AN AMATEUR musical theatre company is fighting for its survival after losing money on its last four shows.

The 107-year-old Durham Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) had to cancel its next production, Carousel, and leaders say it is threatened with closure.

They are appealing to the public to support a series of fundraising events to secure its future.

A nativity will be staged at Broom House Farm in Witton Gilbert on December 4 and 5 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 for adults, £12 for children, including a meal. Under threes go free, but will not be catered for. To book, call 0191-371-9697.

A Christmas Celebration will be staged at Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet, Durham, on Tuesday, December 15, at 7pm. Tickets are £7 including tea or coffee and a mince pie. To book, call 0191-386-8227.

The company will present The Best of British Musicals, featuring songs from shows including Phantom of the Opera, Oliver!, Cats and more, at the Gala Theatre, Durham, from March 3 to 5.

There will be performances at 7pm each night, plus at Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are priced from £13.50. To book, call 03000-266-600 or visit galadurham.co.uk

Carousel has been rescheduled for the Gala in March 2017.

Chairman Anthony Smith said: “Our aim has always been to provide high class musical theatre entertainment for the people of Durham, as professionally as possible, at affordable prices.

“We believe that we are providing a good service to the people of County Durham and we desperately want to continue to do so.”