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Welcome to an exciting new era….

December 2011 marked a turning point in the history of Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre as it entered a more secure future as part of the Marina Theatre Trust, having transferred from Waveney District Council to a new not for profit organisation made up of industry professionals, representatives from the local community and the venues award winning management team.

Now, more than ever it is important that the public supports the Marina and the best way to do this is to buy tickets!

Over the coming months the Marina will once again welcome major West End and touring shows, classic comedy and superb drama as well as major artistes including comedians, musicians and dancers.

The Marina’s prestigious residency with the World famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has been extended into 2012 and the magnificent Moscow City Ballet & Orchestra returns with the acclaimed production of Swan Lake.



Top West End show heading East

The phenomenally successful West End production DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS, the smash hit musical inspired by the million selling albums, is to come to the Marina Theatre in February and already a vast number of tickets have already been snapped up.

The dazzling success of the first three albums in the 'Dreamboats and Petticoats' series sent the message loud and clear. With over 2 millions copies sold and several weeks at the Number One spot in the compilation charts, the Great British public were saying that they didn't just want to listen to pure nostalgia: they'd love to see it as well. Thus 'Dreamboats' was born as a musical, opening at The Churchill Theatre in Bromley in February 2009 to rave critical reviews and widespread audience acclaim. Over a million people have since been enchanted by an evening of pure hedonistic affection for a more innocent era, when love
was young and so was rock 'n' roll.

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesmen and Shine On Harvey Moon, this spectacular feel-good production, which will play at the Marina for just one week from February 20, promises 'the greatest time of your life' - taking you back to a time when each passing week brought another classic track.

Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more, including Let's Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby's Girl, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Sleepwalk, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, What A Wonderful World, Let's Twist Again, Let It Be Me and many more hits from music's golden era!

Tickets for Dreamboats & Petticoats are available from the Marina Theatre Box Office by calling 0844 556 9270.



World famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra extends prestigious link with the Marina

The World famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recently announced an extension to its prestigious residency at the Marina Theatre into 2012 supporting the Theatre’s new Trust as it takes on the running of the historic venue.

In a major coup for the Marina, the Orchestra has been resident at the Edwardian venue since 2005. In the seven years that it has already held the residency, the association has brought internationally renowned musicians, soloists and conductors to the East Coast with the link hailed as one the most successful of its kind throughout the UK.

Ian Maclay, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says: "We are thrilled to extend our association with the Marina Theatre. As Resident Orchestra, we continue to enjoy the loyal support of audiences from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, and we look forward to working with the new Marina Theatre Trust to build upon the huge success we have enjoyed since our partnership began."

Chief Executive of the Marina Theatre Trust Martin Halliday added, "We are extremely proud of our association with the RPO and are delighted that as we prepare for an exciting new era, the orchestra has agreed to extend its Residency at the Marina Theatre. Since the association began it has enabled us to present some of the finest musicians in the world here on stage in Lowestoft. It is a great honour that the Orchestra has chosen to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, the new trust and its audience."

Acknowledged as one of the UK's most prodigious orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys an international reputation for bringing audiences worldwide first-class performances and the highest possible standards of music-making across a diverse range of musical repertoire. This was the vision of the Orchestra's flamboyant founder Sir Thomas Beecham, whose legacy is maintained today as the Orchestra thrives undertaking a very busy schedule of UK concerts, international touring and recording. The Orchestra recently celebrated its 65th birthday, having given its inaugural concert on 15th September 1946. In honour of this, special performances will be given throughout a 65th Anniversary Season and the Marina Theatre is delighted that the brand new 2012 Lowestoft series will be a part of this.


Member of Parliament for Waveney, Peter Aldous welcomed the news, "It is tremendous news that the RPO is extending its association with the Marina. This is an endorsement of the successful relationship that has been built up in recent years and it is a welcome announcement as the Marina begins a new chapter in its life."

Mayor of Lowestoft, Tod Sullivan added: "I am delighted to see the RPO continue to support the Marina Theatre with this unique arrangement. It is vital that we retain a cultural and creative focus for the town and this relationship is a great example of that."


Garrett & Lloyd Webber to headline 2012 Marina Concert Series

Soprano Lesley Garrett and Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber will headline one of the regions most successful concert series in 2012.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) commence an unprecedented eighth year of residence at the Marina Theatre in February with another prestigious series of concerts and once again the venue will welcome an international guest orchestra as part of the season.

The RPO has been in residence at the Marina since 2005 and will once again bring high profile, internationally renowned soloists and conductors in addition to its own World class musicians to the east coast.

Commencing on February 11, the first concert in the season opens with the hugely popular Nicholas Cleobury conducting Rossini’s The Italian Girl In Algiers Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 with soloist Mark Bebbington followed by Dvořák’s Symphony No.9, 'From the New World'.

March 1 brings guest orchestra, the European Union Chamber Orchestra directed by Hans-Peter Hofmann with soloist Julian Lloyd Webber. The programme includes Handel’s Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba, Elgar’s Serenade For Strings, Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1 in C, Sibelius Romance For Strings and Mozart’s Symphony No.29 K.201.

