Actor Joey Herzfeld has plenty to think about as he takes to the stage for a busy summer season at Norfolk seaside theatre.

For as well as having two plays to learn, rehearse and perform at Sheringham Little Theatre, the Norwich man is expecting the birth of a baby daughter during the summer drama season.

She is due on August 18 – sandwiched in a gap between two plays when Joey will be playing troubled father Stone in The Business of Murder, and holiday hotel guest Stanley in Bedfull of Foreigners.

'It's tricky timing – but I have wanted to do repertory forever and was delighted to get asked by the Little Theatre.

'I am happy about getting the roles, and about the birth of my second child,' said Joey, 38, who lives in Norwich's Golden Triangle. 'We are hoping things will work out timing wise – but if not my wife Nikki has a stand-in birthing partner lined up.'

He is an experienced actor, singer and composer, whose work has included shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Norfolk and Norwich Festival, outdoor Shakespeare, comedy and fronting his own band Joey Herzfeld and his So-Called Friends.

'Doing rep is a lot of actors' dream – because you learn your craft playing lots of different parts. It was only when we moved to Norfolk, where Nikki's parents live, that I discovered Sheringham was one of the few places that still do it.

'Theatre director Debbie Thompson is old friends with my neighbour and asked me to drop in to talk about the season. I nearly didn't go because my mum broke her wrist the day before, but I did, and was thrilled to get two meaty parts,' he added.

Debbie added: 'We are pleased to have Joey, whose talent was on our doorstep, join the summer drama cast, and the theatre team is, in turn, looking forward to joining him celebrate the birth of his baby.'

Joey cut his acting teeth while doing a history degree and MA in art history at Oxford. Partner Nikki is a graphic designer and the couple already have a son Ezra, three.

The summer drama season at Sheringham Little Theatre runs from July 21st to September 13th and includes a thriller, murder mystery, comedy and elegant wit.

The line-up is: Intimate Exchanges (July 21st-29th), The Business of Murder (August 1st -9th), The Revival - Scared to Death (August 11th-22nd), A Bedfull of Foreigners (August 24th-September 5th) and Noel and Gertie (September 7th-13th).

For more details and tickets call the box office on 01263 822347, or visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com