Play dedicated to memory of amateur dramatics veteran

Leslie Dumbell playing Henry VIII in the 2017 Wortham and Redgrave Theatre Society production of A Man for All Seasons. Picture: Warts (Image: Archant)

Leslie Dumbell, who had been a member of Warts (Wortham and Redgrave Theatre Society) for 33 years, collapsed and died while visiting Yorkshire.

Mr Dumbell, from Bressingham, who with his wife Alison ran Wortham Post Office for many years, appeared in more than 70 Warts productions, as well as with other companies including Diss Mere Players.

Society chairman Keith Charman said the company's new production of Anne of The Thousand Days by Maxwell Anderson would be dedicated to his memory.

Set in the Tudor Court of Henry VIII, the play tells of his pursuit and tempestuous romance with Anne Boleyn who became the second of his six wives. Their union brought about Henry's split with the Church in Rome, the sacking of the monasteries and the deaths of many prominent clergy who refused to accept his takeover as head of the Church in England.

The production is fitting as it tells the story from the different viewpoint depicted in Warts' acclaimed production of A Man for All Seasons two years ago in which Mr Dumbell appeared as Henry VIII.

Mr Dumbell had recently been rehearsing General Maitland in Peter Creswell's musical show about the R34 airship due to be staged on July 13 as part of the Diss Museum centenary celebrations of the airship's record breaking flight.

Museum manager Basil Abbott said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of Leslie Dumbell's death. He and his wife, Alison, were well known in local music and drama. They lent their talents to numerous museum projects, including the film we made about Thomas Paine."

Anne of The Thousand Dayswill be performed in the atmospheric setting of St Mary's Church, Redgrave, from June 20-22 at 7.30pm. Tickets £9 (£5 under-16s) and are available from Redgrave Community Shop, Wortham Post Office or on 01379 658710.