Seasonal good cheer was in abundance at The Underground Theatre, Eastbourne as local band 'Emperor the Stag' rounded off a successful year with a Christmas gig in aid of the Adam Savory Fund. Adam, a friend of the band, sadly died during a recent trip to South America after succumbing to altitude sickness.
First up support act 'Rum Runners', a female led folk/country combo, gave a spirited (get it?) performance of original and cover material although a rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' suffered slightly from lack of pace.
'Emperor the Stag' kicked off with perennial favourite 'Swan' and gave a performance of old and new material with songs from new EP 'Speedwell Drive'. The band  are definitely honing their live sound and   their best moments come  in their shorter, more tightly packed tunes.
Not wishing to forget that it was Christmas time the band did some clever mixing of seasonal favourites 'Last Christmas' into 'White car never comes'. and by  the end of the night the audience were buzzing and ready to sing along.  Any fears that the tiny UGT bar would be unable to cope seemed unfounded!