Sheringham Little Theatre Old Time Music Hall

An “old time” variety show mix of mirth, merriment and music is taking to the Sheringham Little Theatre stage – with a familiar face wielding the chairman’s gavel. 

Richard Gauntlett twice headlined the Cromer Pier summer show, before becoming the kingpin writer, director and dame at Norwich Theatre Royal’s pantomime for 24 years.

Now he is back in a county he loves with a touring revival of a Victorian-Edwardian music hall featuring a cast of singers, comedians and speciality acts from the Don’t Dilly Dally company which is visiting the Little Theatre on March 27-28.

“We’re putting new life into old time music hall,” said Richard, who also regularly used to appear in the Hiss and Boo music hall show that followed the Cromer summer season. 

“Our reincarnation has all the hallmarks of a period variety show, with good singers and comedy which made it so popular on the stage, and on TV in The Good Old Days which ran for 30 years from 1953 to 1983.

“The audiences have great fun, and go away still singing the singalong songs. They love to dress up for the occasion, and there will be a prize for the best dressed person.”

The cast list also includes variety and West End performers Jae Alexander, Georgina Jackson, Isabella Mason, Ben Stock, and Kane Verrall.  

Richard, despite his strong Norfolk showbiz connections, has never performed at Sheringham Little Theatre before, but has been there and is looking forward to doing the show in the “intimate venue right in the heart of the town.”

His varied career has ranged from West End shows, including a spell as Timon in the Lion King and Le Fou in Beauty and the Beast, to leading roles in Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas, TV parts such as villainous Urak in Doctor Who, writing for the Sooty Show and in 2024 heading the Water Rats entertainment charity as King Rat.

As music hall chairman he will be introducing acts in the time-honoured flamboyant, highly alliterative, and polysyllabic fashion for the audience’s “delight and delectation” – as well as signalling their singalong moments as “chiefly yourselves.”

The show is on Friday March 27 (7.30pm) and Saturday March 28 (2.30pm and 7.30pm). Tickets from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.

Costumes can be hired from North Norfolk Theatre Wardrobe at www.northnorfolktheatrewardrobe.co.uk