A successful summer drama season at Sheringham has weathered the double storm of a gloomy economy and skies.The Sheringham Little Theatre has reported its repertory plays drew nearly 9,800 people - only 200 down on 2007.

A successful summer drama season at Sheringham has weathered the double storm of a gloomy economy and skies.

The Sheringham Little Theatre has reported its repertory plays drew nearly 9,800 people - only 200 down on 2007.

Director Debbie Thompson said: "We do feel we have held our ground against difficult circumstances and, during the height of the season, we played to 88 per cent capacity and enjoyed a number of full houses."

The credit crunch and poor summer weather had made topping last year's record-breaking season a challenge, but ticket sales exceeded expectations, the plays attracted new audiences and regular patrons had commented that this year's rep was the best yet.

Opening the 10-week, 5-play season with John Godber's outrageous nightclub drama Bouncers had proved to be a risk worth taking, she added.

"We knew that this would be a play with a different appeal. But it definitely had the desired impact as we had lots of school bookings and welcomed more young people in the audience, as well as seeing some people who had never been to the Little Theatre before,” added Mrs Thompson.

"We have had some really positive feedback, with people saying how lovely it is to see the Little Theatre growing and others saying productions were of West End standard.”

With 19 actors, this year's company was the biggest yet, with the rep, which closed this month with Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, benefiting from a talented designer, a wealth of top-notch directors and a skilled technical crew.

Plans are already being made for next year's repertory season, which will include another boundary-stretching play.

"We feel very proud of our achievements and we are determined to build on this success," said Mrs Thompson.