The Lowestoft Players have issued a shout out for raffle prize donations in the lead up to our next production – Kipps -The New Half a Sixpence Musical.
Raffle coordinator for The Lowestoft Players/Players Theatre, Steph Garrod explained
“We hold an in house raffle for each Players’ performance when we are at the Players Theatre. For Kipps that will be 10 shows. We try and offer at least 10 prizes per raffle, so we need quite a few!
Members of the Lowestoft Players are asked to donate, but with up to four different productions this year for which prizes will be needed we’ve decided to cast the net a little wider.”
Pops (Stephen Wilson) and Dame Julie Jubilee (James Atkin) inspecting raffle prizes during the Lowestoft Players’ pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, staged at The Players Theatre in 2022. Image: Sally Jermyn
All money raised by the raffles is donated to The Players Theatre, owned by The Lowestoft Players, a registered charity.
Maurice Garrod who manages the society’s finances said
“Last year raffles raised over £1,500. Other than the occasional small grant the Theatre doesn’t receive any regular funding, so every pound raised goes towards development of the Theatre.”
Raffle money raised in 2023 was put towards the Theatre’s new external lighting scheme. More money is needed to complete the project.
The Lowestoft Players acquired the former Bethel building in 2008, initially as a rehearsal space but more recently it has been used to stage productions by the Lowestoft Players, The B&B Young People’s Theatre Group, local schools and community groups plus some professional incoming acts. The Theatre is run entirely by volunteers.
This year the iconic building, situated in the centre of town, will be 125 years old, so as well developments, funds are always needed for repairs and maintenance.
Husband and wife Maurice and Steph Garrod have each clocked up 35 years of membership with The Lowestoft Players, so the development of the Theatre is really close to their hearts.
A spokesperson for The Players Theatre added
“We are seeking small prizes such as boxes of chocolates, bottles of wine, toiletries and other small gifts. Gift vouchers are always popular with raffle winners too.”
Individuals and businesses who may wish to donate can leave prizes at Aldreds Estate Agents, 143 London Road North in the town during business hours (9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays). Alternatively a phone message should be left for The Players Theatre Box office - 01502 770020. A member of The Lowestoft Players will then get in touch to arrange a drop off or collection.
Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical will run from 7th to 15th June at The Players Theatre, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft.
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