They want the extra funding to help put on performances at the Playhouse and the Guildhall.

The chairmen of 23 groups said they faced a lack of performance space in the city and limited resources.

The council said amateur dramatics were a valuable part of city life but warned funding was limited.

Targets missed

Keith Briars, chair of Derby New Theatre Association, said: "We are presenting it because all the amateur theatre companies in Derby are having problems at the moment accessing proper theatre space, affordable theatre space.

"What we want is more theatre space in Derby and we want to have it at a reasonable cost," he said.

Alan Graves, cabinet member for leisure at the council, said the large number of groups presented a challenge.

"It's going to be more of a challenge and it is difficult to support everybody - but we do the best we can and we do feel that amateur dramatics is a valuable resource in the city," he said.