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This year’s traditional family pantomime is set to bring a sprinkling of festive magic to Lowestoft.

Beauty and the Beast is the famous story of a French girl whose selfless love for the Beast transforms him back into a handsome prince. Headlining the stellar cast and taking us on a quest to beat the beast, is dashing Hollyoaks and Holby City actor Jeremy Edwards – who plays Lothario Gaston. Joining Jeremy is Britain’s Got Talent star Rosie Hale who’s sure to light up the stage as Belle, Lowestoft panto favourite Terry Gleed as the loveable Freddie and the deliciously wicked Helen Jeckells who takes on the role of the Witch.

The brilliant Fenton Gray dishes up a recipe of success with audiences of all ages as the adorable Madame Cherie Trifle and Matthew Wellman delivers a West End stellar performance as both Prince François and the Beast.

Award-winning theatre producers Paul Holman Associates are once again teaming up with The Marina Theatre and this year’s production promises to be a spine-tingling, foot-tapping, hand-clapping Christmas cracker of a show! With an action-packed, bang-up-to-date script, high energy choreography set to modern music, dazzling costumes full of glitz and glamour, magical scenery to transport audiences to ‘pantoland’, and a good supply of laugh-out-loud comedy, Beauty and the Beast is the must-see show this Christmas.

The production follows on from a record breaking run of Sleeping Beauty last year, which saw thousands entertained and enchanted by the comic capers of an all-star cast.

Sponsoring the seasonal spectacular this year is cottages.com which, together with The Marina Theatre, Paul Holman Associations and the stellar cast, is proud to present this fun-filled family panto. Regional manager, Victoria Schofield said: “We are delighted to be supporting the production of Beauty and the Beast. The annual pantomime is a real highlight in the community calendar and we are proud to be helping to deliver this year’s event for the first time.”

With plenty of audience participation, good times are guaranteed with Beauty and the Beast in this magical show suitable for all the family. This beast of a pantomime runs from 13 December 2016 to 1 January 2017.

Tickets are on sale now at the box office (01502 533200) and online at www.marinatheatre.co.uk/panto

A new youth theatre group will cover everything from Shakespeare to musical productions when it launches in Lowestoft.

The Marina Theatre Trust is encouraging young people with a passion for (or even just a passing interest in) theatre to attend sessions every Saturday morning during term time – in the New Year.

There will be two age groups (9-12 years and 13-16 years) and each session will cover a variety of performance styles and genres – including creative writing, musical theatre and technical theatre skills.

The sessions will culminate in a summer production on the Marina Theatre stage.

Members of the youth theatre will also have access to discounted tickets on selected shows and specialist workshops throughout the year, as well as the opportunity to take part in a number of fun projects.

Will Isgrove, Head of Young People and Outreach, said: “The sessions will be held at the Marina Theatre and our expert tutors can’t wait to get started by telling fantastic stories in unique and creative ways.

“We’re hoping that much of the work we do will be guided by the group and we’re really excited to see where we can go.”

A free taster session will be held on Saturday, January 7th 2017 at 9:30am. As part of the initiative, The Marina Theatre Trust is also looking for a Young Associate to join their team.

“The ideal person would be between 16 and 22 and passionate about working with young people and developing their experience in the performing arts,” Will added. The Young Associate will work alongside our tutors and play an important role in deciding how the Youth Theatre develops and will have the opportunity to assist with other projects within the theatre. A range of informative and fun workshops and activities are also available for schools and college groups – all run by experienced professional theatre practitioners.”

For more information and to register your interest in the Youth Theatre email willisgrove@marinatheatre.co.uk

It is one of the most challenging endurance races in the world – with true grit and determination required for a staggering 26.2 miles. But for one Lowestoft man, the physical challenge is all in aid of a number of new theatre projects.

Will Isgrove, 29, is taking part in his debut London Marathon to raise money for the Marina Theatre Trust. Will, who has been Head of Young People and Outreach at the theatre since October, has been involved in setting up and running a new youth theatre group, an over 50s drama group, working with schools and colleges and generally trying to highlight opportunities and activities for people in the community.

The money raised will go directly to enhance these projects, so more people across East Anglia, can get involved with the theatre.

“A huge part of my work revolves around establishing the theatre as a central part of the community and becoming a hub for local people of all ages and backgrounds,” Will said. “We have never had anything like this at the Marina before and we’re really excited about the good work we can do. I am running the London Marathon to raise money for the Marina to be able to deliver our ambitions and help make a real impact in Lowestoft.”

The Marina Theatre Trust is a registered charity, located in the heart of Lowestoft. They regularly host a diverse selection of shows and productions, along with cinema screenings. Their Café Bar has recently launched a new winter menu, although Will may be sticking to a strict diet and training regime!

“Being a new boy in the office, I was the natural choice (and only volunteer) for a 26 mile jaunt around London! I have a reasonable base level of fitness, by which I mean I can walk the two flights of stairs to the office without wheezing, but have never even contemplated attempting anything like this before. Any support you can offer is massively appreciated and helps us make the Marina the best venue it can be for Lowestoft.”

To support Will and to pledge a donation, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WillIsgrove