THE Marine Theatre – which was bailed out by the council three years ago – has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £95,000 for a new roof.

Raise the Roof!, which kicks off this week, aims to generate the funds needed for substantial repairs to the 119-year-old Lyme Regis building.

Theatre bosses have warned that the future of the theatre is under threat unless the roof is repaired.

They said an extensive survey has revealed that in order to preserve the Marine, its two roofs are in desperate need of repair, with the pitch roof needing re-insulating, re-pitching and re-slating.

Work to re-gutter, repair mortaring, paint the walls and treat the sea facing timbers, along with the addition of solar panels, will add to the longevity and the economic and environmental sustainability of the theatre.

Drips from the roof are currently being collected in two children’s paddling pools inside the ageing building.

Lyme Arts Community Trust, which runs the theatre, hopes that a substantial amount will come from grants, but will also be reaching out to the local community and supporters of the theatre to help them raise the rest.

Co-artistic director Tim Bell said: “The Marine Theatre building, in its many guises, has played a valuable part in Lyme Regis life for the last 119 years. “We want to ensure the building lasts for another 119 years.

“We’ve got a great history of fantastic performance here in Lyme.

“Unless we can fix the roof, that tradition is under threat.”

Mr Bell has defended the move to spend a substantial fund on the building, despite the continuing financial support from Lyme Regis Town Council.

The council recently agreed a new three-year agreement to commit £96,000 to the theatre.

The authority has injected around £375,000 into the venue over the last 11 years, including a £30,000 bail out in 2010 to avoid going into administration.

Mr Bell said: “When so many sectors are facing tough, tough cuts, many people may be wondering why it’s worth spending so much money on a theatre.

“Well, a study published this week by Centre for Economics and Business Research has demonstrated that for every pound that's invested in arts and culture six pounds is generated for the local economy.

The first two fundraising events for Raise the Roof! are on Friday, June 7, when The Echoes will perform a fundraising gig, followed on Wednesday, July 10 by Mark Hix heading up a panel of well-known local chefs for a discussion on mackerel and sustainable fishing.

To donate visit marinetheatre.com/raise-the-roof