A HISTORIC theatre group is looking for support as it fights financial problems ahead of its 125th birthday.

Accrington Theatre Group will celebrate the landmark anniversary next year and is planning several events this year to fund the celebrations.

The volunteer-ran arts company has been performing musical theatre in Hyndburn since 1893 and claims to be one of the oldest surviving theatre companies in the country.

The first events to support their birthday celebration next year will take place on May 6 and 7 with a ‘Broadway at the Ballroom’ concert at Accrington Town Hall.

Director for the event Peter Norris said: “We were on the verge of bankruptcy last year.

“We want to spread the word about the theatre group, it’s a reducing field.

“Next year we want it to be a really big celebration but to do that we need to raise money.

“We’ve got virtually no money at the moment, our shows for the rest of the year depend on the income from this one.”

Mr Norris said the group intend to hold several more shows throughout the year such as pantomimes and more concerts.

They will then aim to hold a ‘showpiece’ production next year to mark the special occasion of a popular theatre show to be decided.

Around 45 people will be taking part in the upcoming concerts which will feature songs from the groups favourite shows over the last 50 years.

Organisers have worked hard to attract back several performers from across the region. They have travelled from as far afield as the Lake District and Greater Manchester to rehearsals.

The shows will also mark a change of usual venue for the group.

Previously the team have performed for decades at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, but they will be making the move to the newly refurbished Accrington Town Hall for the latest shows.

In another first for the society, the Saturday night show will be accompanied by a pie and pea supper and the Sunday matinee will feature an afternoon tea.

Chairman Howard Raw said: “We’re going to be catering for this concert and the Ballroom has some spectacular facilities that will suit this production, not least a brand new lighting system, a great stage and of course the magnificent ballroom itself.

“It’s a must-visit local landmark.”

Tickets for ‘Broadway at the Ballroom’ can be booked online at www.ticketsource.com or by calling the box office on 01254 380293.