Holt actor aged 92 appears in Sheringham Little Theatre

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She may be 92, admits her hearing has "gone a little" and has been compared to national treasure Dame Judi Dench.

But, retired teacher from Holt, Thelma Torr, is determined the show must go on as she prepares to take the stage at Sheringham Little Theatre in the upcoming production of Sand Castles.

Thelma Torr has been acting since her school days in the 1930s and will play Mrs Billet, a cranky mother of a beach hut owner.

She said: "I still really get a buzz from being on stage, and doing rehearsals. I try to do one production a year – if there’s a part suitable for me.

“My hearing’s gone a little, but I can still pick up my cues on stage if other cast members are projecting their voices clearly, as they should.”

Young Thelma (third from left back row) as a Shakespearian fairy (Image: supplied)

She first joined local community drama in the 1940s, where she played a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

While studying French at Bristol University she joined the operatic society and went on to join the company drama group while working at Shell.

She took a short break from drama when working in Canada and raising two children, but returned in the 1980s and 90s back in Kent.

A fur thief in Breath of Spring (Image: supplied)

She moved to Norfolk aged 70, so she could be near one of her daughters, and joined the Sheringham Players.

The 92-year-old is a big fan of Dame Judi Dench because of her longevity and versatility - although she is a youngster at 91.

Woman in drama outfit sitting on chair reading newspaperHer current role Mrs Billet in Sand Castles (Image: SLT)

Libby Henshaw, long-time friend, fellow cast member, and currently directing her in Sand Castles, said: “Thelma is a great character actress. I am 78 and Thelma is an inspiration for me to keep going.

"I hope I am as good her 92. Judi Dench might be a national treasure but Thelma is our local treasure.”

Two women in drama outfits holding tea trayThelma as housekeeper Mrs Northrop in 2022 with young member Attia Law (Image: SLT)

The show is running from June 24-26 and tickets can be bought from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.

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