Celebrated British soprano Lesley Garrett takes centre stage for a magical evening of music from opera, stage and screen on May 26. Renowned for her unique and diverse talents, she has performed on the operatic stage with English National Opera and Welsh National Opera and has won unanimous acclaim for her solo albums and stage appearances. This special concert with the RPO will be conducted by Phillip Ellis and is set to showcase her sensational voice in a programme of well-loved favourites, ranging from music by Puccini, Mozart and Bizet to Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

On September 14 the RPO present an elegant evening of enchanting Viennese classics conducted by Gavin Sutherland and featuring Soprano Deborah Norman. The programme will feature excerpts from Die Fledermaus and other popular works from Strauss, Lehár, Mozart & Suppé including Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Emperor Waltz, Pizzicato Polka, Gold and Silver Waltz, Don Giovanni: Non mi dir, Radetzky March and excerpts from The Merry Widow.

The 2012 season ends on November 16 with orchestra leader, Clio Gould directing Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Flute and Harp Concerto followed by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

For more information or to book seats, please call the Marina Box Office on 01502 533200.



ALL STAR CAST HEADLINE AWARD-WINNING COMEDY CLASSIC

The hilarious comedy Peculiar by Mike Stott plays at the Marina for one week from March 10 and features a cast of well known and much loved actors…

TV favourites Craig Gazey, winner of National Television Best Newcomer award and British Soaps Best Comedy Performer award for his portrayal of Coronation Street’s hapless Graeme Proctor; Emmerdale’s Suzanne Shaw, West End star of Chicago and Joseph, pop music sensation, Champion of ITV’s Dancing on Ice; Vicky Entwistle, best known as the feisty Janice Battersby in Coronation Street; Gemma Bissix, two-time British Soap award winner for her role in Hollyoaks; and Heartbeat’s Steven Blakeley come together in this uproarious and raunchy comedy classic.

Prolific writer for stage, television and radio, Mike Stott is renowned for celebrating the quirkiness and robust charm of “ordinary life”. He delivers completely with this award-winning comedy which originally starred Richard Beckinsdale, Julie Walters, Matthew Kelly and Bill Nighy.

Trevor Tinsley is a small-town grocer with a devoted wife and new baby - but his desire to taste the forbidden fruit of free love leads him astray and into the welcoming arms of his neighbour’s wife. Hilarious misadventures ensue, revealing a host of comic characters as Trevor’s actions lead him into conflict with his strait-laced community and provokes his narrow minded wife into a surprising reaction of her own…!

Funny Peculiar runs at the Marina from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th March, Nightly at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm, The cast also includes Dominic Cazenove, Mark Heal, Sam Nicholl and Simon Naylor.


Moscow City Ballet

Worlds top ballet set for triumphant return

One of the World’s top ballet companies are set to return to The Marina Theatre early next year as Moscow City Ballet and Orchestra perform their spectacular production of Swan Lake.

In early 2003 the Marina first secured a visit from the Moscow City Ballet and the critical acclaim and rapturous applause that followed enabled Britain’s most easterly theatre to attract a host of star names, international opera companies and speciality acts from all over the World in addition to its prestigious residency with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

However, it was the Moscow City Ballet that was first to win the hearts of the people of Lowestoft, with thousands enjoying the elite Corps de Ballet, stunning soloists, beautiful sets and costumes all accompanied by a full live orchestra.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score, coupled with the romance and tragedy of the story, Swan Lake presents the perfect backdrop for the artistry, grace and precision for which this great company is justly renowned. The original choreography of Petipa, Ivanov, Vaganova, Grigorovich and Ryzhenko, takes the breathtaking power of the dancers to its furthermost limits.

Both productions are produced by the company’s Artistic Director, Victor Smirnov-Golovanov and will be accompanied by the Moscow City Ballet Orchestra.

The return of such a prestigious company is a wonderful addition to the Marina’s new season and their return to Lowestoft is made even more special in that a company of this calibre usually only appear in major cities.

Swan Lake is presented by the Moscow City Ballet and accompanied by the Moscow City Ballet Orchestra from Sunday 25th to Tuesday 27th March, nightly at 7.30pm.



Christie classic on Marina Stage

The prestigious Agatha Christie Theatre Company returns to the Marina Theatre presents a stylish new production of the queen of crime’s classic thriller Murder on the Nile.

On board a steamer, cruising under the scorching Egyptian sun, honeymooners Simon Mostyn and his wealthy socialite wife Kay find themselves being pursued by an old flame of the newly wedded groom...

Then tragedy strikes... A body is discovered.

And all fingers point to Simon’s ex fiancée.

But everything is not what it seems, and holidaying cleric Canon Pennefather is drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit as he finds himself on the trail of a ruthless murderer.

