A community theatre needs thousands of pounds to stop its Grade II-listed home falling into disrepair.

The New Venture Theatre, founded in 1947, owns the building, in Bedford Place, Brighton, but the volunteers who run it are struggling to fund the soaring costs of maintenance and provide new disabled access and other improvements.

The theatre group, a registered charity, already has to find £13,000 to pay architects' bills.

It is hoping at least 25 volunteers will run the Brighton and Hove City half-marathon on Sunday, February 23, to raise £200 each, bringing in a total £5,000 to pay for a fire exit.

The theatre, which hosts at least 12 shows a year and takes part in the city's fringe festival, has come to an agreement with the architects to delay payment until it receives grants from several funding bodies it has approached for help.

Volunteers say they also need cash for day-to-day maintenance.

The building was built in 1837 and is typical of many period properties which need careful and sometimes costly work to prevent decay.

Administration director Jerry Lyne said: "We're trying to make it a community theatre and working very hard to ensure we keep the place standing. It's an amazing juggling act."

The theatre hopes much of the work can be completed by next year, the Year of the Disabled. It is appealing for people to become club members or friends to help boost its coffers.

It has also benefited in the past from legacies, recently receiving £1,000 left in the will of Cecil Dallas Denington.

It is also hoping for full audiences at its next production, The Last Yankee by Arthur Miller, on Saturday January 18, Sunday January 19 and from Tuesday January 21 to Friday January 25.

Anyone who wants to help raise funds should phone 01273 746118, visit www.newventuretheatre.org.uk or contact jerry.lyne@btinternet.com