I currently live in Norfolk however I am from Sutton and am a great supporter of the Secombe Theatre.

I was told this morning by one of my contacts about this and its heart breaking. I am a professional actor and theatre director and have worked with some of the best in the country. My first performance and many that followed were at the Secombe Theatre in a youth theatre programme.

I do have a form of Autism and for people who are in the know about that illness will tell you that its main affect is the limitation of social skills. I feel without the social skills and the self-esteem gained from this fantastic theatre, I would not be where I am today.

I have performed in King Lear (Edgar), Our House (Joe), Blood Brothers (Eddie), Macbeth (Macbeth) plus many more.

I also have experience working as a theatre director and am Assistant Artistic Director at a youth theatre company down in Norfolk right now whilst still performing up and down the country.

All of the above is thanks to my parents finding the Secombe Theatre back in my younger days and what I gained with the problems I had is unbelievable.

Here in Norwich we have 7 wonderful theatres but with Secombe Theatre gone, Sutton has lost direct access to local theatre that can bring so much to the community. Certainly more than a few little flats could gain.

Also another point I wish to bring is that Secombe Theatre is the last tribute to the man who famously said the line "Morrrreeee!!!!" in Oliver!.

Please give the community of Sutton the chance to have a local theatre and the opportunity for some to find a passion in theatre and achieve what I have done in over 20 years as a performer.

Justin Eade

 


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