AUDIENCES and friends of York Theatre Royal have helped it raise nearly half of its £500,000 public appeal in just four months.

As the theatre prepares for its first major building project in 50 years, it has revealed that its new fundraising target is now £284,000.

It is planning an online crowdfunding day on February 23.

Chief executive Liz Wilson said: "I am very grateful to everyone who has supported us over the last few months. Bucket collections during performances have raised over £30,000, primary schools have been holding non-uniform days and groups have been busy making and selling crafts to help the theatre achieve its target. This is a real community effort.

"It is so important that we all work together to ensure the ongoing sustainability and success of this Grade II-listed building. We hope that more people will want to get involved in supporting our fundraising appeal to help us to continue to produce world class theatre in our city for many years to come."

The theatre will go dark on March 17 when it will close for eight months. Actors and backstage crews will move to the National Railway Museum to stage two major productions, including the return of the popular award-winning The Railway Children with Martin Barrass as Mr Perks.

During the closure, the front of the building will be transformed, front of house areas will be remodelled and refurbished, the auditorium seats will be replaced and a new stage built. There will also be health and safety and environmental improvements.

The theatre's Capital Project will cost £4.1 million. By October last year, the theatre had raised £3.6 million including a £2.9 million award from Arts Council England, and help from City of York Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, The Feoffees of St Michaels, Spurriergate and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The theatre urges anyone wanting to help with the fundraising to contact its development team.