MANY well known theatres boast their own ghost; most famously the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane which supposedly is haunted by the late Dan Leno.But tucked away on Gorleston's seafront, the Pavilion Theatre has a theatrical spirit all of its own affectionately known as Humphrey and he's been making his presence felt for many years.

MANY well known theatres boast their own ghost; most famously the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane which supposedly is haunted by the late Dan Leno.

But tucked away on Gorleston's seafront, the Pavilion Theatre has a theatrical spirit all of its own affectionately known as Humphrey and he's been making his presence felt for many years.

Props vanish, only to be found in the most obvious places - like in the middle of the stage! - lights turn off and on again in empty rooms, and many a visiting actor have been a victim to his favourite piece of fun, tapping them on the shoulder as they wait to go on as they wait in the wings.

Certainly during rehearsals for this week's Halloween show, The House of Doom, the cast have had their fair share of tricks played on them. Microphones and mini disc players have malfunctioned for no reason, a prop axe went missing and, as an important part of one of the gags it meant another had to be quickly bought - but then the other mysteriously turned up on the dressingh room table! Oo-er!

Steve Ace, who appears regularly at the Pavilion said: “We know he's about but there's never anything scary about him. I have never seen him myself but I have seen the dressing room door open on it's own, but again it didn't frighten me, it's like he's a part of the team, joining in with the fun of the show.”

Kevin Lynch, who with Stewart Durrant runs the theatre, said: “Humphrey loves the fun of the theatre. Quite often we turn off the lights at night only to find them back on again in the morning - maybe he's afraid of the dark!”

Only one things for sure, this years Halloween show will be full of the unexpected…and maybe a little of the unexplained!

Show times are 3pm and 6 pm tomorrow, Saturday with all seats �8.50.

Call the box office on 01493 662832 or book online at www.gorlestonpavilion.com