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There is the chance to work with a professional playwright as some exciting and practical workshops have been announced at the Marina Theatre.

James McDermott will be leading Creative Writing sessions on Wednesday, May 30 – where people can learn about plot, character and dialogue.

James has worked with Royal Court Writers Group, Soho Theatre Writers Lab and HighTide’s Young Writers Academy.  His short plays include Fast Food starring Jude Law (Lyric Hammersmith), Ordinary Boys (Royal Court) and Manhug (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds; Winner of Anglian Voices Playwriting Competition 2017).

James McDermott is a Norfolk based scriptwriter.  He trained at the University of East Anglia where he graduated with an MA (Distinction) in Scriptwriting.

A spokesman for the Marina Theatre said: “No experience is necessary, just bring pens, paper, enthusiasm, and a few ideas.”

A session for 9-18 year olds will take place between 2pm and 4pm – costing £7.

A second workshop for people over the age of 18 will take place between 6pm and 8pm – costing £8.

Places are limited to just 18 per session and to book, call the box office on 01502 533200.

A show that celebrates the life and music of one of the most iconic female artistes of our time, the legendary Dusty Springfield, will soon arrive at the Marina Theatre.

‘Dusty and the Shades of the 60s’ is produced by Red Entertainment, the fast-rising company who produced one of 2017’s most successful tours, ‘Cilla and the Shades of the 60s’.

It will be performed at the Marina on 26^th May at 7.30pm.

The show covers an incredibly successful decade for Dusty featuring the songs ‘I Only Want to be With You’, ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’, ‘Son of a Preacher Man’, ‘I Just Don’t Know What to do With Myself’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’.

The ever-graceful Shades of the 60s take you on a journey through the artists and writers who worked with Dusty over a career spanning 3 decades; including hits by Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Aretha Franklin and performing popular songs such as ‘Say a Little Prayer’ and ‘Downtown’.

Supported by the glamorous Shades, the soulful Dusty Springfield is honoured and her personality brought back to the stage in a great night out that takes you back to the era of peroxide blonde bouffant hair.

Celebrate the 60s in style, relive memories and create new ones with this unforgettable evening of Dusty and The Shades of the 60s.

Red Entertainment Executive Producer Matt Brinkler said: “I’m a huge fan of Dusty Springfield and have created this show around her catalogue of smash hits and those by many of the great singers and songwriters of the day.  At Red Entertainment we’re extremely proud of the ‘Shades’ brand which we launched with ’Cilla and the Shades of the 60s’ in 2017.  ‘Cilla’ went down well with audiences across the UK so we’re touring it again; ‘Dusty’ is going really well and I think it’s leading audiences to re-discover Dusty and the music of her fellow artists.  There will be people who remember the hits from the first time around and those who will know many of the songs from the radio or movie soundtracks.”

Dusty Springfield, her brother Tom and their friend Tim Field performed as The Springfields in the late 1950s when Dusty was still in her teens. The trio quickly became Britain’s top pop act so when Dusty decided to leave the group to go solo, she already had a following.  From 1964 to the late 1970s Dusty enjoyed chart toppers in the UK and US and won numerous Top Female Vocalist awards.  In the 1980s she had another run of success via her work with the Pet Shop Boys with the smash hit single What Have I Done To Deserve This? and Nothing Has Been Proved for the film ‘Scandal’.  Dusty’s final live performance was on Michael Ball’s Christmas show in 1995.

We caught up with Emily Clark, who portrays Dusty, ahead of her performance in Lowestoft.

When did you discover the music of Dusty Springfield?

“Music was a huge part of my childhood; Dusty was one of my favourite female vocalists who I listened to growing up – another was the amazing Madonna who was a huge inspiration; her look, her sound, and the strong woman she portrayed literally pushed me forward to become a professional singer.”

What do you particularly admire/like about Dusty’s legacy?
“My admiration for Dusty is not only for her as a singer but as a record producer. She didn’t mind being different and was out to create her own soulful sound; she absolutely loved music, particularly the American soul music that was filtering over to the UK and she really knew her stuff.”

