As part of a series of Heritage Open Days the Players Theatre, Lowestoft will be opening its doors to the general public later this week.
Built in 1899 as The Bethel, a fishermen’s mission; used as a naval base during WWII, then a chapel and now, Britain’s Most Easterly Theatre!
Tour this iconic building situated in the centre of Lowestoft at your leisure and learn how the current owners, The Lowestoft Players have sympathetically transformed it into the Players Theatre.
Flat caps, trilbies and police helmets. A nostalgic scene at The Bethel
The building was purchased in 2008 by The Lowestoft Players, a registered charity and an award winning performing society who have been delivering, plays, pantomimes and musical theatre in the Town since 1967.
The Players Theatre provides a welcoming and intimate atmosphere for an audience of 200 in the main Auditorium, plus there is rehearsal space and a bar for the enjoyment of visitors. This wonderful building, popular in the community, also happens to sit rather nicely in the Town’s proposed Cultural Quarter.
As well as its modern use the building still retains memorial plaques and many original features. During your visit soak up the historic atmosphere and see and understand the Lowestoft Players’ vision to preserve the building and their plans to develop it even further to ensure that it can be enjoyed and treasured by the local community for years to come.
Visit the Players Theatre for free on Saturday 10 September 2022 between 10am and 2pm. For a small donation towards the further development of the Theatre light refreshments will be served on the stage. Booking is not required for this event.
Vintage vehicles parked outside The Bethel
“Lowestoft is so lucky to have such a building in the heart of the Town” said Martin Wilson from the Lowestoft Players. Martin is responsible for maintenance and development of the Theatre.
“When I’m in the building I often wonder about the many thousands of people who have used it previously and what their lives were like. It’s a real honour to be part of the team who are responsible for its upkeep and future development.”
For those wishing to experience the full atmosphere of the Players Theatre, a live act will be performing during the evening on the same date – Spandau Too. A band recreating the fantastic catalogue of great songs from the iconic band Spandau Ballet, who rose to fame in the 1980s. To book tickets for Spandau Too please visit www.playerstheatre.info or contact the Box Office on 01502 770020.
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