Although Christmas is well and truly over, pantomime season is not! In just a few days the Lowestoft Players will take to the stage to perform their 56th annual pantomime. For 2024 it’s the enchanting and magical story of Cinderella, always a firm family favourite with the young and old.
After over three months of rehearsals the talented cast are now stage-ready for what promises to be an entertaining production with popular songs performed alongside a live band, colourful costumes, amazing scenery and possibly most important of all – a stream of corny jokes!
In advance of curtain up on 20th January we’re introducing some of the main characters of what promises to be a brilliant pantomime.
Cinderella – Bethan Roscoe
Bethan is a fully qualified primary school teacher and in her spare time is currently co-directing the School of Rock with B&B Young People's Theatre Group. Although Bethan has taken to the stage with The Lowestoft Players on many previous occasions, this is her debut leading lady role with the popular performing society. Bethan has an absolutely beautiful singing voice, her stage presence is graceful which makes her the perfect choice for this role.
Buttons – Alexander Bracey
New to Lowestoft and The Players, Alexander is no stranger to performing. He’s also incredibly funny. Alexander studied musical theatre and can also play the saxophone although he won’t be doing that during this production!
The Ugly Sisters - Detox and Botox
Ugly Sister Detox – Chris Tanton-Willis
Chris joined The Lowestoft Players in 2019. He played Augustin Magaldi in Evita, which was closely followed by his favourite role of all time: Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where he had a 'truly' wonderful time. He most recently played Phoebus De Martin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Until May 2021, Chris could barely see what was happening on stage and often fell over people until he had laser eye surgery.
Ugly Sister Botox - Hannah Lucas
Hannah joined The Lowestoft Players for Elf in 2023 and has now got 'the bug' for performing! Despite this being only her second show with the company she is no stranger to the stage and has performed in many theatres across the UK. Hannah also loves to inspire budding young performers through her day job as a drama teacher in Gorleston!
Cinderella will be performed at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft from 20th to 28th January.
“The exceptionally talented cast have been working so hard in rehearsals to make sure that this will be a pantomime to remember” said Nick Garrod, Chair of the Lowestoft Players.
“They will be on stage for nine performances. That’s quite a commitment as most already have full time jobs, I really hope that the people of Lowestoft and beyond will support this panto – they won’t be disappointed!”
Tickets for Cinderella are available from www.lowestoftpanto.co.uk or by telephoning The Marina Theatre’s Box Office on 01502 533200.
All artwork and photography by Stephen Wilson from The Lowestoft Players