Stage Direct
Stage Direct – Amateur Dramatic Group in North Norfolk
Stage Direct is an established amateur dramatic group with a passion for bringing exciting, thought-provoking and entertaining theatre to audiences across North Norfolk. Founded in 1995 by Val and Derek Bull, the group has built a reputation for taking on a diverse range of plays, from classic works and challenging dramas to much-loved comedies.
A Rich History of Theatre
Since its formation, Stage Direct has performed at venues across North Norfolk, including Sheringham, Cromer, Holt, Aylsham, North Walsham, Wells, Briston, Northrepps, Hunstanton, Baconsthorpe and Sharrington.
For many years, the group performed twice annually at Sheringham Little Theatre, both independently and in partnership with The Sheringham Players. Its productions have included works by celebrated writers such as Oscar Wilde, Dylan Thomas, Charles Dickens, John Osborne, Alan Bennett, Mike Leigh, Agatha Christie and Alan Ayckbourn.
Stage Direct was originally established to explore plays that other local groups might be less inclined to stage. Early productions included Joe Orton’s Entertaining Mr Sloane and Dennis Potter’s Brimstone and Treacle, reflecting the group’s willingness to tackle challenging and unconventional material.
Drama, Comedy and Thought-Provoking Stories
Stage Direct embraces a wide variety of theatrical styles, bringing both serious subjects and light-hearted entertainment to the stage.
Its more challenging productions have included Diane Samuels’s Kindertransport, exploring the impact of the Holocaust on children and families, and Amanda Whittington’s The Thrill of Love, which tells the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain.
The group has also delighted audiences with comedy, including works by Joe Orton, Willy Russell’s Educating Rita and a well-received production inspired by the popular sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo!.
Supporting Local Writers and the Community
Supporting local talent and the wider community has always been an important part of Stage Direct’s work. The group has staged an acclaimed production of The Wedding Room by local writer Rob Bell, as well as giving debut productions to four other local playwrights.
It has also organised and produced fundraising events for Sheringham Little Theatre and Northrepps Village Hall, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local arts and community venues.
The group’s achievements have included being runners-up in Poppyland Radio’s Top Tickets award. More recently, member and Sharrington resident, Ian Bell received an award at the Hunstanton One-Act Drama Festival.
The Next Chapter for Stage Direct
As circumstances have changed and opportunities at Sheringham Little Theatre have become more limited, Stage Direct continues to bring distinctive theatre to audiences across North Norfolk and is now performing several plays each year at Sharrington Village Hall.
With a long history of bringing together thought-provoking drama, classic plays and entertaining comedy, the group looks forward to welcoming audiences to its productions in this welcoming village venue.
The next Stage Direct show at Sharrington Village Hall is Twisted Tales of Poe by Philip Grecian.
