Sir Sean Connery, the man who formally opened the Byre Theatre, has given his backing to save the venue.
The former James Bond star has described the St Andrews theatre as a “wonderful venue” just days after it closed its doors due to financial problems.
Connery, who visited the Byre back in 2001, gave his support to campaigners fighting to save the theatre, which has struggled to make ends meet following the withdrawal of Scottish Arts Council funding back in 2010, amounting to around £160,000.
He said: “The Byre is a wonderful venue and it would be my hope that a way can be found to keep it open.”
Other stars of stage and screen have also expressed their sadness at seeing the final curtain fall at the Byre.
Taggart star Colin McCredie has also backed the Save The Byre campaign.
He said: “Sad news about the Byre Theatre where I made one of my first professional stage appearances. The heart has been ripped out of regional theatre.”
His sentiments have been shared by fellow Scots actor Tom Urie, who previously worked at the Byre.
The River City actor said: “It’s too important for the community and Scotland for this to happen. The audience are right there. It has a home-grown atmosphere.”
The 80-year-old theatre, which has undergone several upgrades throughout its life, closed on Thursday night following two charity dance shows.
Despite good ticket sales, crippling overheads meant that the venue was simply not financially viable.
However, Fife Council, which owns the building, and Creative Scotland, the body which has succeeded the Scottish Arts Council, have both stated their optimism that the Byre could be resurrected by the end of the summer.
First Minister Alex Salmond last week said that Scottish Government ministers were doing “all that they can” to support attempts to save the theatre.