After 50 years of service, the reign of Lord and Lady Walpole has reached its end at Sheringham Little Theatre.

Lord Robin Walpole served as president for 48 years before his passing in March 2021. His wife, Lady Walpole, then took over the presidency to complete the half-century partnership.

Lady Walpole will continue as an honorary patron.

At a recent annual general meeting, theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “Without Lord Walpole, and others, setting up this charity in 1973 when the council decided it could no longer run the theatre, we would not be here."

North Norfolk News: Lady Walpole plans to continue supporting the theatre Lady Walpole plans to continue supporting the theatre (Image: Sheringham Little Theatre)

She remembered Lord Robin as her 'rock' for two decades, praising his "calmness, smooth tones, style, wisdom and empathy" to deal with trickier times.

Looking back on their joint half-century Lady Walpole said: “We did it, not out of a sense of duty, but because we enjoyed it.

"It has been a pleasure, not a chore.

“We must have been to more than 500 productions including taking our children to all kinds of shows from serious dramas and thrillers to comedies and pantos. “

Since her early days visiting the theatre in the 1980s, Lady Walpole has witnessed major changes.

North Norfolk News: Together the pair have seen some 500 productions at the theatre Together the pair have seen some 500 productions at the theatre (Image: Sheringham Little Theatre)

She said: “Things have changed over 50 years - for the better. The programme is much busier with more professional acts and appealing to a broader audience - while still promoting local amateur groups.”

The Walpoles have used their influence and home over the years to promote and fundraise for the theatre.

This year, Lady Walpole's front garden lawns will host a dance party on July 12, featuring the Lee Vasey band, and the walled garden will see a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera HMS Pinafore the following day.

The Walpoles' support for the theatre continues, as Lady Walpole said: “We will continue to support the theatre by visiting productions and hosting events and hope it continues to grow by attracting new audiences and volunteers.”