In his latest column, Martin Rodwell from the Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CSODS) talks about the process of bringing a new production from the page to the stage.

For my second installment, let’s look at the play CSODS currently has in production. With just four weeks to go until opening night, it seems a good time to give you a brief insight into how a play has gone from a committee choice to a fully rehearsed play ready for an audience.

The process often starts 18-24 months in advance. The society's committee gathers every four to six weeks to discuss matters including future productions and any current production they are working on.

In the case of our upcoming show, A Bunch of Amateurs, the play was proposed to us by its director.

North Norfolk News: Martin Rodwell and Kat Tindall from Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society.Martin Rodwell and Kat Tindall from Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society. (Image: CSODS)

The committee will read the script to decide if it fits with the society, its genre, suitability to the audience, availability to perform, and often its financial viability.

With all those boxes ticked the process begins.

First up is applying for the licence to perform the play. Then we select the dates it will run and our treasurer will produce a budget to work with.

A Bunch of Amateurs is directed by Kat Tindall. It will be Kat's debut at directing. Her work started at least a year in advance of the show, working with other society members designing the stage set.

She also works with a production team on the assembly, and is responsible for 'plotting' and 'blocking' the stage directions.

She also oversees auditions. Rehearsing the play is perhaps the fun part, and happens twice a week for three months.

North Norfolk News: Writing partners Ian Hislop and Nick Newman.Writing partners Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. (Image: New Wolsey Theatre)

A Bunch of Amateurs is written by Ian Hislop of Have I Got News For You and Nick Newman.

It tells the tale of a washed-up American star called Jefferson Steel, who is deceived by his agent into playing King Lear at Stratford.

Unfortunately for him, it turns out not to be the birthplace of the Bard, and instead, is a sleepy Suffolk village. The script's killer comic dialogue and punchy observations of that age-old rivalry across the pond will have you giggling all the way home.

Performances will take place at Sheringham Little Theatre from February 22-25, with 7.30pm shows and a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are £14, call 01263 822347 or visit wwwsheringhamlittletheatre.com to book.