Debbie Thompson is the Director of Sheringham Little Theatre. Here she explains how she’s delighted to be able to announce a full summer programme, after two Covid-hit years
No wonder Debbie Thompson is smiling. At last, the Director Sheringham Little Theatre can announce a full summer programme, which includes drama, music, comedy and family shows. It has been an extremely challenging time for the theatre and the team have been busy putting fundraising in the spotlight as it plugs a funding gap in the wake of the pandemic.
Debbie says: ‘Like many arts venues, we have had life-saving financial support from national and local government grants aiding Covid recovery. But even though we have had that funding, we are not out of the woods yet – and could be staring at a five-figure deficit.
‘So, we are using our upcoming in-house productions as money spinners to help our coffers recover – and are also appealing to the public for ideas, energy, donations and involvement to help the Little Theatre make 2022 a year of recovery that gets us back on track.’
The return of its popular summer drama season includes a feel-good musical harking back to a classic pop-filled road trip in the swinging 1960s.
Summer Holiday saw Cliff Richard and the Shadows driving through Europe in their Routemaster London bus – singing hits such as In the Country, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, the Young Ones and On the Beach.
A stage version, running from August 16-20, is one of the highlights of a newly released brochure which shows the theatre is back in action after a long pandemic pause.
Also in the summer season are: Stags and Hens – Willy Russell’s drama set in a 1970s disco (August 4-6); Wait Until Dark – a thriller set in 1960s London (August 9-13) and Table Manners – an Ayckbourn comedy about a planned illicit weekend (August 23-31). The programme also includes musical tribute acts, drama, cabaret, comedy and family events.
Debbie adds: ‘We are delighted to be presenting a full programme after an extremely challenging time for the theatre. Our finances have taken a severe hit and it is going to be hard work to build the organisation back up. We have several fund-raising events in the programme and ask people to support them as much as possible. We look forward to welcoming you back.’
Full details of all shows and ticket details are on the Sheringham Little Theatre website –where you can also download a copy of the brochure – or call the box office 01263 822347.
Featured image: Debbie Thompson launches the new summer programme and brochure at Sheringham Little Theatre (credit Richard Batson/SLT)
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