THE show must go on is the determined cry from a small Lancaster theatre group - after it missed out on lifeline funding.

Freerange Theatre, run and directed by Wren Chapman and Hugo Chandor, is dedicated to taking theatre to small village venues.

It is well known for getting people involved in its ventures, whether through holding workshops, helping with set building or working the front of house.

But its new tour, which was due to begin in April, has been hit by the news that funding the company was expecting from the Arts Council has been rejected.

It means that Freerange's newest work, At Home With The Pooters', may never see the light of day despite the success of last year's debut tour.

Absence, written by Hollywood writer Wendy Hammond, received a standing ovation at every venue and the company was inundated with rave reviews.

But distraught Wren says: "The Arts Council have dropped us, saying they have rejected our application for funding because they do not think the play is viable. It leaves us with a massive problem - but the show will still go on.

She is now appealing for sponsors to help make up the shortfall of cash and says local businesses can help in a number of ways, including advertising in the programme.

"Our work is very important and must continue because it gets people in the community talking and working together," says Wren.

At Home With The Pooters has been written by Knight Mantell, who has acted alongside Sir Alex Guiness and Dame Judy Dench. It is based on a book entitled the Diary of a Nobody, which was serialised in the Punch Magazine in 1860.