The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is celebrating its supporters who keep the historic venue running.

The theatre’s many sponsors contribute up to £50,000 towards the community playhouse’s funding.

Head of development at the theatre, Julia Read, said: “We currently have 14 business sponsors supporting the theatre in this financial year and they do so in a number of ways.

“This can range from sponsoring a specific show, having their name on their own box, sponsoring our ticket wallets, or sponsoring a whole season – our current autumn season is sponsored by Beckett.

“The financial support and endorsement that these companies give the Theatre Royal is very precious.

“They are not only offering financial support to a splendid community resource and life enhancer, but I always strive to offer them a return on their investment.”

Managing director of Beckett Financial Services, Ian White, said “We are delighted to be associated with a local organisation that shares our commitment to excellence through professionalism and enthusiasm.”

Benjamin Fox, of Cote Brasserie, said: “We offer all ticket holders a complimentary Kir Royale when dining with us to make an evening out at the theatre that little bit more special.

Myself and my deputy have even agreed to complete a charity skydive next month in aid of the Theatre Royal.”

In response, Julia said: “Asking our sponsors to chuck themselves out of a plane at 13,000ft seems a bit much but I’m so delighted that Benjamin is going to do it, that means a great deal.

“Our business partners are very special to us and much respected, not only by us, but by our audiences who appreciate the support they give the theatre.”

Gross & Co are long term supporters of the Theatre Royal who sponsor the Lunchtime Concert Series and the Spring Season.

Gary De’Ath, Partner at Gross and Co, said: “Our continuing enthusiastic support of the Theatre Royal is borne from its highly distinctive blend of artistic excellence imaginative and varied programming and distinctive venue.

“We are particularly appreciative of its broad reach across the Bury community and beyond, from lunchtime concerts to outreach and educative programmes.”

The 14 business sponsors this year are: The Angel Hotel, Ashton KCJ, Beckett Financial Services, BMI Hospital, Bury Developments, Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club, Cote Restaurant, Fiddian Interiors, Gibbs Denley, Greene King, Gross & Co, Jacobs Allen, Our Bury St Edmunds and Premier Printers.

The 14 sponsors of the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds for the current financial year are: The Angel Hotel, Ashton KCJ, Beckett Financial Services, BMI Hospital, Bury Developments, Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club, Cote Restaurant, Fiddian Interiors, Gibbs Denley, Greene King, Gross & Co, Jacobs Allen, Our Bury St Edmunds and Premier Printers.