A theatre manager says the “love and support” of actors and audience members who attended a fundraising show means its future is looking bright.

The Kenneth More Theatre in Oakfield Road, Ilford, put on two performances of the musical Nine on Saturday and raised more than �14,000 to help plug a �20,000 gap left by a cut to its 2011-12 grant from Redbridge Council.

Theatre-goers turned out in force on the day, almost selling out the 358-seat venue on both occasions and manager Steven Day thanked them for their “overwhelming” support.

He said: “The concerts were absolutely amazing and we haven’t got a final figure yet, but we have raised more than �14,000 so far.

“We were 50 tickets off two sold-out houses and even those who couldn’t make it were donating.”

The more than 100-strong cast offered their services for free as a favour to Mr Day, who only had a few days to put the show together.

Mr Day added the theatre was booked up until the end of next year.