Founded in 1967 and with many award-winning productions to their name, The Lowestoft Players are one of East Anglia's premier amateur theatre groups.
For over 50 years the society has been performing pantomimes, musicals, plays and revues to packed audiences from across the region.
The society usually performs two musicals, one play/revue and one pantomime per year. These productions are performed at 'The Marina Theatre', or at our own intimate 200 seater theatre 'The Players Theatre' which also doubles up as our own rehearsal and social venue.
The society currently has over 100 active members who all contribute in their own way, either on the stage, behind the scenes or helping with social activities.
We have members from all across the local area and we always welcome new members aged 16 and above. In pantomimes and some musicals, junior members are required. Separate auditions are held for junior members. For details on upcoming auditons please check our Facebook page.
History
The Lowestoft Players were first formed in 1967 on a tiny bank balance of seven shillings and sixpence (37.5p). Of course, that money was worth a little more back then! Their first musical was ‘The Boyfriend’ and their first pantomime, that all-time favourite ‘Cinderella’, presented at the old Sparrows Nest Theatre set in parkland at the top of the town.
Since then, in over 45 very successful years the Players have become a much larger company producing two full scale musicals and one pantomime per year. They have moved on from the old Sparrow’s Nest Theatre, since demolished, and now perform in the fine centrally located Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, restored from former Edwardian glory. The Players were proud to be part of the campaign for the local council to buy the theatre over 25 years ago, and following a lively opening revue in the autumn of 1988, they presented their first pantomime in the new venue, and it was, of course, ‘Cinderella’!
Following many years at their Pakefield HQ in Stradbroke Road, kindly loaned by benefactors Mr and Mrs Catchpole, they have since purchased their own rehearsal studios at ‘The Bethel’ in central Lowestoft, and now look forward with keen anticipation to the next stage in their exciting development.
During 2012 The Players launched an extensive programme of fundraising with the intention of converting the large rehearsal hall into a performance space. Following months of hard work, a building programme that included new toilet facilities and a licenced bar, the ambitious project was realised.
In December 2012 the 200 seater Players Theatre opened to the general public with a 10 performance run of 'A Christmas Spectacular!'
The present and future will see The Players continue to perform their large scale pantomime and select musical productions at the Marina Theatre, and see The Players Theatre, at the Bethel, as an additional complimentary venue which will allow them to stage a number of exciting smaller productions that would not normally be viable to the town's larger 700 seater venue.
In September 2017 the players celebrated their 50 years of show business, along with announcing ambitious plans to further develop The Players Theatre into a vibrant community hub for the arts.
The Lowestoft Players Jubilee History Book
We are now down to our last 20 or so copies of the Players Jubilee Book, "The Players at 50".
This book was published by late member Dr Bob Dickson, and is our own comprehensive and lavishly-illustrated account of the Players History since their first beginnings in 1967.
Priced at £15 this makes interesting reading for anyone. Please contact us to enquire about orders which can be posted for a small additional fee or collected from 'The Players Theatre'.