Behind the Scenes

This morning I drove over to Sheringham for the U3A behind the scenes event at Sheringham Little Theatre, which was very well attended. After tea and chocolate biscuits, we had a talk by Debbie Thompson the Theatre Director. She was brilliant, so enthusiastic. She told us about her background as an actor in rep, how she went to the Little Theatre as a child, her role at the theatre, the history of the building and the theatre and what the challenges are. I didn't know it originally was a building for housing whelk coppers and reputedly two fishermen haunt the building. At one stage it was one of two cinemas in Cromer, then the council took it over as a theatre. Since 1973 it has been run by the Little Theatre Society charity and later got one of the first National Lottery grants to revamp it and make major improvements. It surprised me to find out that the funding of productions now comes mainly from the cafe in the tiny foyer area, and the theatre relies very heavily on volunteers. It's the smallest theatre I've ever been in, I think she said it has 160 seats. I've only been once, and unfortunately the seats are not ok for me given my long legs - but this visit meant I could look around the seating and find that the front row seats will be fine. Therefore I've booked to see Abigail's Party and Da Bluz Brothers. 

After talking to us for 75 mins, we were then taken behind the scenes in three groups of just over 20 people. How they manage, I don't know. There's what looks like a tiny office, which is where any scenery for changes is bought in from outside and stored. The dressing rooms had reasonable space, but no privacy. The technical booth is tiny, it's from where I took this photo of the seating and stage. They got a big boost last year when Suranne Jones became their president and is already making a big difference. What impressed me most is how much of a community venue it is, how enthusiastic the staff and volunteers are, how they still support rep and children's events and frankly how they make this tiny theatre work. Well done to all involved, and yes I did give a donation to support their brilliant work. So if you're local or come here on holiday, do consider going along to a show or a live event screening. 
https://sheringhamlittletheatre.com/