Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall in Lancing is a proper working theatre that punches above its weight for a Sussex coastal town. It's the sort of place where you'll catch everything from am-dram productions and stand-up comedy to touring musicals and tribute acts - the kind of venue that keeps local culture alive without pretension. The building itself has that functional 1970s feel, nothing fancy, but the programming is genuinely decent. You'll want to check their schedule online before heading over, as what's on varies wildly month to month. Most shows run two to three hours depending on the production, so factor in time for a drink beforehand if you fancy it.

It works particularly well if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Beach Park and Eastern Sands are both within walking distance if you don't mind the trek, which you might. Families with teenagers will get more from it than younger kids unless there's a specifically child-friendly show on. Theatre buffs and anyone after a night out that isn't just a chain restaurant will find it worthwhile; locals seem to support it properly, which is always a good sign. Ticket prices tend to be reasonable for live entertainment - nowhere near London rates - and the staff know what they're doing.

Go for the show itself rather than expecting an architectural revelation or tourist spectacle. It's genuine community theatre done well, the sort of place that would genuinely miss you if you didn't turn up.