An award-winning actress is backing a Norfolk theatre's latest fundraising campaign after it revealed that last week's budget had left it facing a £25,000 black hole in its finances.
Suranne Jones is sponsoring a playwrighting competition at Sheringham Little Theatre, with budding writers encouraged to submit a new work.
The actress, best known for Coronation Street, Vigil, Gentleman Jack and Doctor Foster, has strong links to the area and has been president of the venue since February.
The competition was announced at the theatre's recent AGM.
Jonathan Beak, the chairman, told the meeting the venue was already “a struggle” to balance the books and that Rachel Reeves' budget last week had worsened its financial outlook.
As a result of increases in National Insurance contributions and minimum wage levels, the theatre now has a £25,000 black hole in its finances.
Mr Beak said: “As a small venue of 160 seats, that’s a lot of money for us to fund.”
The playwright competition will be sponsored by Ms Jones and her producer husband Laurence Akers, through their production company TeamAkers Productions.
The theatre will then be selling tickets to two shows, featuring the readings of the two winning plays, with Ms Jones and her husband offering feedback.
Debbie Thompson, theatre director said: "It gives people the chance to see behind the scenes of the industry."
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She told the meeting: “We will be calling on all writers in the Norfolk area to tell us a story.
"Judges will choose two winning plays which will be read to an audience and be discussed by me and my husband.
"It will combine a search for community talent while being a money-maker."
She added: “I love the Little Theatre, and its toasted sandwiches.”
The actor also urged local people to support the venue by providing raffle prizes to help at fundraising events, as she has done in recent weeks.
Anyone with prizes to offer should visit the box office or email marketing@sheringhamlittletheatre.com
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