TREVOR HEATON, EDP Whats On Editor Sheringham Little Theatre might be one of the county’s smallest venues – but that doesn’t it stop it putting on a busy programme.

TREVOR HEATON, EDP Whats On Editor

Sheringham, you'll hardly need me to tell you, is one of the nicest small towns in the county. But what makes it even more special is its lively Little Theatre. Its new autumn programme is packed with music, film and theatre, much of which is designed to appeal to audiences from well outside the Sheringham area.

Take, for example, the appearance of Julie Reinger from BBC's Look East. She'll be making a special guest appearance in the theatre's panto Beauty and the Beast (December 14-January 3).

Or how about a 20th anniversary appearance by cabaret artists extraordinaire Kit and the Widow, featuring Norfolk-based Kit Hesketh-Harvey, on November 13.

Or what about that wonderful comic creation Sid Kipper, who'll be presenting more witty folk music in his Christmas Cod Pieces (December 3).

Talking about folk, the widely-acclaimed Bob Fox will be one of the first artists in the new season when he presents an evening of music and more on September 24. Folk fans should also make a note for the return of two Little Theatre favourites – Red Oktober and Isla St Clair – on October 24.

Jazz is represented by Lindsey Ball with Tom Harris and Dave Holgate (September 26), Mike Capocci/Martin Eaton (October 31) and the Lewis Wright Quartet – featuring the astonishing young vibraphone player (November 28).

And look out, too, for the return of the celebrity evening with Anglia's Helen McDermott and John Leslie, who'll be presenting a show full of anecdotes and great music by the likes of the Gershwins, Berlin, Porter and others (October 2).

Other music comes from the Cliftonville Singers (September 24), Showstoppers (September 25), the Jay Singers (October 30), Mr Gilbert and Mr Sullivan (November 19 and 20) and that master of the theatre organ, Robert Wolfe (December 2).

There's lots of family fun to enjoy, including among others the fine puppet show Brer Rabbit (October 2) to Magic Circus (October 25), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (November 6) and A Christmas Carol with the Sheringham Players (November 24-27).

Talking of theatre, there's a chance to enjoy The House on the River, the acclaimed touring production which tells the story of Norwich and England through the “eyes” of the beautiful Norwich Tudor house the King of Hearts. It features poet Gareth Calway, soprano Jeni Melia and lutenist/baritone Chris Goodwin (September 30).

You can also enjoy the Transaction Theatre Company's production of Sense and Sensibility (October 16). Roger Parsley and Andy Graham have adapted Jane Austen's much-loved novel.

Three of Alan Bennett's brilliant Talking Heads monologues will be performed by Sheringham Players from October 20-23, while a touring production of The Judge's House (October 28-29) will thrill and chill…. especially as it was written by Dracula author Bram Stoker!

The spectacular sight and sound of Andalusian music is brought to the stage by Flamenco Express (October 9).

The Little Theatre also has its usual packed programme of films, ranging from mainstream productions such as Love Actually and Mona Lisa Smile, through to more art-house screenings such as House of Sand and Fog (featuring superb performances by Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly) and Story of the Weeping Camel.

Two films to especially look out for are Deep Blue, a major new big-screen documentary based on the BBC's stunning Blue Planet series (October 26) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (November 12) in which audience participation is most definitely encouraged!

More details are available from the Little Theatre box office: 01263 822347.