TV and radio presenter Sandi Toksvig will help a cash-strapped Bristol theatre company by performing a set at a fund-raising dinner next month.

She will star at an event at Holland House Hotel in Redcliffe to help raise money for Bedminster-based Show of Strength.

The writer and broadcaster, who starred in Whose Line Is It Anyway? and hosts Radio 4's News Quiz, will perform an exclusive 45-minute comedy set inspired by England, Shakespeare and St George.

Sandi agreed to support the event for free because she is friends with Show of Strength creative producer Sheila Hannon, who worked with the television star in her first full-length radio play.

Sheila said: "It's a real coup that we've persuaded Sandi to appear, and just amazing that she's agreed to write a new show especially for the occasion.

"We're hoping ticket sales will give us the financial boost we need so desperately to carry on working.

"Sandi was really impressed by what SOS does, the public support we attract and by our commitment to telling local stories, employing local actors and crew, encouraging new writers and to putting on theatre in new places for new audiences.

"When I told her about our problems, she said 'yes' straightaway. We're thrilled that she has agreed to be our star guest."

Show of Strength, which has received cash from the city council every year since it formed in 1987, was told in August it would not get any money from the authority in the next three years after failing to meet its revised selection criteria.

It was is one of 15 arts organisations in the city to miss out on thousands of pounds after the council decided to change the way it dishes out arts grants.

With its financial support due to be withdrawn at the end of March, the company was handed a lifeline when a change was made to the council's budget last month, meaning it will now receive £20,000 for 2009-10.

But the company, which says it needs £40,000 a year to run, insists its future is still insecure because it has no funding agreed beyond March 2010.

Show of Strength has staged a series of acclaimed shows, and Mamma Mia! writer Catherine Johnson, who lives in Leigh Woods, worked with the company on this year's street theatre production Trade It?

Sheila said more fundraising events would be held later in the year and the company, which only has two staff, also plans to stage an outdoor performance on the Harbourside in May.

She said: "It's been a bizarre year. On the upside, we enjoyed rave reviews and capacity audiences last year.

"But financially it's been a nightmare, with us only regaining its Bristol City Council grant after a major campaign by our many fans, and with no help currently in sight from the Arts Council."

The fundraising dinner will take place on April 22, the eve of St George's Day and the anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday.

Tickets cost £75, including a champagne reception and a three-course dinner.

To book, call 0117 953 7735 or email info@showofstrength.org.uk.