Little mouse has big role to play at theatre

Meet Monkswell the Mouse –the latest addition to the Little Theatre team.

You may have seen his cute little silhouette in the corner of our website logo, posters and wondered what or who he is. So – spoiler alert – here’s the answer.

Monkswell will be part of our marketing plan, popping up to promote various events and initiatives – such as a reminder about donation box and card machine in the foyer.

A fluffy toy version of Monkswell has been created by our Hub kitchen and café deputy Vinny Blake who is also a keen crafter. We hope to have some knitted versions of him on sale as merchandise this summer, as well as other products featuring our little friend, who is already proving a hit with our visiting youngsters.

Why Monkswell? Well that’s the name of the manor house in the world’s longest-running play The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie – who in her 1930s writing heydays often stayed in North Walsham at what is now the Beechwood Hotel, one of our theatre sponsors and wine supplier.

Agatha would be proud of how one of our new fundraising events in the Hub is going. After a successful first ever Murder Mystery evening in February – we are holding another on Saturday April 27 at 7pm.

It’s a chance for teams to test their detective skills by interviewing the suspects in a grisly death, this time with a magical theme. The £15 tickets – available via the website – will raise funds for the theatre.

Youth work is very important to us at the Little Theatre so we are delighted our youth musical Matilda is selling out this weekend – and we’ve even added an extra show to cope with demand.

We are also thrilled to be launching a new music project for 11-18 year-olds where they can learn about digital music production and song-writing.

The group will be working with two up-and-coming musicians who have connections with our venue. Juliet Price-Thomas has appeared in our panto, while Ronan Williams did work experience at SLT. Both have gone on to forge careers in the music industry and will be passing on their knowledge.

The project, which launches on April 17, has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Sheila Day Fund which aims to encourage musical appreciation among young people. To book a place email me at Debbie@sheringhamlittletheatre.com

Community support and funding is vital to the theatre. At a series of briefings for staff and volunteers we have been stressing that there is a public misconception that we are funded by the council and are comfortably off for money.

That is far from the truth as we only get 7pc of our funding from grants, so we have to generate the rest ourselves through shows, the Hub coffee bar, fundraising events, sponsorship and legacies.

One way to support us – and stand a chance of winning some money – is via our new Club 250 lottery, which, when it is fully signed up, can raise £14,000 a year. Join or find out more  here or drop into the box office – where you might also meet Monkswell.