grand Church and the Classis Britannica Fort, will also be made visible.

County councillors had voted for the change at a meeting last July 13.

KCC says the lease for Blackfish to be at the centre expired in 2013 and it is still there, but informally.

The council says it will help the group find a new base.

A spokesman now said: "Work is ongoing to finalise proposals ahead of KCC and Dover District Council submitting a formal planning application and everyone having an opportunity to have their say on the new-look Discovery Centre in a consultation."

The consultation will happen after the planning application is submitted.

The admission price for Entertainer is £5 at the door.