The last major amateur dramatic society to use the Cliffs Pavilion claims it has been forced to pull out because it costs too much.

Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society (SODS) has blamed declining audiences for the decision, but claims it would be able to carry on if the Cliffs was to drop its charges.

SODS has a show running at the theatre now, but is looking for a new venue for its autumn productions.

It has regularly put on shows at the Cliffs since the theatre was built.

But the amateur society's chairman, David Green said an extra 1,500 people would be needed at their performances every week just to break even.

He said: "It is a matter of prudence - we can't go on losing the amount of money we have lost over the last few years.

"One problem is that audiences are generally going down, and it is very difficult to get younger people involved in audiences.

The Cliffs has now proved far too large for an amateur society."

Mr Green added a large percentage of production costs were spent on the hire of the theatre itself.

Chas Mumford, manager of the Cliffs Pavilion, said the theatre had a policy to help with amateur productions.

He said: "Their decision came as a bit of a surprise considering SODS is one of the largest amateur societies in the town.

"I have written to them requesting we have a get together to look at the whole picture, and there are a number of issues they need to address regarding the costs of their own productions."

SODS, which is well known for staging lavish productions, is now looking for a new venue for its autumn shows, although the society will return to the Cliffs next spring.

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