IT will be the end of an era when Phoenix Theatre Company presents its next production, John Godber's comedy Salt of the Earth, at the United Reform Church Hall on Chorley Old Road.

The play will be the last at that venue due to the sale of the hall, following the closure of the church.

However, the loss of their familiar venue has done nothing to dampen the spirits of members of the award-winning Phoenix Theatre Company, who will be continuing to strut their stuff.

In addition to a full programme of productions for the rest of this year, plans are already afoot for the 2003/2004 season.

No definite permanent home has yet been found, but the club is in negotiation about possible new venues. Salt of the Earth runs at the United Reform Church Hall from January 15 to 18, 7.30pm.

The next Phoenix production, The Dresser, will be performed from April 2 to 5 at the Chorley Old Road Methodist Community Church -- the home of the Marco Players. Members of Phoenix then hope their last production of the season, Rough Justice, will be performed at Smithills Hall, Bolton.

In the meantime the company is still in search of a permanent home, and of storage.

The company had been based at the hall since 1980.

However, Salt of the Earth should be a fitting finale. The action spans three generations from 1947 to 1988 and takes place in the Parker household, as well as in and around a town situated in a North of England coalfield.

For tickets or further details, phone 840448.