Presented by the official Agatha Christie Theatre Company and starring Kate O’Mara, prolific stage actress and star of such TV hits as Dynasty and Bad Girls, Denis Lill, whose extensive TV career most recently includes ITV’s hit drama The Royal and Doctor Who, Susie Amy, star of 71 Degrees North and Footballer’s Wives, Chloe Newsome, who played Vicky McDonald in Coronation Street, Ben Nealon, fondly remembered as Capt Jeremy Forsythe from the long running ITV drama Soldier Soldier and 60’s pop idol, Mark Wynter.

Murder On The Nile runs at the Marina from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th April nightly at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm.

Iconic musical to star Gareth Gates, Zoe Birkett & Amy Diamond


Fresh from sell-out European arena tours, the international smash hit production of 60s musical Hair come to the Marina in June as part of its first ever UK tour. Starring Gareth Gates, Zoe Birkett and Amy Diamond, Hair will open at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in April before touring major cities ahead of its Lowestoft date.

Its 1960 New York and a group of people come together to fight for peace, love and freedom. Capturing the mood and movement of the times, Hair is the original rock musical and has one of the most thrilling soundtracks ever written, featuring classic songs such as Aquarius, Let the Sunshine in and the infectious title track Hair.

Fresh from his critically acclaimed appearance as Marius in Les Misérables in the West End and on the sell out 25th Anniversary tour, GARETH GATES takes on the leading role of Claude. He captured the nation’s heart in 2002 when at just 17 he was a Pop Idol finalist. Since then he’s gone on to sell a staggering 3.5m records worldwide, picked up countless awards and has appeared in musical productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Starring alongside Gareth as Dionne will be fellow Pop Idol finalist ZOE BIRKETT, recently seen in the West End in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Thriller Live and Respect La Diva. As well as being an incredible chart-topping singer, multi-talented Zoe is an accomplished actress, dancer and presenter. The cast will also include BBC1’S Over the Rainbow finalist AMY DIAMOND in the role of Sheila.

Directed and choreographed by GARY LLOYD, the award-winning director of the huge West End hit Thriller Live, as well as 20th Century Boy – The Story of Marc Bolan and X Factor to name a few, Hair remains an unforgettable groundbreaking spectacular for all generations – don’t miss it!

Hair will run at the Marina Theatre from Monday 25th to Sat 30th June, Nightly at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday & Saturday.




Other forthcoming highlights…..

Children’s favourite Bob The Builder who brings his new show Bob’s Theatre Build on Jan 15. On Feb10 T-Rex tribute band, T-Textasy perform on Feb 10. Bruce James’s celebrated company return for two performances of the hilarious farce, A Bedfull Of Foreigners from Feb 13, starring the hilarious Damian Williams. Comedian Jimmy Carr warms up for his major new tour on Feb 16, followed by the stage version of iconic TV show Sesame Street with Elmo Makes Music on Feb 17. On February 26, a special matinee performance sees the very best of the music of Gilbert & Sullivan followed by the unique comic talents of poet Pam Ayres on March 2. Jim Davidson returns to the Marina on March 8, followed by another great family show Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt on mrch 10 & 11. More comedy is presented on March 15 with Lee Nelson and his best friend Omelette followed by an evening of Burlesque on March 16 and Over The Rainbow, a tribute to Eva Cassidy on March 17. Former Coronation Street favourite Beverley Callard stars in brand new comedy Hormonal Housewives on March 29, with a busy month ending with a tribute to the music of Michael Jackson on Sat 31. April 2 brings more children’s entertainment with the Little Big Club and legendary singer Buddy Greco performs with his band on April 1. Irish singer Dominic Kirwan plays on April 15 and then on April 19 top drummers including Procol Harum’s Bobby Harrison, Paul Fenton from T-Rex and John Coghlan from Status Quo battle the sticks in one unique night. Top entertainer Des O’Connor returns on April 20 and an afternoon of nostalgia is guaranteed with Remember When on April 25. May 4 & 5 brings thriller Murder Mistaken and the music of ABBA and the BEE GEES is celebrated in Thank You For The Music on May 11. Another popular show returns on May 13 with a special matinee of We’ll Meet Again. Marty Wilde and the Wildcats perform on May 18 with sensational percussionists from the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers appearing on May 19 followed by a celebration of the music of the Eagles with Talon on May 20. The critically acclaimed Saltmine Theatre Company present The Pilgrims Progress on May 23, followed by the incomparable Jethro on Thurs 24 May. On June 8 the venue hosts ABBA musical Dancing Queen, and Fireman Sam on June 9. The hilarious Jimmy Tarbuck makes a rare visit to the East Coast on June 20 before some of the finest acrobatic, dance, martial arts and music are showcased in Cirque Du Ciel ShangHi from June 22.


And BIG SCREEN Entertainment too…….

Throughout the year the Marina Theatre will continue to host top film entertainment on one of the region’s biggest cinema screens.

A number of top films will be released over the coming months therefore patrons can look forward to the very best in UK and World cinema as well as blockbuster family entertainment.

Films heading to the Marina soon include The Iron Lady, My Week With Marilyn and War Horse. For more information on films at the Marina check the local press, the Marina website or pick up one of our film lists from the foyer.

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