"And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore, our everlasting farewell take: For ever, and for ever, farewell…" these words written by world's greatest English playwright and dramatist William Shakespeare in his 16th century tragedy play Julius Caesar may soon turn into a 21st century reality for London's iconic Globe theatre, where the Bard's works were staged before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Globe, which has been shut since March, in a submission to the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee warned: "COVID-19 presents the greatest threat to the future of Shakespeare's Globe since our opening in 1997 and its immediate impact has been financially devastating."

The original Elizabethan open-air venue, which was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, was destroyed by fire in 1613. The playhouse's replica was built in 1997 on the banks of River Thames.

"We will not be able to survive this crisis; a tragedy for the arts, for the legacy of England's most famous writer, but also the country, if our iconic site on Bankside stands empty," the plea said, urging "In an unprecedented time for theatre, as a charity that receives no regular government subsidy, we need your help more than ever before."

Those interested in making donations to the Globe can do so here.

The Globe is not eligible to receive funds from the Arts Council of England, a government body that promotes the performing, visual and literary arts, due to its charity status.

Julian Knight MP, chair of the DCMS select committee, in a statement submitted to UK's Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, said: "Shakespeare's Globe is a world-renowned institution and not only part of our national identity, but a leading example of the major contribution the arts make to our economy. For this national treasure to succumb to COVID-19 would be a tragedy."

"The Government must step up now and find more funding to shore up our cultural landscape and safeguard our rich past while giving hope to those whose livelihoods depend upon it," he added.

Online versions of the theater's plays have garnered nearly two million views, highlighting the audience's continued interest in their content.

(With input from agencies)