The Lowestoft Players held their first annual general meeting for three years on Tuesday 8 March. We have been entertaining the people of Lowestoft since 1968.
As well as a review of business the opportunity was taken to present some inspirational individuals with long service awards. A total of 14 awards were presented to those who had reached a combined membership of 505 years, yes 505 years!
This included three awards which were given to members who had each reached 50 years.
Jenny Wright, Chair of the Lowestoft Players, and also a long serving member of 35 years said “We haven’t been able to hold an AGM for three years due to the pandemic. It was such a fantastic way to re-start by presenting long service awards to so many Members who have each invaluably contributed to the society.”
14 Members of the Lowestoft Players have reached a combined service of 505 years. From left to right: Pauline Dyball 20 years, Trish Liddon 25 years, Andrew Liddon 50 years, Andy Morgan 25 years, Martin Wilson 50 years, Julia and Terry Rymer each 45 years, Toni Penson 20 years, Gerald Wilson 45 years.Front row: Michelle Wilson 35 years, Karen Carter 50 years, Ian Carter 40 years. Not pictured: Wendy Monument 25 years and Linda Goodhand 30 years.
Credit Emma Cullen
We asked Karen Carter, who received a 50 years award what was her favourite production.
“I’ve been involved in so many good productions over the years and worked with some very talented people” said Karen. “It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite but high on my list would have to be Sister Act in 2016. For me personally as a performer Irene in 1980. I played Irene O’Dare and it’s where I first met my husband to be Ian.”
Karen and Ian married in 1986 and will be celebrating their 36th anniversary in July. Ian also received a long service award for 40 year’s service to the Society at the meeting. A talented performer himself, having played many well-known characters throughout his time with the Players.
Although Karen no longer performs on stage she is still very much involved and recently directed the sell-out Vicar of Dibley in December last year. Also the play Rehearsal for Murder - a one night fund raising performance in aid of the Players Theatre which is owned by the Lowestoft Players. In between and as well as, Karen also helps running the Box Office for the Players Theatre.
50 years long service awards were also presented to Martin Wilson and Andrew Liddon.
Since first joining the Lowestoft Players in 1972 Martin Wilson has been involved in all aspects of the society both on stage and back stage. His most recent on stage performance was playing the character role of Prime Minister Harold Wilson in the society’s musical production of Made in Dagenham in 2018. For many years he has been responsible for production lighting design. He also sits on the society’s board of directors taking responsibility for building development at the Players Theatre.
Martin Wilson (far right) playing Prime Minister Harrold Wilson in the Lowestoft Players production of Made in Dagenham in 2018
Credit: Stephen Wilson
Andrew Liddon has been a regular on stage performer playing more roles than there is space to mention. His most recent performance was playing Councillor David Horton in the Vicar of Dibley. Prior to that he was a member of the Choir for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, another sell-out show from the Lowestoft Players last year. Andrew’s wife Trish also received an award for 25 years service. Trish prefers to be off the stage and very much enjoys carrying out front of house duties.
The cast of The Vicar of Dibley featuring Councillor David Horton played by Andrew Liddon (Back row, third from left)
Credit: Stephen Wilson
At the meeting it was unanimously agreed that all members who have served for 50 years or more would be given honorary lifetime membership.
Jenny Wright added “Not only is being a member of the Lowestoft Players great fun, it’s also is a place to make life-long friends. New members are always very welcome be it for on or off the stage.”
To find out more about becoming a member of The Lowestoft Players please visit - https://www.lowestoftplayers.co.uk/join-us
Our next performance will be Beauty and the Beast – a Pantomime Fit for the Platinum Jubilee. The production will run from 20 to 29 May. This will be followed by 9 to 5 The Musical which will run from 7 to 16 October. Tickets for both shows are available from www.playerstheare.info or by contacting the Box Office on 01502 770020
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