Seasons are changing at Sheringham Little Theatre. Director Debbie Thompson reflects on a busy summer just gone and a tuneful autumn ahead.
And, before you know it, that’s curtain down on summer! But what a season it was – with back-to-back comedies, starring two premieres, a famous face, and a full house of rave reviews.
It was our first full summer season of five plays since Covid. We tried new things and have had really positive feedback from audiences who said they enjoyed every play being so different, as well as some glowing critic reviews.
Running through the shows:
I Am Hamlet, including well-known TV and film actor Steve Speirs (Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean) included a Q&A session which gave audiences an amusing insight into the lives of successful professional actors.
Shanty was a delightful 'homegrown' piece which we were pleased to premiere. It was penned by local writer James McDermott and had a cast including two young actors Meg Artherton and Amy English, in their final years of drama school.
Hound of the Baskervilles was a riotous whirlwind of humour and chaos in a spoof of the Sherlock Holmes classic, while Run For Your Man was the first UK showing of a re-gendering of Ray Cooney’s popular farce Run for Your Wife, and we were happy to host its writer Michael Barfoot on opening night.
The season, which enjoyed many full houses, closed with Noel Coward’s timeless wit in Private Lives.
There was a fanstatic chemistry between the cast in that show – and also through the whole season, which is one of the happiest we have hosted for a long time.
The actors, directors and backstage crews gelled and came along to support each other’s productions. Now we aim to build on our successful season when planning for the summer of 2024.
Our ambition to put new writing into the spotlight is not confined to summer.
For on September 29 there is a chance to see A Piece of Work by compelling storyteller James Rowland, whose show - fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe - explores life’s journeys through the eyes of a family but also tries to help us make sense of our own existence.
And as summer exits stage right, our autumn offerings are waiting to take their cue. With music to the fore, we are hoping they hit the right note with our audiences.
First up is Daphne’s Flight (September 13) – five singer-songwriters showcasing their talents through a blend of folk, blues, jazz and pop.
As usual, we are joining in the fun of the town’s 1940s weekend, and are thrilled to have event regulars the Knightgales making their debut on our stage to lead a singalong to songs from the era (September 15-16).
Then it’s another blast of traditional patriotic slice of audience participation in a flag-waving Last Night of the Proms by the Cromer and Sheringham Band (September 23).
Show and ticket details can be found at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.
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