As part of a series of Heritage Open Days this month, the Players Theatre, Lowestoft will be opening its doors to the general public.
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!
Flat caps, trilbies and police helmets. A nostalgic scene at The Bethel, Lowestoft
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.
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.
Vintage vehicles parked outside The Bethel
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 16 September 2023 between 10am and 4pm. For a small donation towards the further development of the Theatre light refreshments will be served at the front of the Auditorium.
“We were very much looking forward to hosting this event in 2022, but it was cancelled at the last minute following the very sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away” explained Martin Wilson from the Lowestoft Players. Martin is responsible for maintenance and development of the Theatre.
“It’s a real honour to be part of the team who are responsible for the upkeep of this iconic building and its future development. I’m very much looking forward to our Open Heritage Day on 16th September. I hope that many will visit to share their own stories of the building with us.”
The Open Heritage day is a free, non-ticketed event. Those wishing to attend should simply go along from 10.00am onwards.
The Poor Children’s Tea, 1931 at The Bethel. Over 400 children from The Beach Village enjoying their treat