THE Creation Theatre Company’s appeal is drawing a diverse cast of fundraisers as it fights for survival.

Oxfordshire's largest theatre production company has received a major boost in its bid to stay afloat after receiving pledges worth £42,000. But five anonymous donors say they will only give the money if Creation raises the same amount itself. A second summer of awful weather has threatened the future of the company, which specialises in outdoor shows. Takings are down by £140,000 this year compared with 2006, when the company last enjoyed decent summer weather.

Last month The Oxford Times revealed that the company was launching an appeal to raise at least £60,000 to buy a canopy to encourage crowds to return.

The company says it is delighted with the early response to its fundraising appeal.

Theatre goer Steve Rayson hopes to raise £20,000 for the campaign by running the Abingdon Marathon on October.

Meanwhile, Kari Bremner, 19, of Cumnor, is a volunteer who has recently given up more of her time to give out leaflets and stuff envelopes for the charity.

Support in kind from local businesses has also been offered, including local printing company Hunts pledging to print donation slips and Peter Wolfes, an arts and entertainment photographer, taking free publicity photographs.