The Lowestoft Players / Players Theatre – Fund Raiser required!

A registered charity, The Lowestoft Players have been entertaining the people of Lowestoft and beyond since 1967. Their pantomimes, Christmas Spectaculars and Musical Theatre productions have won many awards.

The Lowestoft Players own The Players Theatre situated on Battery Green Road. It was formerly known as The Bethel. It was used as a fishermen’s mission and during WWII as a naval base. Until it was acquired by the popular performing society in 2008 the historical building was more recently used as a place of worship.

The Players originally used the iconic building situated in the centre of Lowestoft as a rehearsal space.

In 2009, with much hard work from volunteer members and the receipt of several small grants, it was transformed into a performance venue.

During the pandemic a Crowdfunder was held. This raised over £50,000 and was used to replace the building’s antiquated heating system with a modern environmentally friendly air management system, plus some other small works theatre improvements.

As well as The Lowestoft Players the Theatre is also home to the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group. To generate income to help with the running costs several incoming acts are hosted throughout the year, such as comedy, live music and productions from local schools and dance schools. The 200 capacity Theatre is also available for private hire – with its own bar and flexible seating it makes a fantastic party venue. The Theatre is run entirely by volunteers.

Built in 1899 and celebrates its 125th anniversary next year, the Theatre has a continuous programme of maintenance to ensure that it is fit for purpose. Plans have also been drawn up for expansion to increase capacity and to continue to modernise the building to further enhance the experience of users and patrons.

The new Fund Raiser will work closely with the Executive Team, with a particular emphasis on applying for grants and other funds which are potentially available.

This is a voluntary post and would suit someone with previous experience in this field. It would be ideally suited to someone who has recently retired, has a little time on their hands and who would enjoy getting involved to benefit the community.

Graham Jermyn, who led the 2020 Crowdfunder fund raising appeal and is Chair of the Theatre’s Operational Management Group said

“The Players Theatre really is an important asset to the Town. It benefits so many people – performers and patrons. It’s fantastic that we have such a venue in Lowestoft but to keep it relevant and desirable the almost 125 year old building needs further investment. We very much hope that we can find the right person to help us with that.”

To apply for this honorary position or to find out more please email Nick Garrod, Chair of The Lowestoft Players – nick2@scenicprojects.co.uk

Images:

1.     The Players Theatre Auditorium with a seating capacity of 200. Credit Stephen Wilson

2.     A vision for the future, the Players Theatre, Lowestoft.