Support has come in for The Lemon Tree after the news

The theatre closed it doors on Wednesday, putting more than 50 people out of work.

Some of the staff now want to raise funds as quickly as possible to resurrect the venue.

Meanwhile, acts which have performed at The Lemon Tree have spoken out in support of the popular venue.

Former programme director Claire Jessiman said they were not taking the closure lying down.

We have performed at The Lemon Tree over a number of years and have always had good audiences and been treated very professionally by all the staff Leigh McCalister Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre

She told BBC Scotland: "We are going to do everything we can to try and save The lemon Tree. We have 14 days until the liquidators take over.

"We think it is realistic, we have already had a lot of support from people and companies."

Puppeteer Leigh McCalister, of Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre, said: "Our company were performing this week and of course have had four performances cancelled.

"We have performed at The Lemon Tree over a number of years and have always had good audiences and been treated very professionally by all the staff.

Dismay at closure

"The people who have really lost out - apart from the staff - are of course the children who paid for and were looking forward to their Christmas show treat. You cannot explain closure and liquidation to a three-year-old child."

The centre's board had rejected an offer of financial aid from Aberdeen City Council, opting instead to close.

The board said The Lemon Tree was unable to continue trading when it did not have enough funds to meet its liabilities.

Anne Begg, the Labour MP for Aberdeen South, expressed dismay at the closure.