A community theatre stalwart who has had a hand in every single show performed over the past five decades has been recognised for his long service.
Stephen Wilson has held many roles in the Lowestoft Players since joining in 1973. The 73-year-old Lowestoft resident is the oldest of four brothers who have all been involved in the Players and received his 50 years of service award last week.
During his unbroken 50 years of service it has meant he has been involved in some way for 166 productions, directing 18 of them and a leading role in 40.
Stephen Wilson who has received an award for 50 years of service to The Lowestoft Players. Image Emma-Jayne Herbert.
Stephen has served as chairman twice and also oversees the creation of upcoming productions posters, programmes and publicity material.
The former art teacher, who now works at Scenic Projects Ltd in the town, said: “I joined the Players back in 1973 and have been involved in one way or another in every single production since.
“I am currently co-writing the new 'Goldilocks' panto script and busy preparing to co-direct the musical 'CATS'.
“My favourite and standout performing roles are Sweeney Todd / Fagin / Scrooge / Tevye in Fiddler and the title role in The King and I.”
He said he has "lost count" of the number of times he has taken to the stage as the group’s pantomime Dame as he just loves making people laugh.
He has directed many musicals and said Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Jeckyll and Hyde and most recently The Hunchback of Notre Dame were among his favourite to produce.
The Players met on 12th March for its annual general meeting and recognised the services of 19 of its members, who altogether have given more than 450 years of service between them.
The society’s outgoing chair Nick Garrod also received an award for 45 years of service.
Members of the Lowestoft Players who have just received long service awards.
Left to right: Jimmy Aitkin, Kim Simpson, Caroline Warren, Wendy Takman, Jan Takman, Bernie Gooch, Stephen Wilson, Christine Hardy, Maurice Garrod, Stephanie Garrod and Nick Garrod. Image Emma-Jayne Herbert.
The Lowestoft Players' upcoming productions are Kipps: The New Half Sixpence Musical starting June 7 to June 15, followed by CATS on September 20 to 28. Both musicals will be performed at the Players Theatre with tickets on sale now - www.playerstheatre.info
The full list of long service award recipients included:
50 Years - Stephen Wilson
45 Years - Nick Garrod
35 Years - Suzanne Kingston
35 Years - Steph Garrod
35 Years - Maurice Garrod
30 Years - Christine Hardy
25 Years - Diana Richards
25 Years - Kim Simpson
25 Years - Jan Takman
25 Years - Wendy Takman
25 Years - Jo 'Howie' Forster
20 Years - Stephen Clarke
20 Years - John Marjoram
15 Years - Jackie Darby
15 Years - Beth Freeman
15 Years - Bernie Gooch
15 Years - Caroline Warren
10 Years - Jimmy Atkin
10 Years - Hazel Cole
Not all were able to be present at the ceremony.