Hollywood director Danny Boyle has become a patron of the seaside theatre used as a base and backdrop in his Beatle’s inspired film.

Pavilion Theatre director Stuart Malkovich said he was thrilled with the appointment, just as the theatre launches an eight year restoration plan.

He said: “Danny came into the theatre to have a look around and discuss some of the additions they’d like to make to the outside of the building and we could see that the place totally captured his imagination.

“He was particularly impressed with how unique the Pavilion is as a theatre and how different it is once you get inside.

“We took the opportunity to tell him about our ambitious restoration plans and took a punt to ask if he’d consider becoming a patron.

“He didn’t hesitate in saying yes, we were absolutely thrilled!”

The theatre is raising funds to restore and refurbish the building to mark its 125th anniversary in 2026.

Alex Youngs, trustee of the Pavilion’s charity said: “We were so excited when Danny agreed to join our amazing list of patrons. It marks an incredibly important moment in the theatre’s history.

“To celebrate the building’s 125th anniversary we’re launching a brand new ‘125 Fund’ that we’re hoping will help us to raise enough money to deliver an extensive programme of refurbishment.

“We want to protect and preserve the building for future generations to continue to enjoy as a theatre because it’s such an important place to the community.

“Our plans include major structural work such as replacing the roof to keep it weather-tight and completely restoring the outside of the building, as well as plenty of improvements for our customers to enjoy such as new seating, modernised facilities and even opening up parts of the building previously inaccessible to the public.

“Most importantly though we’re not going to spoil the character of the building, it’s what people love and it’s certainly something Danny Boyle fell in love with! His support simply strengthens our determination to see the plans through. We’re very excited!”

The movie mogul has already voiced his affection for Gorleston declaring it “one of the great secrets of England.”

His work as patron involves supporting the theatre and attending occasional gala performances.