Sewell Barn Theatre space for presentations, meetings and other private hire uses. Originally the barn belonged to Clare House which was owned by Philip Sewell, a local benefactor, from 1864 to 1906. Anna Sewell, author of the children’s story "Black Beauty", was Philip’s sister and lived in the White House, Spixworth Road, Spixworth. Philip owned a mare called Black Bess which used to draw his carriage along Spixworth Road and it might be supposed that Bess was the original inspiration for Black Beauty, and the barn a prototype for Black Beauty’s stable. The book was published by Jarrolds in 1877. Philip Sewell died
Sewell Barn Theatre small theatre. In 1980, the Sewell Barn Theatre Company was formed. Their first public production "The Norfolk Furies" was written and directed by Henry Burke (the first Artistic Director), and staged at the barn. The company stages a number of productions every year, ranging from Shakespeare to Alan Ayckbourn. In February 2008 the company presented its 200th production "The Winter's Tale". Membership of the Sewell Barn company is open to everyone, and workshops are open to non-members. The foyer was renovated in 2012. As of 2016, the Artistic Directors are Cassie Tillett and Clare Williamson. Sewell Barn Theatre Sewell Barn