Hawaiian LA

That's the totally tropical theme for this, the second L.A. Street Arts Festival, two days of fun and creativity by the seaside.

The Bath-based Natural Theatre Company, who took part in both the Queen's golden jubilee concerts at Buckingham Palace, will be returning to Littlehampton with their unique brand of absurd humour, after helping launch the festival last year.

And community theatre group Radiator, from Hastings, will be creating a paradise island, and performing a creature-from-the-lagoon-style drama, setting the Oyster Pond in an entirely different light. . .

But the distinction between audience and performers will be decidedly blurred, with a great deal of public participation over the weekend and the chance to be an extra in a short film.

The movie, Toxic Sister, will tell the story of the evil Toxarella's ruthless regime on Lula Island. Anyone wanting to be an extra should simply turn up as a surf dude, with Hawaiian shirt and shades, or a hula honey, in aloha shirt, with floral garland and optional grass skirt.

Toxic Sister will be used as a promotional film for future festivals, and is being made by Pet Sister Productions.

Given the pollution storyline for the movie, there will be an interesting contrast in the display mounted by Greenpeace.

The festival is on a large site, taking in Arun Parade and Harbour Park, as well as the Oyster Pond.

Arts and craft workshops on both days will feature in festival performances and displays, and in a parade on Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm.

Puppeteer Nicky Gunson, of Brighton-based carnival arts group Same Sky, will be bringing along a spectacular mermaid character.

And on Saturday night, there will be another opportunity to see Arun Youth Opera's specially commissioned production, The Green Lady, at the Windmill Theatre.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has sent his best wishes to festival organisers Littlehampton Arts, although unable to make a personal visit over the weekend.

Full details of the weekend are listed in the festival programme, available from shops and other outlets around the town. On both days, the activities run from 11.30am to 5pm.