Remembering Desmond Barrit: A Cherished Friend of the Little Theatre

We are sad to announce the death of one of our theatre patrons, acclaimed actor Desmond Barrit.

Des was a stalwart supporter of the Little Theatre for more than 20 years, combining it with a stellar stage career which included West End, Royal Shakespeare Copmpany and National Theatre roles.

He had a major role to play in introducing professional panto and in-house summer repertory drama to Sheringham.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “Des was very supportive of our theatre. I only spoke to him last week. He was in good fettle and, as always, was planning theatre events for the future.”

He died suddenly and unexpectedly aged 81 on March 21. He lived at Islington with his partner Byron.

Des’s connection with our theatre stems back to 2002. He had been dame at Theatre Royal Norwich Theatre for several years, and was introduced to Sheringham through mutual friend, TV presenter Helen McDermott. He wrote, directed and played dame in the first production, Goldilocks, then wrote and directed Dick Whittington the following year.

He then encouraged and helped Debbie to produce the summer drama in-house, after a period of it being staged by a visiting company. Des had cut his teeth in “rep” and knew its importance.

“It was a crucial move for us as it had a big financial impact,” added Debbie

“Des directed some of the summer programme for the next three years, He was due to do a fourth but was offered a major role at the by the National Theatre in The History Boys. He asked my husband Simon to direct the summer farce – and he’s been doing it ever since, so he had an impact on him too.”

Proud Welshman Des acted in many Royal Shakespeare Company, where he was an associate artist, performed in Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, played The Wizard in the West End production of Wicked, and more locally was well known as a regular dame in the panto at Gorleston.

Debbie added: “We were very honoured to have the support of such an acclaimed actor as Des, and we used to laugh about him winning an award for his Bottom – in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We will miss him.”