THEY'RE ready to rock the crowds with their biggest show in 20 years.

But Dumbarton's theatre stars fear it will be their last - after a bid for lottery funding to keep their group afloat failed.

Stage Lights Theatre Company will stage its first performance of blockbuster We Will Rock You tomorrow night.

Its version of Ben Elton's West End hit - featuring music from Queen - is only the second performance of the musical in Scotland.

For 20 years company members - from teenagers to pensioners in their late 60s - have raised funds for shows through sponsorship and donations.

But rising costs forced them to search for official funding.

They applied for a lottery grant but it has been rejected. Now they have no idea who to turn to.

Claire Maxwell, a 26-year-old estate agent, has been with Stage Lights for 16 years and is on the company's committee.

She said: "We were hoping this grant would be our lifeblood.

"We were overlooked because we're not as well known as larger stage companies. It all comes down to who can shout the loudest.

"The larger groups and charities have more success but we deserve funding on the same terms."

The group does not have a permanent base and nowhere to store props and costumes, which must be hired for every new show, pushing up costs to around £18,000 for We Will Rock You.

The script alone for the show cost the company £11,000.

Despite the cash woes, they are determined this week's shows will go on.

Claire said: "It's a real honour to be allowed to perform We Will Rock You.

"We are only the second theatre group to put on the show in Scotland, so we're determined to do it proud."

A not-for-profit charity, the group gives the proceeds of its performances to a local good cause.

Claire added: "Stage Lights is such a massive part of the community and we have really wide-ranging membership.

"A lot of people will be let down if we're forced to close."

We Will Rock You runs at Dumbarton's Denny Civic Theatre from tomorrow to Saturday, with proceeds to Dumbarton Deaf Children's Association.

Tickets, priced £6/£4, can be bought from News and Chews in Dumbarton High Street or by calling Claire on 01389 765167.