SOUTHEND has its fair share of theatres and arts venues, from the large- scale stage of the Cliffs Pavilion to the intimate Dixon Studio and the bustling, lively music scene at the Railway Hotel.

But one pub has been quietly nurturing what’s grown into quite a stable of local groups, offering up rehearsal space and developing a reputation for quirky, independent, high-quality comedy, music and drama events.

Paul Watson, manager at the Alex, in Alexandra Street, and assistant manager Nat McMeekin told me why they’re so keen to make their mark as a top venue for the arts.

Nat says Quirkish Delight, the Southend improvisation comedy troupe, and arts organisation Sundown Arts were “the ones who started it”.

He says: “Other groups found out through them and were asking about the space. It kind of grew from there.

“It’s mainly been people talking to each other and coming to performances, and saying, ‘It’s a great space’.”

Paul says although neither Quirkish nor Sundown use the space at the moment, the number of groups who use it to rehearse and perform in has steadily grown into a mixed bag, building the pub’s reputation as a supporter of the arts.

Wandering upstairs on any given night, you might find yourself surrounded by alluring ladies learning burlesque skills with Oh My! Burlesque, comedy sketch trio Giraffe impersonating amorous dolphins or goblins losing their jobs at HMV, new writing from theatre company Old Trunk, improvisational comedy from BANGYellow or live folk music from Squeezebox Folk.

There are comedy classes, too, and stand-up, as well as pub theatre from Draymen Drama. Paul and Nat are proud of offering the space for free and supporting groups who don’t have the cash to spend on expensive studio rehearsal space or pricey theatre venues for performances, but want to put on new work, try out sets and stage intimate theatre or comedy nights.

Letting groups use the room for free works out for the pub, which gets to fill an otherwise empty room and see extra punters using the bar on performance nights. In addition, the events contribute to the pub’s atmosphere and reputation.

Paul says: “If people pay for the rehearsal space it creates a bit more pressure on us to provide a service and there are certain things that we can’t necessarily provide.”

These include regular staff to operate the door, sound and lighting as well having to fork out for equipment. As it stands, the groups provide their own stuff and staff their productions and nights.

Being so generous with the room has backfired though – Paul laughs dryly as he recalls a photoshoot that cost them.

He says: “The idea was it was meant to be quite debauched. They were laying there with these bottles and pouring all this stuff around.

“It wasn’t until we saw the photos we realised not only had they used the room for free they’d also helped themselves behind the bar!”