TeamAkers have announced their latest role as patrons of The Sheringham Little Theatre in North Norfolk while stage and screen star Suranne Jones has been appointed as president.
The multi award-winning actor best known for Vigil, Gentleman Jack and Dr Foster, was unveiled at the annual meeting of the charity trust which runs the community arts venue.
She takes over the honorary title from Lady Walpole who succeeded her late husband Lord Robin Walpole in 2022. Lady Walpole steps down after the couple completed a total of 50 years in the role.
Suranne, who is a frequent visitor to both the area and the theatre, said:
“When we first visited the area I was excited to see Sheringham still had The Little Theatre and it wasn’t long before we started coming along. Theatre in rural areas is so important, not only for audiences to see shows they may not be able to easily see, but also for young people who may not have an outlet for their creativity and have no idea how to get into the business.
My early years in theatre gave me not only discipline, but a real sense of belonging. It taught me the importance of sharing stories, understanding different experiences and points of view, it sparked conversation and developed social skills. It allowed me to see there was a way to express myself in a way I felt comfortable, which wasn’t overly reliant on academic skills.
My parents gave me a tremendous gift by sending me to places like the Theatre Workshop, The Oldham Coliseum, The Grange Art Centre and The Lyceum. All those places were integral to me becoming a successful actress in both theatre and television.
We love coming to The Sheringham Little Theatre as a family, there’s nothing like seeing a show up close as you really feel like you’re in it. We loved The Hound of the Baskervilles last year and of course the brilliant pantomime, Cinderella, but the highlight was watching the movie Elf with my son just before Christmas. It was the first time he’d seen it and it’s now a family favourite.
I hope my presidency will not only raise awareness for the SLT, but small theatres and arts centres across the country. They’re an important part of the community for so many reasons and shouldn’t be undervalued.”
Theatre director Debbie Thompson said having a high-profile star and household name as president was a huge boost for the seaside venue.
“We are very honoured Suranne has agreed to take on this role and excited to be working with an actress who started off in the youth group of her local theatre in Oldham, so understands the importance of community arts venues,” she added.
Debbie also praised the presidential support of the Walpoles during the previous half century, which had included some tough times for local theatres.
Suranne’s appointment begins at an exciting time for the Little Theatre. Having survived the pandemic, which closed some arts venues, it is recovering and has, thanks to grant support, carried out a facelift of its Hub coffee bar which is an important fundraiser for the venue’s arts programme.
Theatre chairman Jonathan Beak said: “A lot of hard work goes into funding our charity-run theatre, so it is wonderful to have someone of Suranne’s stature support us as president. We hope it will raise our profile in the community, and help us grow the theatre for the future. With her origins in local theatre, she is also an inspirational role model for young actors passing through our theatre.”
The theatre’s annual meeting also heard about the theatre’s plans for a four-show summer drama season and Robin Hood panto – which are the main money-making productions each year – along with building and heating improvements through grant support.
Find out more about Sheringham Little Theatre and its upcoming events at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com