Norman Robbins

Norman Robbins, one of Amateur Theatre's most popular authors, wrote his first stage show almost 60 years ago whilst working for the Yorkshire Evening Post. An avid theatregoer from the age of three (his grandparents ran the pub near the local theatre so free tickets were always available), he was equally fascinated by operettas, musical comedies, oratorios, plays and pantomimes. A keen amateur actor and frustrated musician (his pianistic skills never equalled his musical knowledge) he began directing plays age 18. In his mid 20's he went to drama school and within his first term made his professional debut (not counting a childhood appearance with Tod Slauter) appearing in pantomime with Ken Dodd. Further pantomimes followed, interspersed with summer season rep and plays, along with appearances in a number of television shows.