Hannah’s new role at her happy place

Meet Hannah Smith our new commercial manager – who is delighted to join the staff at what she says is her “happy place.”

Hannah will be a familiar face to local folk and theatre goers. You may have seen her on stage as a youngster in amateur pantos, and more recently making a comeback doing a demanding Alan Bennett monologue as Lesley in Her Big Chance. It was a prophetic role as a week later she did an interview which turned out to be her big chance to land a dream real-life role at the Little Theatre.

Hannah will be overseeing The Hub coffee bar in the exciting times after its major improvements, helping with front-of-house, marketing, and liaising with current and new sponsors and volunteers. She brings a wealth of retail and hospitality experience including having worked in her parents’ gift shop Dodman’s in Wyndham Street, the Lobster pub as a barmaid and managed the Courtyard coffee shop and wine bar for 10 years.

Her first experience of the Little Theatre was watching the Jungle Book movie here, then successfully auditioning for the role of Prince Charming in the local panto 20 years ago when it was an amateur production. Her stage career lay dormant until this year when she played Clara in the classic comedy When We Are Married, which rebuilt her confidence. And next March her stage “comeback” continues when she plays Maggie in a production of Hobson’s Choice.

Hannah was Head Girl at North Walsham High School and went on to do theatre studies at Norwich City College before gaining a degree in creative writing at Breton Hall drama school in Leeds. She has also volunteered at the Hub in the past and supports the venue by organising fundraising monthly quizzes with partner Tony Waeland.

“This is my happy place,” she explained. “And I know it the same for other people too. “It is a lovely environment, where people feel welcome, and enjoy a bit of escapism. I am excited to be involved in taking it from strength to strength.”

Hannah is keen to hear from people about ways to improve the Little Theatre’s commercial aspects. She can be emailed at hannah@sheringhamlittletheatre.com