A theatre community is mourning the death of a director who spent 30 years bringing shows and plays to countless audiences.

Kevin Lynch, theatre director at Gorleston's Pavilion Theatre, died at the age of 75 this morning.

A statement from the theatre said: "We are utterly devastated to announce that Kevin Lynch - our beloved theatre director, friend and head of our Pavilion family and husband and partner to Stuart of nearly 50 years - died peacefully in the early hours of this morning. 

"We will be announcing a way for us all to gather together to honour and celebrate his life in the coming weeks.

"As you can imagine, we are all absolutely heartbroken at Kevin's untimely passing and realise that this will come as a huge shock to many."

Alex Youngs, trustee of the theatre’s charity said: "We're devastated.

"I've been involved with the theatre for 25 years or so and Kevin gave me my first volunteering job. I'm personally devastated, as are all the staff.

"The term family gets banded about a lot in workplaces, but it really was a family at the theatre. Losing Kevin is like losing a parent.

"One thing we wanted to do this year was to celebrate both Stuart and Kevin's 30th anniversary and the 122nd anniversary of the Pavilion's opening with a special gala night on Saturday, July 8.

"We're going still going to be doing that, but it will be a different type of tribute.

"We've got a lot to face up to and deal with the change in how our lives operate now without him.

"But we can celebrate him and look back on everything's he's done.

"The tributes I've seen already remind me just how much he and Stuart did for Gorleston. Together, they rescued the Pavilion, and it is thriving today. It's all down to them.

"There are too many memories to share, but I will cherish the Friday afternoon drinks and a recent trip to Key West, Florida. It was Kevin's last holiday, and it was so special to spend the time with him and Stuart."

In July 2021 Mr Lynch spoke of his 30 years at the theatre during its 120th anniversary celebrations.

He said: "The past 30 years have been fantastic and we’ve loved welcoming people from all over the globe.”