Theatre facing closure calls for help from friend Ralph Fiennes

The south London theatre company that played a crucial role in launching Ralph Fiennes's career has called on the actor to help save it from closure.

LOST Theatre Company in Stockwell has appealed for the actor to help raise money after it was faced with a £15,000 deficit.

The 47-year-old Harry Potter star was a member of the group in the early Eighties before going on to drama school at Rada and performing with the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

One of his earliest performances with the group, formerly located in Fulham, was as Romeo.

The independent company — which puts on productions and acting classes for young people — now faces closure if it does not meet a £15,000 budget shortfall. Chief executive Mark Magill said he has been in touch with Fiennes, who is in America, about helping the group, of which he is also a patron. "He has been supportive throughout with us," he said.

The group was plunged into debt after three touring companies that had booked to use its venue in the run-up to Christmas pulled out at the last minute. It was founded in 1979 and has helped more than 1,000 young actors find their feet in the film and theatre industries.

Mr Magill said he is confident that it can raise up to £5,000 through members and friends and a further £4,000 through fundraisers, but that would still leave it with a deficit of up to £7,000 to fill by Christmas.

For more information or to donate to LOST, visit losttheatre.co.uk