Westacre Theatre launches summer season with stilt walkers, live music, barbecue and message from actor Stephen Fry

A theatre has pulled out all the stops to launch its summer season with a special message from patron Stephen Fry.

Westacre Theatre managers Matt and Sadie Grist invited an audience on Thursday evening to open its Live by the Lake programme of theatre and music for all the family.

The theatre, which won best arts venue in the Muddy Stilettos awards, is a gem on River Road in West Acre which, following the pandemic, now has an outdoor space which was grant funded.

The launch evening had welcome drinks from What-a-Hoot gin, stilt walkers, electric violinists, a bubble performer and barbecue.

The mayor of Lynn, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson and audience members took their seats in the canopy stage and were treated to some magic tricks, comedy and a reading.

Matt Grist explained the history of the 30 year venue and its aims with a bursary scheme, to give opportunities to students in drama training to work at the theatre across the summer.

Sadie Grist described the theatre as one of the best kept secrets in west Norfolk but that it needs to not be kept such a secret so that people can come to performances and the venue continues selling tickets.

Patron ot Westacre Theatre, Stephen Fry, delivered a pre-recorded message wishing the venue and staff luck and that he was sorry he couldn’t be there but had cricket commitments.

Sir Anthony Gormley is also a patron of the award-winning venue.

The theatre season was declared open to a round of applause and party poppers.

This summer will have a busy programme featuring Shakespeare workshops, plays, screenings, picnics and yoga by the lake plus much more.

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