A Monthly Publication

By Rae Steward, Chairman Princess Theatre Club

Following reports in the media concerning the possible closure or curtailment of programme at the Princess Theatre, I was asked by the Princess Theatre Club committee to write to the Borough Council expressing the Club’s concern. The Princess Theatre Club was formed in 1986, not just as an amateur dramatics group but also to serve the Princess Theatre and provide support.  Our members, as volunteers carry out stewarding duties, assist backstage, as well as numerous other activities such as painting dressing rooms and helping on Open Days.  Only recently we have donated £500 for the theatre to purchase a LCD projector.

I subsequently wrote to the Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, the local borough councillors for Hunstanton and local MP Henry Bellingham asking for their support.  As I said in my letter, the Borough Council is committee to serve the community and tourism and the Princess is of vital importance to both. By closing or restricting entertainment provided at the Princess Theatre would be a retrograde step to what has already been declared a regeneration area.

Of great importance is the possible loss of the Christmas pantomime which brings revenue into Hunstanton during the winter when tourists are few and far between.  The local and business communities have worked hard to make the Princess the popular venue it has become and deserve to keep what MP Henry Bellingham describes as ‘such a well known, and cherished institution.’

May I suggest that everyone who feels strongly about keeping the Princes Theatre open all year round and its annual pantomime intact should write as soon as possible to the Borough Council?

I understand that Keith ‘Appy’ Hopkins well known pantomime dame and lover of the Princess Theatre has already expressed his views along with many others.  I must also request that we must all bear in mind that at this very difficult time we really must “USE IT OR LOSE IT”!