Kees van Woerkom, a retired illustrator and set creator, is preparing the stages at Sheringham Little Theatre for their summer season.

Having been involved with the charity-run community arts centre for 40 years, Mr van Woerkom works tirelessly to bring imaginative settings and furniture to the theatre's four plays this year.

Devoted to his craft, Mr van Woerkom said: “I have always loved creating and making things out of nothing.

“I read the script to learn about the sets, draw a floor plan, liaise with the director then build as I go.

Kees also supplies the furniture from his long standing business as an antiques dealer Kees also supplies the furniture from his long standing business as an antiques dealer (Image: Submitted)

“Preparation can take a week in the workshop, and we have to build it in a day with some volunteer help."

He emphasised the complexity of summer seasons, as they involve producing for multiple plays in a limited time.

Aside from his work as a set creator, Mr van Woerkom also supplies furniture from his antiques business.

Before settling in Sheringham 42 years ago, he previously worked as an illustrator for the automotive industry and a Second World War magazine.

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His involvement with the Sheringham Players began as a means to make new friends and soon expanded into set design.

Mr van Woerkom's contributions make tackling ambitious projects possible.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson, said: “Ever since I started at Sheringham Little Theatre 22 years ago Kees’ talent and kindness has been a big influence on what we can achieve on stage.

“It has enabled us to tackle some ambitious projects through his skill, set design and scenic artistry.

He and his family moved to Sheringham 42 years ago and he immediately got involved with the Sheringham Players to help him make friends He and his family moved to Sheringham 42 years ago and he immediately got involved with the Sheringham Players to help him make friends (Image: Submitted)

"He always takes thing in his stride and is always on the end of the phone if needed."

Kees’ creativity shines this summer season featuring unique productions like 'Three Musketeers', 'Turn of the Screw', 'It's Her Turn Now', and 'Relatively Speaking'.

More details about the plays can be found at sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office 01263 822347.