The Hastleons Operatic and Dramatic Society is urging residents to go out and show their support for local theatre because it cannot afford to continue putting on productions.

Ticket sales at the 1,066-capacity White Rock theatre are down to just 2,500 for a whole five-show run - compared ten-show sell-outs in the past.

The theatre's wages bill alone has risen 400 per cent in the last 12 months, and the society is already cutting corners on its £20,000 shows, according to chairman Ian Gill.

As a result Hastleons, which has been established for more than 80 years, is now running at a loss, and things will not improve unless audiences do.

Mr Gill said: "Realistically we don't have that much longer - probably two years of more shows at the current rate, and that would be the end of the society.

"The last seven or eight shows have made a loss."

In a plea to the people of Hastings, Mr Gill said: "Turn up. Support the Hastleons. Come and see the show.

"Most people come away and say that was really good. We strive for professionalism in everything we do.

"If it were to close, I don't know how I would handle it. Come and support the society, get behind the society."

Long-term member George Potter said that in the past it would be almost impossible to get a ticket for the Saturday night performance of a Hastleons' show.

He said: "It is a problem to get bums on seats now. We are scratching our heads really.

"I'd like to see things turned around. It's going to take a lot of effort from a lot of people to change people's attitudes.

"We do put on West End shows, and you wouldn't be able to see these unless you went to the West End or touring shows."

Another long-time society member, Pat Ripley said: "It would be very sad if it were to end. I don't think people in the town realise that we are heading in that direction."

The Hastleons perform Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the White Rock from May 21-24. For tickets go to www.whiterockhastings.org.uk or call 01424 462288.