There are lots of people backstage at St. George’s Theatre. Here are some of the people who help to keep the spotlight on talent and entertainment in Great Yarmouth.
There are lots of people backstage at St. George’s Theatre. Here are some of the people who help to keep the spotlight on talent and entertainment in Great Yarmouth.
Debbie Thompson
Theatre Director
Originally from Norfolk, Debbie left to study for a BA Honours in Drama at Loughborough University. After graduating, she pursued her love of theatre, and trained at the Drama Studio, London. Debbie worked as a professional actor for 10 years, performing in the West End, on television and in repertory. In 1995 Debbie went to Greenwich University to take a PGCE in Media and Theatre Studies before returning to Norfolk to bring up her family and work as a drama teacher. In 2002 she joined Sheringham Little Theatre as Theatre Director and became Producer for Sheringham’s summer repertory season and its annual professional pantomime. In 2017 Debbie was engaged to write a strategy for St. George’s Theatre to create a true community theatre. Having fond memories of performing at St. George’s when she was younger, Debbie was delighted to be asked to take on the role of Theatre Director of St. George’s too.
Kevin King
General Manager
Kev has more than 25 years’ experience as a manager in the catering, hospitality and HR industry and is currently studying for an HR degree. He is a life-long fan of the theatre and live music, and feels that this is his perfect job. His taste in music ranges from Madonna, the Fizz and Roxette to Classical, 80s Electronica and good old-fashioned pop. Kev enjoys travelling and has visited locations all over Europe, as well as Thailand, Bali and South Africa. He enjoys cooking and baking, and trying out new dishes from his travels. He believes it is an honour and a privilege to be associated with, and manage, a great venue like St. George’s, and having the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant team of staff and volunteers.
Jodie Weller
Marketing Officer
Jodie’s introduction to St. George’s Theatre came in March 2019 when she screamed her way through the role of Widow Corney in Oliver. She fell in love with the theatre and was entranced by the community spirit at the heart of St George’s. As a budding actor, Jodie is embracing the opportunity to gain a real insight into the workings of a venue, while hard at work promoting some fun pieces of theatre. When she’s not working or preparing for auditions, she loves to cook and sing – but not at the same time, she says.
Manda Timby
Front of House Manager
Manda became involved with St. George’s through its Community Choir. She says it is like one big happy family, with friendly folk of all ages meeting fortnightly in the beautiful, airy Community Café for an evening of singing and laughter. She is a local lass and delights in the history of the town – and the theatre. Her advice when you visit is to look up and admire the magnificent roof. She also enjoys cycling, swimming, gardening and camping. Manda says she is privileged to experience the huge variety of productions the theatre hosts, and loves the energy that audiences bring, especially the shows that encourage you to clap and sing along.
Stash Kirkbride
Trustee
Stash is our trustee responsible for fundraising and volunteer participation. He trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and worked as a professional actor/producer in London for 25 years, including the West End, London Fringe, No: 1 National Tours and in rep across the UK. He returned home to Norfolk in 2005. He is co-founder and Artistic Director of The Hostry Festival at Norwich Cathedral (2010 – 2020), where projects he initiated or helped develop and fundraise for include The Norfolk Arts Awards, Total Ensemble Theatre Co and the new African Choir of Norfolk. From 2014 – 2016 he was Co-Creative Director of the Maddermarket Theatre. For all the above he has fundraised and engaged with Norfolk businesses, charities and trusts, as well as philanthropic investors. In 2017 he was invited to be Artistic Director of Holt Festival for its 10th anniversary 2018 and in 2019 he brought the Norfolk Arts Awards to St George’s Theatre.
Steve Scott
Trustee
Steve is managing director of Great Yarmouth-based TMS Media, a communications company specialising in PR, graphic design, web development, exhibitions and events. The company’s clients range from start-ups to multinationals. Steve is an ardent theatre-goer with a broad taste that takes in everything from opera (nothing too heavy) to stand-up comedy. Chair of the St. George’s Theatre trustees since January 2020, Steve also chairs the trustees of the Centre 81 charity, which operates a skills and activities centre for disabled people in Yarmouth and a fleet of 11 fully accessible minibuses for people who can’t access traditional public transport.
Jane Claridge
Trustee
As a regular theatregoer and supporter of St George’s, Jane is passionate about its development as a community theatre and café. She has been involved with the trust since 2009 when she was professional advisor to the Project Board on the restoration design. Since becoming a trustee in 2013 Jane has been able to share her expertise in theatre management, HR and business development. Her career in theatre management began at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, followed by some time in the West End before moving to Norfolk to work at Norwich Theatre Royal. During her time there as General Manager she was also involved in joint management projects with both Norwich Playhouse and The Garage, and worked on a number of significant capital projects.
Linda Fellas
Trustee
Linda has spend virtually all her life in Great Yarmouth, and as a child regularly
appeared in community theatre. The majority of her career has been spent in the hospitality sector, owning and running hotels and restaurants both in Yarmouth and in Cyprus. A change of career took her to university as a mature student where she gained a masters degree and became a social work manager, working with families in the local community. Recently, Linda has chaired the local branch of University of the Third Age, and through Inner Wheel has become an avid fundraiser for local projects.
Paul Wylie
Trustee
Paul worked at Aviva in for more than twenty years, following which he delivered major locational projects for banking and government organisations until he retired in 2013. Since the late 1990s, he focused on managing change in property and manpower programmes. He became a volunteer at St. George’s in January 2018 and was appointed a trustee with responsibility for property and facilities projects in August 2019. A former school governor, Paul has also been a voluntary consultant in retail and property strategy to Age UK Norfolk since 2013. He is a Norwich City season ticket holder, enjoys cycling and playing squash, and has five children/stepchildren and four grandchildren to keep him busy. Paul is a life-long music lover and theatregoer, particularly enjoying productions by local theatre groups and smaller shows in the West End.
Lorraine Lavan
Minutes Secretary
As well as taking minutes at trustee meetings, Lorraine is an active volunteer at St George’s Theatre and leads theatre’s Community Singers. A retired art teacher, she is passionate about the arts and says that theatre is life-enhancing and is for everyone. Lorraine believes St George’s stunning architecture, friendly staff, volunteers and customers, and programming reflect society as a whole. Two thought-provoking and enjoyable shows that illustrated this were an interactive song and dance show for an audience of local dementia sufferers and a play about living with autism. The future of theatre lies with our young people, and Lorraine feels that St George’s Youth Theatre continues a long-held tradition and never fails to produce amazing shows, often to a full house.