Sheringham Little Theatre stages Alan Ayckbourn farce

Katie Thompson was just four when she first spread her wings as a performer in a youth production of Wally The Worm at the venue.

Now, aged 26 she has just graduated with a masters degree in theatre direction at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

And her first professional directing job is back in her native North Norfolk in charge of a classic Christmas comedy, Alan Ayckbourn’s Season’s Greetings.

Katie Thompson Picture: Richard Batson (Image: Richard Batson)

The show by the Little Theatre Players amateur dramatics group is a fundraiser for the venue, which is close to Katie’s heart, having “grown up” there due to strong family connections.

Mum Debbie is its theatre director, and dad Simon, a theatre studies tutor at Paston College, has directed many shows there from panto and musicals to serious drama and summer farces.

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Brother Sam, 24, who has also regularly appeared at the theatre, is currently doing a BA degree in acting at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Katie, from Knapton near North Walsham, said: “I love theatre and being creative, and have been in lots of shows here, including as Christine in the Phantom of the Opera when I was 17. But I was not always the most confident person on stage.

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“When I went to ‘uni’ I did a directing module and realised that was for me. 

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“I love coming up with a vision for a show, and working with the actors to bring it alive, find the essence behind the story, and keep it moving at the right pace."

The play has a nine-strong cast and a clever plot which finds the humour among a dysfunctional family gathering at Christmas.

Season's Greetings runs from November 16-18, 7.30pm nightly and a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Tickets £15 from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office 01263 822347.