THE curtain could come down on a Farnworth theatre which has provided entertainment in the town for 50 years. Farnworth Little Theatre is facing the axe unless it raises a whopping £48,000 to buy its home which has been put up for sale by church owners. But today volunteers vowed the show would go on by announcing a battle plan to raise the cash to keep the amateur group afloat.

And one of the theatre's most famous "sons" Frank Finlay - whose illustrious career began on the boards of the Little Theatre - is backing their appeal.

He has already sent a letter to officials pledging his support.

Chairman Frank Baxendale said: "It is a tremendous task and we'd be lying if we said we weren't worried. But we're working like hell to keep something which has become an integral part of the community." The theatre's troubles began after owners St John's Church, Farnworth, announced it had no choice but to sell the amateurs' base in Cross Street, off Market Street. The parish church desperately needs money to tap into a National Lottery grant to make essential church repairs.

But that leaves the theatre, which has only £6,000 in the bank, facing a race against time to raise £48,000 by the end of the year if it wants to keep its 40-year home.

Mr Baxendale explained: "We have the first option to buy, but the church needs money quickly or it will lose its Lottery grant."

The amateur group, which is due to celebrate half a century in Farnworth later this year, now plans to apply for grants, launch its own Lotto, hold fund-raising events and appeal for donations.

Theatre productions regularly play to packed audiences and several young members have been transformed into professional actors.

Its last play of the season - black comedy Communicating Doors, by Alan Ayckbourn - is due to end on Saturday.

But Mr Baxendale, who helped found the theatre, said members were determined their funding crisis wouldn't mean a final curtain for the group, which also has a thriving youth set-up.

"We were honest and said it was an option to pack up for good," he said. "But everyone was adamant that the show should go on." Call Mr Baxendale on 303817 if you would like to make a donation.

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