The theatre will reopen next year

Concerns had been raised about the future of the Bristol Old Vic after it closed in August for a �7m refit, admitting concerns over its finances.

But the interim chief executive, Clarie Middleton, said the building would reopen as a dedicated theatre.

"We want daytime events, for example, and to open the theatre to companies," she said.

"It is the oldest continually working theatre in the country and an icon in its own right."

An appeal has so far raised half of the �2m needed from the public to complement the �5m raised from other sources.

In June, a host of Britain's best-known actors, writers and directors signed a letter of support to help save the Bristol Old Vic company.

Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Stewart, Alan Rickman, Simon Curtis, Sir Derek Jacobi and Emma Thompson were among 120 signatories who warned the company could "fade away" while the theatre was closed for the revamp.