August 1, 2024
Actors bring town history alive
Local history is being brought back to life by actors from Sheringham Little Theatre’s adult drama group.
Lifeboat rescues, war diaries and stories about a prominent family from “the big house” will be showcased in cameo performances for visitors to the town museum in August.
Nine members of the theatre’s adult drama group are taking on the roles, having rehearsed them in front of a live audience during the recent Mannington Hall weekend concerts.
Group leader Ellen Waite said the project came about through a link-up between the theatre and museum.
The stories featured include looking at Abbot and Charlotte Upcher who owned Sheringham Hall in the 19th century and were major benefactors to the area including funding the town’s first lifeboat the Augusta. There is also the First World War diary of their great granddaughter Edith Upcher including recalling the 1916 Zeppelin bombing raid on the town, and tales of local lifeboat rescues.
Visitors to the museum between 11am and 3pm on August 10 will be able to see the stories and characters unfold among the exhibits for the usual admission price.
The adult drama group has been running monthly since last September for people aged 18-plus and its members range from teenagers to pensioners.
Ellen added: “It is aimed at building confidence or performance skills. It includes some people who have never performed before and some who have done a few amateur shows.
“We do script work, games, and improvisation. Our team have worked very hard and are keen to learn. They have come out of themselves but remain very humble,” she said.
The group will resume routine sessions in September. Numbers are limited at the monthly sessions which are £18 for three hours. Anyone interested in joining should contact theatre director Debbie Thompson at debbie@sheringhamlittletheatre.com