OVER £3,000 has been raised for a Blackwood community theatre after their online appeal went viral.

The Blackwood Little Theatre (BLT) is the base for the award-winning theatre group of the same name and regularly holds shows, from literary adaptations and original works, to popular pantomimes.

When the partly-grant funded project faced financial difficulty, the troupe rallied to save the theatre, launching a online video (above) featuring writer /director Vic Mills.

Taking viewers on a tour around the building, Mr Mills explains that £16,000 is needed to replace the 70-year-old roof and that if it isn’t raised in five-weeks, the “lights will have to go off”.

This would leave a  full programme of work in limbo, including shows for students studying their GCSEs in October, plays in national competitions and the theatre’s youth group project.

“We’re the most successful theatre company for amateur community theatre in the whole of Wales which is a challenge in itself,” he said.

The video received 36 thousand views in 24 hours, attracted the attention of Manic Street Preachers, who donated £1,000 and twitter support from actor Michael Sheen.

Lloyds Bank, Braces Bakery, Monmouthshire Building Society and Blackwood's Asda and Aldi stores have also pledged their support.

To help raise £16,000 needed to save the theatre, the group will hold a show including performances by West End star Peter Karrie and a potential signing event with Game of Thrones star Ross O'hennessey.

“The support has been superb,” said BLT chairman Neil Maidman.

“We are in the position that whilst having a (£30,000) grant for the majority of the project in place - which we are grateful for from Caerphilly council, other grant applications have been slow to materialise.

“There is a time limitation on the Caerphilly grant - so we have had to take this course of action in order to save our theatre.”

The "Raise the Roof" benefit concert will also include an performances from former Britain's Got Talent and X-Factor acts and a auction of Manic Street Preachers memorabilia.  

The fundraising show will take place at the theatre on Friday, June 24, with doors opening at 7.30pm and tickets priced at £10.

Tickets are available online via www.blackwoodlt.org.uk or by callin 01495366196.

To donate to the theatre, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/blackwoodlittletheatre