A HAMPSHIRE theatre needs to save £540,000 to lift it out of the red for the first time in its history.

For the last 28 years Ferneham Hall in Fareham has been losing money but now a major shake-up is planned to make the savings needed for it to break even.

Councillors at Fareham Borough Council have approved a plan to balance the books, which will include the need to save £190,000 next year.

They also want to boost audience numbers by bringing in new shows for younger visitors.

Mark Bowler, head of leisure and community at the council said: “Everybody has seen a steady improvement over the past three years but attendance figures are disappointing.”