Kingston's Rose Theatre announced a fundraising drive on Thursday (April 2) after they were forced to close like all theatres in the UK by Covid-19 coronavirus.

Under a defiant slogan — 'The Rose Endures' — Kingston's primary theatre said they hoped the challenge of coronavirus would not prove too much for their continued existence amid pre-existing financial troubles.

"Amid such uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, the Rose Theatre has today launched the #RoseEndures fundraising campaign," a statement published by the theatre read.

"The campaign aims to help safeguard the future of the venue, to continue its role as a vibrant community arts hub, and to ensure the livelihoods of its dedicated staff and associated creatives.

"The Rose is calling for audiences to make a donation, share their memories of the Rose and to upload a photo of themselves and their families holding a card of their own design that says #RoseEndures," it continued.

Subsequently, fans of The Rose appears across social media posing with iterations of the hashtag and giving voice to their support.

After ongoing financial difficulties, the Rose was threatened with closure last year before the Kingston Council (RBK) leadership offered a new funding agreement to help the theatre stay open.

It's revenue nevertheless comes primarily from ticket sales, currently non-existent during the nationwide lockdown, plus charitable funding from donors and sponsors.

Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director at the Rose, offered his thoughts on the campaign:

"We are absolutely dedicated to keeping our eyes on the horizon.

"We are going to continue thinking, dreaming, imagining and creating so that when we can all gather together once again, we will be able to fill our stage with stories of hope, love and of resilience.

"If you are in a position to support the Rose financially, we need you now more than ever, and would be immensely grateful.

"We are a community arts hub and in these unprecedented times, we must make sure that the #RoseEndures.”