Actor Suranne Jones is Sheringham theatre's president

Suranne Jones said she hoped her presidency would "not only raise awareness for the theatre, but small theatres and arts centres across the country"

Actor Suranne Jones has been announced as the president of a small seaside theatre, in what has been described as a "coup" for the community arts venue.

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

She often visits the area and the 160-seat theatre with her family.

"There's nothing like seeing a show up close as you really feel like you're in it," she said.

"When we first visited the area, I was excited to see Sheringham still had The Little Theatre and it wasn't long before we started coming along."

'Outlet for creativity'

Her early years in local theatres in Greater Manchester instilled discipline, a sense of belonging and developed social skills which were integral to her success, she explained.

"Theatre in rural areas is so important, not only for audiences to see shows they may not be able to easily see, but also for young people who may not have an outlet for their creativity and have no idea how to get into the business," she added.

Jones is regularly seen in prime time dramas, including as Anne Lister in BBC One's Gentleman Jack, with Sophie Rundle (left) as Ann Walker

Jones, who found fame as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street in the noughties, was in the audience for the production of The Hound of the Baskervilles last summer, and the "brilliant" pantomime Cinderella.

Another highlight was one of its film screenings, where she saw Elf with her seven-year-old son for the first time.

Suranne's profile was a huge boost for the theatre, said director Debbie Thompson and chairman Jonathan Beak

She hoped her presidency would "not only raise awareness for the theatre, but small theatres and arts centres across the country", she said.

"They're an important part of the community for so many reasons and shouldn't be undervalued," she added.

The theatre said having a high-profile star and household name as president was a huge boost.

'Inspirational role model'

Chairman Jonathan Beak said: "A lot of hard work goes into funding our charity-run theatre, so it is wonderful to have someone of Suranne's stature support us as president.

"We hope it will raise our profile in the community and maybe nationally, and help us grow the theatre for the future.

"With her origins in local theatre, she is also an inspirational role model for young actors passing through our theatre."

The theatre praised the presidential support of the Walpoles, of Mannington Hall, who had been in the role for half a century until Lady Walpole recently stepped down.

She had succeeded her late husband, Lord Robin Walpole, in 2022, after he was in post since the early 1970s.