A Christmas Spectacular by the Lowestoft Players, in their Bethel Theatre Review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 5th December 2016 and The Lowestoft Journal,  9 December 2016 Christmas, coming as it does ever earlier and ever more commercial, is likely to bring out the inner Scrooge in many of us. The Lowestoft Players’ annual spectacular seasonal variety show is the perfect antidote to that. There is something about the warm atmosphere of the Players’ Bethel theatre, lights, effects, magnificent costumes, superb singing, dancing and comedy routines – some new, some old and some new takes on old favourites – that is heart-warming and feel-good. Directed by Lauren Nevill and Polly Woodward, with choreography by Emily Fox and musical direction by Krista Ribbons, this year’s bumper show has a versatile and energetic main company … Read entire article »

Spamalot by the Lowestoft Players at the Bethel Theatre, Lowestoft Review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 12 September 2016 and The Lowestoft Journal, 16 September 2016 Spamalot, ‘lovingly ripped off’ from the ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ movie, is a joyful feast of fun, surreal madness, random allusions from history, politics, literature, in a knock-out panto-cum-musical. Lowestoft Players, in the run-up to their 50th anniversary, create a stunning evening out with brilliant costumes, terrific music, exquisite choreography, quality singing, professional standard direction/production and outstanding performances. It seems unfair in such an ensemble of monks, minstrels, guards and girls of the lake to single out individuals, but Chris Darnell as King Arthur perfectly catches the buffoonery while Beth Lewis shines as the diva in a part she was born for – she is just … Read entire article »

Sister Act at the Lowestoft Players at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft Review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 9 June 2016 and the Lowestoft Journal, 17 June 2016 Sister Act, the hit film-inspired musical, is the perfect vehicle for the Lowestoft Players’ summer show with its high energy, implausible story line that lends itself to daft comedy antics, rocky music and unadulterated fun. It’s a team triumph for the multi-award winning Players who grab its opportunities with both hands from directors and principals to chorus/ensemble, from musicians and stage crew to the terrific dance routines, some based on Motown. Lauren Nevill beats the challenge of the gangster’s moll who, while seeking sanctuary in a nunnery, sets the church on fire with her singing and racy ways. Judi Mars is the perfect straitlaced Mother … Read entire article »

Lowestoft Players’ Christmas Spectacular at The Players’ Bethel Theatre Christmas Spectacular 2014 review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 8 December 2014 It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Lowestoft Players annual Christmas Spectacular has transformed their headquarters at The Bethel into a warm, welcoming and family- oriented Christmastide theatre. This is a variety show that crackles throughout with seasonal celebration from a large, all-aged cast. A host of traditional festive songs and carols are treated in a wide range of styles from Dickensian to 1950s. Once again pupils from the Louise Elizabeth School of Dance are a delightful addition with extracts from Anastasia and The Snow Queen. The choreography is inventive and there are moments of more reflective images interspersed among the glamour and comedy. Costuming and effects are carefully planned to make for … Read entire article »