Calder Valley Youth Theatre will perform this year's production of Fame at the Playhouse, Halifax, instead of their traditional base at the Picture House, Hebden Bridge.

The group which has been using the cinema for more than 10 years can no longer afford to keep productions in the town.

Chairman Michael Mallin-son said: "We want to perform at the Picture House, but we just can't afford it. It is an absolute crying shame.

"We raise all our own funds and couldn't afford to pay the new hire charges.

"We are lucky we have found another venue, with more facilities, for less money."

This year's show, from November 14 to 17, will be produced by Felicity Dargan-Bell and musical director David Mitchell.

The group is not the first to turn its back on the theatre. Last year Hebden Bridge Junior Band abandoned plans to perform at the Picture House opting for Mytholmroyd Comm-unity Centre instead.

In 2005 groups hiring the Picture House for four hours were charged £52.50 and £80 in 2006. Rehearsal costs rose from £25 to £30.

Caroline Steer, chairwoman of Hebden Bridge Junior Band, said: "For many years we put on Christmas shows at the cinema but last year we were amazed by the increase.

"It would have meant that we would have had to perform at a loss which for a self supporting band like us couldn't have been an option.

"It is a great pity for groups who would love to use the venue but can't because of the growing cost."

Councillor Nader Fekri, (Calder Valley, Lib Dem) said: "A community resource like the Picture House should be kept in the community and our local groups should not be driven out.

"I enjoy going to these community events, it would be unfortunate if they were pushed out of town."

Tim Fagan, of the Picture House, said the cost now incorporated technical support, sound system and the cost of lighting.

"The Picture House is under increasing pressure to maximise income, which led to a review of hire prices to bring them in line with income from screening films.

"We appreciate this could strain the resources of groups wishing to hire the facility but additional support is available to users booking the venue."

That includes help to promote shows, filter audiences into fewer shows and reducing time spent in the building.

Mr Fagan said: "The Picture House has long been at the heart of the local community and there is no desire to lose bookings from any users."