Summer theatre is unpacking a holiday suitcase full of comedy, music, mystery and a world premiere at Sheringham.
The seven-strong cast of professional actors has arrived at the town’s Little Theatre ahead of the launch of a busy season that sees them switching between roles and plays during the 31-show, six- week run.
Ahead of opening night on July 29 they are now starting rehearsals for Lend Me a Tenor, a fast-paced farce set around the comic chaos that erupts from a big opera event.
Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “We’ve gone back to our roots this year in our 66th summer season – doing the tradition repertory thing of a small team of actors playing various roles, which could see them doing two or three plays and roles in a week.
“It is exhausting for the cast, but also challenging and great fun, including for the audience who enjoy seeing actors tackling different characters. The actors are brilliant – but need to rest and work as a team to support each other,” added Debbie who did rep herself during her stage career.
Cast member Donald Forbes, who is in all the shows playing “three grumpy old men and a detective” said: “It might sound hard having different roles in your head – but when you are in context on stage you remember who you are. When you enjoy acting, this kind of season is a dream.”
Fellow cast Rachael Cummins, who is also in all four shows, added: “It great to flex our acting muscles during the season and you come out of it a better actor.”
The other cast members are Harry Wyatt, Jonathan Iceton, Jonathan Houlston, Anu Akinseye and Sue Harding.
The shows in the summer season are:
- Lend Me a Tenor – a fast-paced comedy set in a hotel suite ahead of a major opera performance – (July 29-Aug 1, Aug 12-15, Aug 28-29)
- Little Shop of Horrors – cult comedy horror rock musical featuring a killer plant in a run- down flower shop – (Aug 5-6, 8. 10-11. 24-25)
- Night Must Fall – psychological thriller involving murder and manipulation in the home of a wealthy old woman – (Aug 19-21, 26-27)
- On the Edge – premiere of the winner of SLT’s inaugural playwriting competition, a gentle comedy set in a clifftop home – (Sept 2-5)
For tickets visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.
