A new collection of drama is “on the cards” at Sheringham Little Theatre as it launches a set of audio plays.
The first one, called The Other Side of the World, takes a look at the globe-trotting adventures of famous TV reporter Alan Whicker back in 1958.
It is extra special for the man behind the audio project, theatre trustee Simon Moorhead, because it features his dad Cyril, who was Whicker’s cameraman.
And it signals the start of a series of free audio dramas, which people can access by dropping into the seaside theatre and picking up special cards bearing QR codes to scan on their smart phones.
Film and radio producer Simon, who has made a series of audio dramas, said: “We are looking to expand the reach of the Little Theatre beyond our four walls.
“Our aim is to give local actors and writers a new platform to showcase their work, so we will also be turning some of our own Sheringham shows into audio, including entries to our playwriting competition.”
The launch show, available now, features an 18-strong cast, headed by TV and radio impersonator Jon Culshaw as Alan Whicker.
“It is based on factual episodes of Whicker’s World including when Alan and dad nearly started World War Three while filming in Hong Kong and their aircraft pilot, who should have been following a river back into the harbour, followed a road into China – resulting in them being shot at by anti-aircraft guns,” explained Simon.
“They made it back, but my mum started getting calls from the press saying ‘do you know they nearly started World War Three?’”
The hour-long audio drama was recorded in the Greenwich studio run by Simon’s daughter Emily and son-in-law Siggi, who run a production company that provides cameras and crew for the current hit TV show The Traitors.
Simon is a volunteer trustee on the management board of the charity which runs the Little Theatre as a community arts venue for North Norfolk.
To access The Other Side of the World, collect a card from the Hub or box office at Sheringham Little Theatre. To learn about future audio dramas follow its Facebook page.
