Featured Partner: Sheringham Little Theatre and St. George's Theatre

News Story

In our new blog series, we introduce you to one of our fantastic partner organisations.

These quick-fire interviews give an insight into what it's really like to work with us and introduce you to the broad range of organisations we collaborate with.

In this feature, we speak with Debbie Thompson. Debbie is the Theatre Director at Sheringham Little Theatre, the venue that premiered our first collaborative film production, Breathe. She's also the Theatre Director at St. George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, the venue for several events by the BBC Concert Orchestra as part of our Create Yarmouth project.

Which organisation do you work for and what does your role involve?

I am Theatre Director at both Sheringham Little Theatre (a lively arts venue on the beautiful North Norfolk coast) and St. George’s Theatre (Great Yarmouth's only all-year-round theatre, housed in a stunning Grade I listed former chapel).

I have one of the best jobs in the world as I get to choose the wonderful events for the programme at both venues and to produce in-house seasons such as the Summer and Pantomime shows.

Debbie Thompson stands in a theatre dressing room

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I love the variety of my role, one day is never the same as another! I love working in partnership with different types of people and organisations.

How did you hear about Orchestras Live and when did you begin working with us?

I was introduced to Orchestras Live by an Arts Officer for the local Council and I couldn’t believe how accessible you were.

We began programming through the Council, but then during the pandemic, we began a more direct relationship and developed an exciting project (Music at Mannington) that allowed us to have one of the first outdoor events following lockdown. This was a concert at Mannington Hall, which was curated and run by four local young people.

Musicians on stage playing instruments — Music at Mannington, 2020.

A large lawn with musicians on stage and audience seating spread across — Music at Mannington, 2020.

What’s the most memorable thing about our partnership project?

Many, many memorable moments, but one that stays with me is a visit to a care home with two musicians from London Mozart Players, where the residents made a determined effort to give them a standing ovation even though standing was not easy for them! They wanted to let them know how much they appreciated the music.

How has the partnership project impacted your community?

The projects Orchestras Live deliver have a huge impact on the communities of Sheringham and Great Yarmouth. In Sheringham, it is the way in which emotions are stirred for older people, through the music. In Great Yarmouth, it is the way children and young people are engaged and mesmerised by the magnificent sounds. A rare treat to see the delight on their faces as they listened to a real orchestra performing Saint-Saens’ Carnival of Animals.