MORE than 40 lots – including a replica Mini pedal car – will go under the hammer to help a much-loved theatre.

The Pegasus Theatre in Magdalen Road, East Oxford, is hosting an Auction for Change next month at Hawkwell House Hotel, Iffley Village, Oxford.

The 45-year-old venue offers theatre experience and education to young people, the community and professional artists.

But it is temporarily closed until autumn next year while a £7.4m refurbishment – including the extension of both the front and rear auditorium – is completed.

Auction organisers are hoping to raise between £5,000 and £10,000 towards their £200,000 ‘Create for Change’ campaign, to pay for new workshops and projects following the theatre’s reopening.

So far, £70,000 is in the pot, raised by donations from supporters, events, fun runs and marathons.

Auction organiser Kath-ryn Oddie said: “We are aiming for 150 people at the auction.

“The venue has been donated and we have gifts ranging from about £8 to a Suffolk guest house for a week worth about £1,000.

“They are unique gifts for Christmas that you can’t buy in the shops and it will be a really good way of raising the profile of the theatre.

“For example, £5,000 could pay for sets and costumes for a performance for 150 people and £6,000 would pay for a new work to be commissioned.

“We want to make people realise that although we have secured money for the building work itself we need to have money to continue to provide the services.”

Miss Oddie said the Union Jack mini pedal car – worth about £200 – is one of only two limited edition hand painted models.

Other donated lots include an original Winnie The Witch illustration by Oxford artist Korky Paul, a week-long holiday to Jamaica and the chance to be a zoo keeper for a day at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Lots will be presented by guest auctioneer John Dickins.

The Auction for Change takes place on Friday, November 20, at 7.30pm. For a descriptions of all the lots visit pegasustheatre.org.uk Tickets are free, although places must be reserved by calling Ms Oddie on 01865 792209 or by email at kathryn.oddie@pegasus theatre.org.uk eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk