STAFF at Droitwich's Norbury Theatre are launching an appeal to save the venue.

The Friar Street theatre is on the verge of closure, with the prospect of the final curtain coming down for the 39-year-old auditorium as early as next year.

The theatre hit hard times two years ago when massive repairs, to the tune of £32,000, had to be carried out to the wiring.

Despite Wychavon District Council paying half the bill, the theatre still had to find £16,000, which used up its savings.

The theatre, which seats nearly 200 and is a registered charity staffed entirely by volunteers, costs £15,000 every year to run - money which now has to come from ticket sales, membership fees and bar takings.

Theatre staff fear that, unless the residents of Droitwich Spa and the surrounding areas support the Norbury, they will be forced to close it down.

Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club chairman Rosie Pugh pleaded with the public to help.

"Over the last 40 years or so, many of us have happily given the town this wonderful facility, but we now need the help of Droitwich and the surrounding areas to survive," she said.

"We are not going to give up without a fight and, for the past two years or so, we have soldiered on with only the profits from things such as ticket sales. We now feel it is time to get the community involved and really try and get back on our feet."

The theatre runs a youth group on a Friday night and also a children's theatre on a Saturday afternoon, allowing local children and teenagers to become involved in productions throughout the year.

The venue puts on around eight productions a year, which include a pantomime, a musical and a youth production.

But Ms Pugh says that, over the past couple of years, attendances have been dropping.

"I think the way of life has changed. These days people don't seem to have so much spare time, so when they do get a minute to themselves they don't want to go out to the theatre.

"However, we really need loyal followers who are prepared to come to a production."

Theatre staff say that there are lots of ways in which residents and businesses can help.

You can become a member of the Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club, which costs £15 a year. Call the club's secretary Jon Yeldham on 01905 795619 for details.

Supporters can send cheques, made payable to the Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club Ltd, to the Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich.

Alternatively, people can donate a few hours a month to help with scenery, the box office or even running the bar.

Droitwich businesses are also being asked to sponsor productions. Theatre organisers are assuring companies they will have adequate space in the foyer to promote themselves.

"We need both donations of money and time. One is no good without the other," said Ms Pugh.

"We could have £300,000 donated but if no one is there to open the theatre, then what's the use?

"Anything anyone can do to help us would be greatly received. We really can't do this without the public's help."