MEMBERS of a theatre group spoke of their sadness as they prepare to stage the last show in their home of 90 years.

St Philips Parochial Hall is due to be put up for sale and Showtune, which opens tonight, will be St Philips AODS' final production at the venue.

It celebrates the words and music of Jerry Herman, composer and lyricist for some of Broadway's greatest shows, including Hello Dolly, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles.

The amateur theatre group was formed in 1925 at the hall, which is owned by the Parish Church of St Philip, Bridgeman Street.

Ros Bell, who has been involved with the group for almost 30 years, said: "They are selling it off.

"It's just sad that something that has been going for all those years — 90 years.

"It seems really sad that, yet again, it's another place that's going.

"Everyone is fighting for places to put things on.

"It's a shame when there are so many amateur theatre groups that are struggling.

"We are trying not to fold as a society. We are not giving up.

"We don't know exactly when they are closing it, but it's the last show we will be doing in that hall."

Up to 50 adults regularly appear in the group's shows and it also has a junior workshop, which is attended by about 50 children.

The group regularly holds fundraising events, but would struggle to raise enough money to secure the purchase of the hall.

Rev Matt Thompson said they are "exploring the sale of the hall" to raise money for repair work at the church.

He said: "The repairs are going to be very costly and the only asset the church has is the hall.

"We had to let our tenants know we were taking that course of action. With a theatre group, you have to book plans a long time in advance."

He added he hopes the hall's future owners may allow the group to continue staging shows there.

It is a further blow to Bolton's amateur theatre scene following the sale of the Theatre Church in Seymour Road, Astley Bridge.

In summer 2012, the building’s owners, Bolton Methodist Circuit, rejected an offer of £300,000 raised by members of Bolton Amateur Theatre Society (BATS) and sold it to private investors, who opened Crystal Theatre, Function and Wedding Halls.

It is now being demolished to make way for nine houses.

The Albert Halls are also currently closed for refurbishment meaning other groups — including New Rosemere AOS, BCMCS and Bolton Premier Productions — are also looking for venues.

Showtune: The Music of Jerry Herman is on at St Philips Parochial Hall, Bridgeman Street, Bolton, from tonight until Saturday at 7.30pm.

Phone 01204 699535 or 07712 673957 for tickets.