IT'S make or break time for a dedicated charity theatre group which will soon be homeless if help is not forthcoming, writes Julian Seva.

The Break-a-Leg Theatre Company, which currently resides at St John Fisher First School, Church Hill, desperately needs new accommodation to cater for its expanding series of workshops for nearly 200 children.

In July, the school is due to close and while the theatre company's founders, Jo and Barnaby Hiles, have submitted a lottery bid to turn it into a performing arts centre, they won't know the outcome until September.

So with finance tight, they are hoping someone can come forward with a large base which could accommodate drama and music workshops as well as the company's stage sets and equipment.

The couple explained their ultimate plan was to go full time and even create a music studio for their students, both disabled and able-bodied.

"At the moment we have nowhere to go," said Mr Hiles.

"So we would appeal to anyone who could help us with the St John Fisher building or offer us a space we could call our own."

Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, David Bintley, has already pledged his moral support for the good cause.

Mrs Hiles used to dance with the English National Ballet and has shared the stage with such greats as Fonteyn and Nureyev.

She said: "We need to provide a centre where kids can come because there is little for them to do in Redditch.

"Primarily, it's about fun and teamwork and developing talent as a by-product - somewhere where the kids can enjoy themselves."

Anyone who can help the charity can call 545561 or e-mail:

jbh@breakaleg.org.uk.