TONY Jose, 66, has had an eclectic career. He is an accomplished pianist and organist, former café owner, head chef, founder of operatic societies and a director of pantomimes and plays. He is clearly not the type to sit still.

He has been involved in the theatre since the late 1950s and has staged more than 100 productions so he could be forgiven for resting on his laurels and occasionally throwing a little advice from the wings.

But at Herne Bay's Little Theatre – of which he is chairman – you will find that if he is not directing, he will be in the lighting box, casting his spell on the stage from afar.

He tells Ed Targett about life in the spotlight...

What drew you to the theatre? My mother was a music teacher and organist who played for the local church choir. I followed in her footsteps really, playing piano and organ for the choir. Then one day my aunt asked if I'd like to lead the orchestra. I eventually said 'yes' and it all sort of evolved from there.

Have you always enjoyed the arts? Well, I always enjoyed music and drama at school. Then when I was 14 I set up the All Saints Amateur Dramatic Society in Essex, named after the church. I became musical director and producer, and held that position for some 34 years. It's now called Thurrock Operatic Society and I'm still president.

What was your first show? Benjamin Britten's The Little Sweep. We put it on in 1960, then the Pirates of Penzance in 1962 and The Mikado in 1963. I must have put on two shows a year ever since then. That's pushing 100 shows, plays and pantomime.

What brought you to Herne Bay? My wife and I had taken over a hotel in Devon but things didn't work out. We eventually took over a café in Herne Bay and that's how most people may know me in the area. I ran the Sunset Café in Sea Street from 1975 to 2002 .

What do you like about Herne Bay? It's a very individual town. It has some great little shops and real character. Since being here I've never really thought about being anywhere else. We have a lovely seafront, good windy walks in the winter and the beach in the summer…

Tell me about the Little Theatre: It's a lovely theatre, with a very loyal following. I direct there sometimes but these days it is a fairly hands-off role. We've also recently set up a film club that has been showing some classic movies.

Every year, we aim to produce six full-length productions, including a pantomime, and our thriving youth theatre performs an additional two productions a year.

How long has it been going? Our society was formed in 1947, performing in various venues, until our 40th year when we opened the theatre in Bullers Avenue.

In 2007 we celebrated our 60th anniversary as a society and the 20th anniversary in our own theatre.

How much does it cost? We try to budget so each production makes a small profit from ticket sales. Membership costs £20 a year. We won some Big Lottery money in The People's Millions on Meridian TV which allowed us to upgrade the theatre with better wheelchair access, a hearing-aid loop and improved kitchen.

Do you need more members? We are always happy to welcome new members. Not everyone has to go on the stage. We need backstage people to help build and paint sets, make costumes, work the lights and sound systems, greet audiences and help with fund-raising.

Have you ever been tempted to go on stage yourself? Oh no, that's never really been for me. I did one bit part years back but no, I like to direct.

The nice thing about being involved in the theatre is that you end up doing a bit of everything. If somebody needs to take tickets, I take tickets. If the bar needs a hand, I tend the bar. If the light box needs manning, then I do that.

It's very much a family atmosphere. All hands on deck really.

What was your first car? An Austin Westminster which I had for seven years. Thereafter, I had Renaults, which have always served me well.

First record? Gosh, that I can't remember.

Have you ever seen a ghost? No.

Your dream dinner party guests? The company of opera singer Placedo Domingo would be a very good start...

The theatre's next production is the comedy thriller The Ghost Train by Arnold Ridley and directed by Christine Ramsay on April 11-16. Tickets cost £6.50 to £8.

The next film show is the 1952 musical Singin' In The Rain on Friday March 11 at 2.30om and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4.

On Saturday March 12 historian Mike Bundock will give an illustrated talk on Hampton from 1860 to 1960 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3.

Herne Bay Little Theatre is in Bullers Road, Herne Bay. For details call 01227 366004 or visit www.hernebaylittletheatre.com.