A second successive summer of foul weather means the curtains could come down permanently on the county's largest independent theatre production company.

The Oxford Mail has been told any that shows staged by Creation Theatre Company after spring next year are in severe doubt. The company, which specialises in outdoor shows, warned it would be forced to close next year unless it could get cash to buy a covered area to protect audiences from the rain.

Takings are down by £140,000 this year compared with 2006, when the company last enjoyed decent summer weather. It has now launched an appeal to raise at least £60,000 to buy a canopy, roof or tent so crowds would flock back to its performances in venues like Oxford Castle and Headington Hill Park.

Producer and artistic director David Parrish said: "Despite reviews and customer feedback being overwhelmingly positive, this summer unfortunately has again seen a lack of sunshine, which has put many people off booking. Unless we raise some substantial cash, upwards of £60,000, then even though we have got a plan for the future we'll say 'what's the point?'"

"We'll do Christmas again, because it is really popular, but beyond a show in spring it looks deeply, deeply dubious."

Creation, which was launched by Mr Parrish 13 years ago, has played to 302,000 people since 1996, but tickets sales are down this year by 8,500 from 24,500 in 2006.

This year's plummeting figures come after last year's floods saw takings down by £125,000. If the company folded, six permanent office staff at the Headington-based company would lose their jobs and 75 freelance actors and backstage staff would need other work.

The company, which has put on 205 performances this summer, currently provides summer workshops and educational activities to dozens of children across Oxford- shire.

The company became a charity 17 months ago and this year launched an appeal for £250,000 to buy a mirrored tent after surviving last summer thanks to a £80,000 cash injection from an unnamed benefactor.

Trusts, corporate donors and those who can help should call 01865 766266.