The Rose says it cannot survive without money from the council and has done a comparison of six other unnamed theatres to prove its point.
Theatre bosses say the Rose is the best value for money of the six, with the fewest members of staff who were paid less than anywhere else.
Looking around Kingston, nearby Wimbledon Theatre receives "very little support" from Merton Council although the council has not provided a concrete figure, while Epsom Playhouse is giving £406,000 a year to keep it going.
Richmond Theatre will not get any revenue funding this year from Richmond Council. Although the council will pay £648,075 towards a refurbishment debt the money is not paid to and does not benefit the Ambassadors Group which runs the theatre.
Mole Valley Council diverts £306,000 a year into Dorking Halls but has "nothing to do with" Leatherhead Theatre which has faced nearly a decade of financial uncertainty.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here