ONE of Southampton's smallest theatre clubs is celebrating 60 years of entertaining local audiences.

While many marriages nowadays last little longer than a few years, West End Little Theatre Club, based at West End Parish Centre puts its secret of longevity down to its membership base being made up mainly of happily married couples.

Ray Upson from West End has been an active member of the group for 50 years and his wife Kay is also heavily involved.

Ray, who takes a lead role of Ned Jones in the group's forthcoming spring production of the comedy About Alice, which opens on Thursday said: "Married couples in the group have been our strength. When a husband and wife share the same hobby, it makes life easier and they can support each other from helping line-learning through to encouragement and swapping of ideas."

Alan Daw from West End is a founder member of the West End Little Theatre Club and couldn't agree more. The 75-year-old joined the club as a 15-year-old boy and eventually met his wife Muriel through it.

"The Club, although small with a maximum of about 30 members at one time, is like a family. As well as putting on two plays a year, we organise social activities for everyone to enjoy," said Alan.

About Alice by Charles Lawrence tells the story of Alice Hogan (Charlotte Richfield) who has just attended a funeral of a friend.

Alice's dearest friend Ned Jones comes to visit her to lend support but their day is interrupted with the unexpected arrival of the scheming magazine editor Peggy Black who wants information on Alice's late husband and accomplished artist Matthew Hogan. Along with Peggy comes the charming Joseph Panama whose purpose on the trip soon becomes clear!

Ray Upson added: "To survive we desperately need an influx of new members, acting and back stage. We also need an increase of audience members as the sale of tickets had also been declining. Please support your local amateur theatre and keep this lovely traditional club going for another six decades."