Dressing room revamp in the spotlight

It’s a backstage space where showbiz magic happens as actors change into their characters. But the dressing room at Sheringham Little Theatre has undergone a transformation itself – thanks to grant funding.

A project to refresh and improve some unseen, unsung backstage areas of the community arts venue has just been finished in time for the spring and summer seasons.

The £70,000 scheme was made possible through a North Norfolk Rural Business and Communities grant, which is part funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). It was supported by North Norfolk District Council, which is the building landlord, and delivered in partnership with Norfolk County Council.

The Rural Fund supports capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure, to help improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “The dressing room has new drop-down tables, and new screens, which means we have a bigger, more flexible space giving better privacy for male and female performers, and children – plus it can also be used for workshops and meetings.

“We have been trying to freshen it up with volunteer painting parties, but it needed a bigger project to make it more user-friendly and inviting for the amateur groups and professionals who use it.

“It is part of a wider project to add a more energy efficient and sustainable air source heat pump, ramp access in our scene dock to allow wheelchairs access to the stage and improvements to the rear stairs.

“We are really grateful for the grant support that has enabled this project to happen. We try hard to cover our everyday costs, but we need grant support to tackle and capital projects like this,” she added.

The work has been finished in time to welcome a busy spring, including an Easter youth musical of Frozen, and the summer season which combines professional plays with music and family entertainment. For more details of Sheringham shows click here or call 01263 822347.