The Eastbourne Under Ground Theatre is again putting on a tremendous range of professional drama, jazz, and chamber music. And all at bargain prices! In addition, Saturday coffee mornings with an art exhibition or live music are held every weekend throughout the year - apart from August. And entry for those doesn't cost you a penny! The theatre is able to keep its costs down - and pass on the savings to its customers - because it is run by volunteers. Among them is harbour resident Geoff Morley - who explains what volunteering is all about:

If you are interested in the theatre, but lack the courage to go on stage, there are ample opportunities for you at least to get a whiff of the greasepaint - at the Eastbourne Under Ground Theatre. That's the one you have probably never even heard of - despite my continuing efforts (as unpaid press officer!) to give it a higher profile.

The theatre is tucked away under the main library, at the corner of Grove Road, near the station. The UGT receives no grants or funding - which is where the volunteers come in.

The theatre did manage to make the headlines in August 2006 - when it was badly damaged in the town centre flash floods. All the wooden flooring had to be taken up, floor tiles needed replacing, and a new coffee-bar had to be fitted.

The happy result, though, is that the theatre is now a rather more attractive place - offering a range of opportunities to anyone who wants to volunteer. For instance: in addition to my publicity work, I have taken frequent turns serving coffee, with my wife, as well as the occasional session handling tickets, or acting as "front-of-house". Other regular roles include box-office and brochure distribution. The theatre is also always on the lookout for people with specialist interests, such as sound and lighting.

If you're interested: just call the chairman, Pam Keen, on 732778 - and she'll bite your hand off!

If you'd prefer to do some reconnaissance work first - just go along and sample the varied programme of professional drama, jazz, and classical music. Sometimes, too, the theatre is used by amateur groups - such as Underground Productions.

The regular Saturday coffee mornings must be one of Eastbourne's biggest bargains - with some excellent art exhibitions, and top-class live performances by the likes of BLACK STRAP MOLASSES and the SKIDDLE-AM-BAM JUG BAND. These are ideal opportunities to meet people with similar interests, and - at the very least! - to enjoy filter coffee, tea, and home-made cakes.

If you want to find out more, UGT brochures are usually available on the Waterfront at Di Lieto's and Bright Ideas, and at many town centre venues, including the library itself. Details now also appear on the SHRA website, and the theatre's own site - or you can always speak to Pam Keen (as above). Happy volunteering!

Click here to view the Under Ground Theatre Programme listings.