Generations of people turned out to tell their stories as a documentary about a historic venue gains momentum.

Successful Lowestoft actor Reece Ritchie joined more than 100 people from all over the country who have contributed to a documentary about the history of what is now the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield.

Eastern Daily Press: The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick HowesThe Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The new documentary charts the life of the building and the people that used it since it was a Victorian school in 1896, while looking at its development and its future.

Eastern Daily Press: The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick HowesThe Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Directed by Bafta-nominated director John Hales, from Lowestoft, and produced by Cate Henderson, who has researched, produced and directed documentaries for ITV, C4, C5 and Sky, the documentary - entitled 'The School That Grew Wings' - has been funded by the Heritage Lottery.

Eastern Daily Press: John Hales as interviews for the documentary are carried out at the Seagull Theatre, Pakefield. Picture: Mick HowesJohn Hales as interviews for the documentary are carried out at the Seagull Theatre, Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Holding its first interviews at the theatre on Morton Road last week, among those interviewed was Reece Ritchie, who has worked on many Hollywood films including Lovely Bones, Hercules, Prince of Persia, and TV series such as The Outpost and most recently The Ark.

Having performed several times in the early stages of his career at the Seagull, Mr Ritchie said: "The Seagull was really important to me as it acted as a bridge between working with fellow students at high school and getting into the industry.

Eastern Daily Press: Reece Ritchie. Picture: Maarten de boorReece Ritchie. Picture: Maarten de boor (Image: Maarten de boor)

"It allowed me to act with people of different ages and with different levels of experience than I did.

Eastern Daily Press: Original founders of the Seagull were Patrick Redsell, Sandra Redsell, Rory Kelsey and Paul Hobbs - they united for the documentary. Picture: Seagull Theatre Original founders of the Seagull were Patrick Redsell, Sandra Redsell, Rory Kelsey and Paul Hobbs - they united for the documentary. Picture: Seagull Theatre (Image: Seagull Theatre)

"I think it is an essential, valuable part of our community."

Eastern Daily Press: Interviewing for the documentary at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick HowesInterviewing for the documentary at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Producer Cate Henderson said: "We had original students at the school, members of the coachworks that was here, the founders of the Seagull - Patrick Redsell, Sandra Redsell, Rory Kelsey and Paul Hobbs - through to the former managers, volunteers, staff members, youth theatre and long term supporters of the Seagull - it was incredible."

Eastern Daily Press: The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick HowesThe Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The production team is now seeking old photos and video clips of the venue, as well as any students/staff who were part of the former Lowestoft Art College at the venue.

The team will also be interviewing again in late September/early October and for full details, email documentary@theseagull.co.uk