Tell us about some of your earlier professional performances:
“I started my career in Spain in a song and dance show; I sang with a few girl groups, formed my own Pink tribute act then moved into musical theatre.  I toured with two of Steve Steinman’s absolutely brilliant musical shows: ‘Vampires Rock’ with Twisted Sister’s guitarist Eddie Ojeda and punk queen Toyah Wilcox and ‘Bat The Symphony’ with the National Orchestra of Great Britain.   I had such a blast!   Then I played the young Dolly Parton in the show ‘Dolly’ and the female lead in the rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza ‘Bad Boy Johnny and the Prophets of Doom’ which is an Australian production that originally starred Russell Crowe!  I’ve also performed in China in ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and I’m really looking forward to taking the lead in ‘Dusty and the Shades of the 60s’ in 2018.”

Name three favourite songs you perform onstage and what you like about them.
“One of my ultimate favourites has to be ‘Natural Woman’ – I love soul and Motown and I can’t wait to perform it!  ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’ is one of my favourite Dusty songs; with its dramatic sound and the build up at the end, it is musically so moving. The reaction of the crowd is always incredible. I can’t help but love it!  My third song choice is a bit different: Guns ‘n’ Roses 1987 classic rocker ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ has to be up there musically and vocally as a big favourite of mine. Every part of this song makes me want to rock out and I get to show off my vocal range with some belting notes!”

Tell us about your image on this tour (ie hair/makeup/fashion etc)
“My image for the tour will be very much featured around Dusty’s iconic look. Although nobody can BE Dusty, I am there to represent her so there will be some specific references including the beehive, the smoky eyes and the flamboyant glamour.  For the Dusty fans there is a particular dress I get to wear which is quite iconic – you’ll have to wait until the show to see it. There are a LOT of sequins!”

What do you think audiences will enjoy most about the show?
“We’ll be taking them on a musical journey back to the 60s. We always get comments that our shows bring back personal memories of good times in the 60s. I think most will be surprised about what they enjoy most as the show isn’t just Dusty’s album music, it’s a journey through her career, including a lot of songs that she covered and ones that inspired her. There were a lot of greats in Dusty’s life and they’re all featured in the show. Like the Burt Bacharach section.”

And what do you like best about being on the road? 
“Every show has a different feel, live entertainment allows us to feel what the audience are feeling and that’s exciting every day.  Also, being able to perform in such beautiful venues and visiting different parts of the country is a massive plus!”

Give us a list of FIVE things you take on tour that you can’t do without!
“Coffee – needed for the long journeys
A Paper Diary – I’m a writer not a typist and without it I wouldn’t have a clue what I’m doing!
Hairspray – if only that beehive stayed up on its own…
A picture of my dog
A pillow – then it’s like sleeping in my own bed!”

Full Price: £20.00  Concession: £18.00  Privilege Card Holders: £17.00.

To book, call the box office on 01502 533200 or CLICK HERE.

Recently formed Lowestoft Town Council is proposing to buy the Marina Theatre Building and the connected ‘Zenith’ Building (café and Box Office) which are currently separately owned.

Lowestoft Town Council owning and then leasing the two buildings to Marina Theatre Trust will ensure continuity and security for this vital community and tourism asset.

The building would be purchased through Lowestoft Town Council’s reserves and from a loan for the remainder (likely to be £200,000).

The loan payments would then be met through a 20 year lease arrangement with Marina Theatre Trust ensuring there will be no additional cost to the tax payer.

The Marina Theatre continues as a tenant of the buildings, as it is now.

Lee Henderson, Marina Theatre CEO said: “The security of the ‘Zenith’ building is fundamental to our financial resilience and future business planning to ensure the Marina remains a vital cultural and community asset for Lowestoft. We are delighted Lowestoft Town Council are assisting us in progressing with the purchase and we would encourage people to share their views.”

The council are keen to hear views on the proposal to buy the buildings and there is a short window to consider any views before the special town council meeting on 20 April 2018.

Please email or post to Lowestoft Town Council by 4pm on that date.

There’s a chance to give your views or ask questions in the public forum at 19.30, Waveney District Council offices, 4 Canning Road, NR33 0EQ.

Lowestoft Marina Theatre has a packed programme of drama, musicals, comedy and panto and a thriving community and education programme.

Send your comments to: info@lowestofttowncouncil.uk or call 0330 536019 by post Lowestoft Town Council, Hamilton House Battery Green Road, NR32 1DE.