Why do leaders around the world, once elevated to a position of authority, abuse their power often by rewriting the rules to suit their own agenda? So is it that power corrupts? Must some animals always be more equal than others? George Orwell’s Animal Farm is the next in-house production from the Westacre Theatre Company. Presented in-the-round on the Summer House outdoors stage, this lively version of the satirical tale is very full of vim and verve and follows many memorable adaptations for stage (including for National Theatre), television, film and radio. Once Orwell’s book was published in 1945 after considerable delays, it received the huge critical acclaim and wide recognition that it so rightly deserves. Among many accolades, it is listed in the Top 100 of Best English Language…

A summer drama set in a 1970s nightclub will break new ground by teaming up young performers from two theatres 180 miles apart. Stags and Hens will open Sheringham Little Theatre’s summer season in August, bringing together soon-to-be married Dave and Linda, and their friends, when their pre-wedding party nights turn out to be at the same venue. The action, set in the night club toilets, will see a 12-strong cast provided by young actors from the Little Theatre and the West Midlands county town of Stafford, where play director Nick Earnshaw also runs youth drama groups at Gatehouse Youth Theatre and Rooftop Studios. In a trio of “firsts, it is the first time the two venues have collaborated, the first time the Stafford team has “toured”, and the first…

A double decker dose of music and fun from the swinging 1960s is one of the highlights of Sheringham Little Theatre’s summer season. A touring stage version of Sir Cliff Richard’s 1963 Summer Holiday movie will transport audiences back to a carefree road trip through Europe brimming with singalong hit songs. It runs from August 16-20 as part of a regional tour by Theatre on the Coast. Show producer Matthew Townshend said: “Summer Holiday is approaching its 60th anniversary – it was a huge hit at the time and remains incredibly popular today. It is remembered with enormous affection. If you mention four young lads and a double decker bus, most people – even those much younger – will start singing ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday!”

What is lined-up at your local community theatre this summer? Westacre Theatre is returning to its roots by embracing the very latest in technical design. Over 30 years ago, Andy Naylor and Issy Huckle originally founded the Theatre by successfully staging Shakespeare and other classic drama in the wonderful outdoors on glorious summer evenings. Those joyous performances in such an idyllic setting are still recalled fondly by older members of the current audience. Since then, the Westacre Theatre Company has migrated across the road to a more permanent home. There they have presented countless productions on the intimate Studio stage in the village’s converted Methodist chapel. But now, for many venues including in London, the pandemic hastened the attractive proposition to return outdoors where improved ventilation has a marked advantage…