A fun night out at the theatre could be an ideal chance to raise funds for clubs and charities learns SALLY KING

There's a charity chance at the best whorehouse in town, thanks to the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society.

They are set to perform the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at the New Empire Theatre, Southend in May.

In previous years the theatre group has linked up with the United Reform Church, which used the LODS shows to raise funds through first-night ticket sales.

Because of the nature of the this latest show, however, the church has felt unable to go ahead with the arrangment, leaving the door open for other charity groups.

The show is set in a sleepy Texan town during the 1970s, where Miss Mona, played by Laura Hughes, runs a well-known brothel.

The girls of ill-repute have always lived in happy harmony with the townsfolk and the sheriff, played by John Le Huquet.

However things change when the larger-than-life evangelical TV presenter Melvin P Thorpe, played by Simon Sharpe, starts a campaign to close the Chicken Ranch.

The original musical opened on Broadway in 1978, but the show gained fame when it was made into a film in 1982 starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.

Although the show has raunchy moments, the overall tone is one of innocent fun.

While the URChurch has in the past worked with LODS on all its productions, for this particular show any charity group has the chance to raise funds.

They can sell first-night tickets to its members for the usual price of £8, and will be be able to to retain £3.50 on each ticket.

Spokeswoman Sarah Gallucci said: "This is an ideal opportunity to raise money relatively easily. Members are guaranteed an entertaining and fun night out, while knowing that almost 50 per-cent of the proceeds are going back to them.

"Anyone interested in receiving an allocation of tickets for Monday, May 8 should contact Nicky Reeder on 01702 610373."

The tickets will be on a sale-or-return basis, but Nicky hopes to hear from interested parties as soon as possible.

LODS was formed in 1912 and has more than 100 members, but are always keen to hear from potential new ones.

The group twice a week at the Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch Road, Southend. Anyone interested in joining should contact Helen Sharpe on 01702 477328.

The show runs from May 8 to 13 at the New Empire Theatre, Alexandra Street, Southend. Tickets are available from the theatre box office on 01702 353577.

Suspended animation - The girls from LOD

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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