I recall Simon Bell as a rather shy lad on the fringes of cultural capers orchestrated by his drama-loving parents, Now he’s centre stage in a major role he’s penned for himself after determined years of tugging together many rewarding creative strands.

His father, Ted Bell, was my boss at work on the EDP and Evening News in Norwich, a kindly and gifted sports editor who fed enthusiasms rather than dwell on obvious shortcomings.

He and wife Bunny, perhaps a little less forgiving when it came to accepting others acting the fool, worked overtime to steer me and many others towards proper use of disparate talents.

Daughter Julie Dignum has embraced the family legacy with 50 years of enthusiasm so far, leading roles including wardrobe mistress and producer. Simón had his hours in the spotlight but preferred off-stage duties and decided that a love of performance would have to be expressed in some other manner.

He struggled at school after being diagnosed with short sight and admits childhood was “bit of a muddle ”before he scraped into university in 1978 as a UEA mature student but ended........

© Norwich Evening News