An actor has overcome a serious car crash to tread the boards again.

Malcolm Stuart, producer and vice-chairman of Durrington Theatrical Society, is starring as Ygor the Hunchback in The House Of Dracula.

The show is being staged at Northbrook Theatre, Littlehampton Road, West Durrington, Worthing, on May 15, 16 and 17.

Society spokesman Andy Stringer said: "On his way home on a motor scooter after a rehearsal Malcolm was, unfortunately, in collision with a car that pulled out of a side road.

"His head went through the car drivers window and he sustained serious eye and facial injuries."

Meanwhile, the Cissbury Players are on the up after a recruitment campaign solved a membership crisis.

Producer Mary Frost said: "We suffered a bit of a crisis last year when we found we were unable to mount our November production due to the unavailability of most of our regular players.

"Undeterred, the group decided to undertake a recruitment campaign.

"It arranged a social evening and soon every household in the Findon Valley, High Salvington, Durrington and Offington areas received a leaflet through their letterboxes.

"Sore-footed and weary, members waited on the appointed evening with no idea of the results their labours might produce but the response was above expectations.

"Consequently, several new members have parts in the April production of "The Scottish Play", which is being held at Findon Village Hall tomorrow, Friday and Saturday."

Nigel Ratcliffe, Stuart Gladwell, Stella Russell and Holly Chard are making their debuts, alongside Dave Holden, Sam Merrick, Ann Burfoot, Clare Buckland, Tim Walder and John Mapleson.

Mary said: "The Cissbury Players have also managed to secure the services of many new members in their backstage crew and with the new team we hope to go from strength to strength."

Tickets are available on the door for the 7.45pm performances or by ringing 01903 527687.