<img src='' title='Author: Natalie Hewis' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Author: Natalie Hewis

Lilies On The Land: New national tour of Women’s Land Army play coming to Lowestoft

Lilies On The Land explores and celebrates the sometimes overlooked role of women in the country’s effort during the Second World War. First created 10 years ago, this play is embarking on a national tour including performances here at the Marina.

Throughout the countryside farmers were struggling to meet demand as most able men were drafted to fight leaving their workforces decimated. However, it was the women of this country that took up the call to keep Britain’s mouths fed.

Whether fondly remembered through rose-tinted glasses, or glumly felt like an old shrapnel wound, the selfless women of the Land Army never forgot their experience during the war. It is from these letters, diaries and remembrances that Theatre company ‘The Lions Part’ originally created Lilies on the Land.

Emma Butler Smith – now Chef Executive of the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft – worked for the Lions part, the company who devised the piece back in 2001. Following an open letter in Saga Magazine asking for any memories of the Women’s Land Army, 140 letters flooded in with memories, recollections, newspaper cuttings & wartime memorabilia. “It took days to sift through the boxes of letters received – many accompanied by photographs – with stories of hardship, comradery, friendship and adversity leaping off the page. The company devised Lilies on the Land from all those memories.”

Emma was General Manager for the Lions Part and played a fundamental part in bringing the show to a wider audience and getting the script published. Having then produced the West End London run of 2010 and further UK tours in 2011 and 2012, Emma was particularly excited to be able to bring this new tour from Apollo Theatre Company to the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. “Working on Lilies on The Land framed a really memorable part of my life and the show still holds a very special place in my heart. As a history freak, a theatre maker, and as a woman Lilies has a lot of resonance with me. So naturally when Apollo Theatre Company approached us with this tour It didn’t take me long to say yes. I also think that as a rural area which played a big part in Britain’s agricultural progress during the 1940s, the play will really resonate with people in Lowestoft and East Suffolk.”

You can see Lilies on The Land at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft on Thursday 6^th October 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Both performances will be accompanied by stage text and British Sign Language interpretation. Book now!

Our annual pantomime produced by Paul Holman Associates is back this year with classic title, Jack & The Beanstalk. Jack, the hero of this well-known tale, will be played by singer and TV star Sam Callahan.

Sam rose to fame during the 10^th series of The X-Factor and previously trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre school. After the series finished, he performed in The X-Factor Arena tour and has been releasing Pop, House, and Dance music popular the world over. Having toured almost non-stop since, he has supported the likes of Little Mix, The Vamps, Joe McElderry and many more. He has amassed a large social media following with hundreds of thousands of ‘Callafans’ supporting him.

Alongside his music career, Sam has found time to forge an unlikely career as a professional racing driver. This year he competed in the Ginette GT4 Supercup.

When asked about playing Jack in this year’s pantomime, Sam said; “I can’t wait to play Jack! I’ve performed in various pantomimes now, but Jack & The Beanstalk is one I’ve never done. I also feel like the cheeky chappy Essex boy in me should fit nicely with the demeanour of Jack’s character. This is going to be a fun show for sure!”

Sam will be joined by two well-known returning cast members. First up, John Lyons best known for his long running role in A Touch of Frost, is back for his third appearance in Lowestoft having played Cinderella’s father in last years postponed panto.

And a Lowestoft Panto just wouldn’t be complete without Terry Gleed. Proclaimed ‘Lowestoft’s Favourite,’ Terry is back for his 7^th year, bringing his signature comic charm and slapstick routines to the role of Simon – Jack’s hilarious brother.

Our Chief Executive, Emma Butler Smith said: “Jack and the Beanstalk must be one of the most quintessentially British Pantomime titles and we’re so happy to be presenting it this year. Sam Callahan will make a brilliant hero in this year’s production which is sure to entertain and delight. Magic beans, Daisy the cow, giants in the sky – we’ve got it all!”

Jack & The Beanstalk opens on 13^th December for 27 gigantic performances. Expect laughs, songs, epic journeys, and a few surprises along the way! Tickets can be booked from marinatheatre.co.uk 01502 533200 or in person at the Marina Box Office.

The Marina Theatre are looking for a fun, relaxed and engaging choir leader to take on their successful Monday evening choir.  The choir has been running since October 2018 and has built up a regular attendance of 25 passionate singers, with new members joining all the time.  The ideal candidate will have experience leading a regular choir group, be willing to spend time getting to know the members of the group, and keen to embrace performance opportunities for the group as they arise.

The sessions are held every Monday evening at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Fee: £50 per session.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email a copy of your CV and covering letter to Head of Young People and Outreach Will Isgrove at willisgrove@marinatheatre.co.uk.