Bungay’s Fisher Theatre is at the start of an exciting era with the appointment of a new manager.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Fisher Theatre in Bungay.The Fisher Theatre in Bungay. (Image: ©archant2015)

Laila France, who has been involved with the theatre for the past decade, has been appointed by the board of trustees to take on the role made vacant by the resignation of Michael Stannard last month.

Mrs France, 41, who lives in Bungay, said she was hugely excited about the new challenge, with one of her first tasks being to assess what additional expertise may be needed to take the Fisher forward as it enters the 10th anniversary year of is re-opening, working alongside assistant manager Cory Minns.

Mrs France has been close to the theatre for many years, particularly through her involvement with the Fisher Youth Theatre Group. She has also helped to organise the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts courses for the young members of the group with considerable success, and is a talented actress and director herself.

She was chosen for her wide-ranging experience in theatre and the arts, and organisational abilities, among other things.

Mrs France was the theatre’s publicity officer for a short time in 2010, and has worked as an independent party organiser and wedding planner. She has also worked in account management in advertising and home decoration, programme book editing and concert management product development and buying, and many aspects of film production.

Currently she works in mental health with the Stonham Home Treatment Team Pilot, based at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich.

Mrs France said of her new full-time role at the theatre: “I’m hugely excited to have gained the opportunity to be part of the wonderful Fisher Theatre.

“Having worked in conjunction with the theatre for 10 years now, running the Fisher Theatre Youth Group and other activities, I know the place, faces and many activities that go on there.

“My every effort will go into making this important Bungay landmark, and last operating theatre of the group of East Anglian Fisher Theatres, a local hive of quality activities that benefit Bungay and all who pass through the big blue doors.”

The board of trustees acting chairman John Putman said this week:

“We are all very pleased to welcome Laila as our new manager - she is already a much loved and respected face in the theatre, and we are looking forward to a really positive future with her in this key post.”

Mr Stannard left to take up a new career opportunity in the creative arts world.