CAMPAIGNERS were due to meet tonight to discuss how to save the cash-strapped Swan Theatre from closure.

Volunteers, theatre-lovers and members of the many amateur groups have been invited to find out how they help to keep it open.

Last week, it was revealed that Worcester City Council would have to cut its grant to the theatre in 2003 by £83,000, to its basic rate of £54,000, because of its own financial crisis.

The council's contribution acts as a trigger for other donations, without which the theatre will fold.

West Midlands Arts, which matches the council's funding, has already said it will withdraw its £179,000 grant if the proposals go ahead.

The Swan's artistic director, Jenny Stephens, believes the council has used the theatre as a soft target.

She launched a fighting fund and called on all the venue's supporters to lobby the city council to try and get it to change its mind.

"If we reverse the decision by the end of November we may be in with another chance of saving it for another year," she said.

Friends of the Swan Theatre will meet at the venue at 7.30pm.