'I want to promote small theatres' - Suranne Jones

Actor Suranne Jones said she wanted to "promote small theatres and small stories" as part of her role as president of a small seaside venue.

The stage and screen star - best known for Vigil, Gentleman Jack and Doctor Foster - took on the honorary role at Sheringham Little Theatre in Norfolk in February.

She was approached by the theatre after they noticed she was a regular visitor with her family.

Since taking on the role, she has also taken part in youth workshops and praised the quality of the theatre's work as "sky high".

"The actors are brilliant," she said. "For a little theatre, I just think the quality is sky high."

Jones urged people to appreciate what was on offer at local theatres.

She said: "I think it's helping the community and the people who go down the beach - and I know, it's sunny, you want to go down the beach - but taking those two hours to share stories is a really important part of how we grow.

"I'd love us to find a way to promote small theatres, small stories more. That's my big challenge."

Before taking on the job earlier this year, Jones said she had think about it because she "wanted to do it properly".

"I wanted to be hands-on, I wanted to promote.

"I've just been helping with the youth group and I wanted to make sure I had time to do it properly," she said.

Taking part in workshops was a way to "remind myself of the basics".

"Being with a group of kids or aspiring actors who are really hungry for knowledge gives me a lot, so we are all learning," she said.

"That's why it's important to keep doing theatre or to keep being in other creative groups."

Evie, 15, who took part in the workshop, said: "I feel like I'm picking up so many valuable acting skills.

"She's an inspiration, she does so many cool things at the theatre."

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