An exciting programme of events is planned for Dereham's Memorial Hall in 2018.

Eastern Daily Press: Noggin the Nog is coming to Dereham's Memorial Hall. Picture supplied by Friends of Dereham Memorial HallNoggin the Nog is coming to Dereham's Memorial Hall. Picture supplied by Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall (Image: Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall)

The Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall is hoping to attract audiences from all ages as they strive to offer something for everyone.

It kicks off on Friday, January 26 with the return of Fallen Starr wrestling. This is their third visit to Dereham and their last show was a sell out.

Then in February half term the Friends area welcome the touring revival of Oliver Postgate's The Sagas of Noggin the Nog, which has been very successful around the country. It features the original illustrations by Peter Firmin, with real actors, puppets, a harmonium, lots of steaming hot tea and buttered toast around the camp fire, and the beautiful princess of the Nooks, whose hand Noggin is desperate to win.

A very different drama is performed on Saturday, March 3 which offers a tasty outcome.

The Chef Show features outstanding actors and a live chef to recreate the trials, tribulations, joys and japes of a busy night in a local Indian restaurant. The audience even gets to sample the dishes.

Opera and musical theatre lovers will be entertained on Friday, March 23 by the Opera Dudes, two splendid tenors, classically trained and proven, but with a comedic edge.

Two big names are also expected to be announced soon - one country and western veteran and the other is the headline act for the Dereham Blues Festival in July which is said to be the biggest name the festival has attracted to date.

An award-winning play, Not About Heroes, will commemorate the centenary of the Armistice in the autumn as well as another Fringe Festival.

Friends chairman Tim Cara said: 'We'd like Dereham to have a set up for its community and cultural life on a par with other market towns.

'We remain a group of committed enthusiasts, and would like to be more ambitious, but we know our limitations. So we'd like more people to join us, so the movement can grow, either by joining an event team or in publicity, design and research.'

* If you would like to be involved email timcara@hotmail.co.uk or a call 01362 696900, or come along to the Friends AGM in the meeting room at the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 20.