The play is the second written by Stephen Lowe about Brian Clough

Nottingham writer Stephen Lowe's comedy drama 'The Devil's League' was due to open at Derby Playhouse on 16 February.

But it was called off after the Arts Council refused to renew its �700,000 a year grant to Derby Playhouse Ltd.

Mr Lowe said the play would have to be shelved as there was no other theatre that could stage it over the next year.

'Really upsetting'

Arts Council England has announced �3m in investment for theatre in Derby over the next three years, but will not fund the financially ailing Derby Playhouse which has been in administration since November.

The board has only a fortnight to find alternative funding, otherwise the company will be wound up.

The Devil's League was the second play written by Mr Lowe about the former Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager.

His first - Old Big 'Ead in The Spirit of the Man - was a sell-out at Nottingham Playhouse.

"We were halfway through the production period (for The Devil's League) and had done a reading at Nottingham Playhouse. We've been working on it for a year," said Mr Lowe.

"It's really upsetting. The actors have said they're going to hold on a week or two without taking any work. We can't give up hope.