The Players Theatre Presents: A Masterplan in Two Acts!
A major development of the Players Theatre to extend it to create a cultural arts and entertainment facility in Lowestoft.
The venue is an iconic building located in the centre of Lowestoft. This fabulous old former chapel which has served us well for the past 10 years now needs improvement. Whilst a significant amount of money has been invested in developing the theatre the building needs further redevelopment to allow for multiple occupation by other users, improvement in the comfort for users and patrons in the form of heating and ventilation and improved hospitality and rehearsal facilities.
The Lowestoft Players have been the leading amateur musical theatre group in Lowestoft for over 50 years, putting on shows for the enjoyment of its members and the theatre goers of East Suffolk.
For the first 40 years we rehearsed in a pre-fabricated building generously provided by a local supporter. In 2008 we were able to purchase an old Chapel (The Bethel) in the centre of Lowestoft from the Fishermen’s Mission, and preserve the building for the community. The Lowestoft Players were able to convert the building into a community theatre and rehearsal studios with its reserves and the support of WREN (Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network), The Arts Council and others.
Initially the building was for the Players use for rehearsals and then to perform shows. The building has become a popular community asset for many other groups and users. The venue has proved to be so popular that decisions are having to be made as to who can use it when and either the Players have to relinquish rehearsal times to honour the needs of other groups or vice versa.
The time has come to look at how we could create more space. In doing so we recognise the limitations of the existing building and have identified what needs to be done to create a premier venue in the Lowestoft area. Plans for the extended Players Theatre have been drawn up reflecting the vision of an iconic building on Battery Green Road which will allow for musical theatre, live music, exhibitions, room and venue hire to take place at the same time and provide a facility for all people in the area to enjoy a full range of entertainment.
Our total project will cost in the region of £1.65m plus contingencies. It is ambitious and will take a number of years to realise so we are breaking it down into a number of steps or Acts as we would say in the theatre! It is our intention to seek any funding opportunities, both local or national to support our future vision.
The Theatre is managed and operated by volunteers who have a passion for musical theatre, supporting the local community and providing a major facility in the Lowestoft area. Volunteers come from all community backgrounds and all ages. We provide an opportunity for people to socialise who might otherwise be lonely.
We provide a training and development opportunity for the community to learn all aspects of theatre, from planning through performing to backstage, with many of our friends going on to have careers in the industry. Other groups who hire our current facilities organise their own events including dance instruction, meetings and parties.
We provide a valuable facility for people to pursue a worthwhile interest during their leisure time harnessing their energy into something creative.
Act 1
Scene 2
Full planning permission. Budget £6,000
Scene 3
Create access between the auditorium and the bar area enabling patrons to move around the premises and access the facilities. Budget £10,000
Scene 4
Retractable seating with floor improvements which will increase comfort for audiences as well as allow more flexible use of the auditorium. Budget £110,000
Scene 5
Roof insulation and roof solar panels to improve the efficiency of heating and ventilation systems and reduce running costs. Budget £55,000
Scene 6
Replacement windows (including black out blinds) and doors to improve the accessibility to the building whilst preserving its exterior appearance. Budget £100,000
Scene 7
Repairs to façade of existing building and signage. Budget £30,000
Act 2
Scene 1
Extension to rear side of building creating. Budget £350,000
Scene 2
Extension to front side of building. Budget £600,000
Scene 3
Mezzanine floor creation in theatre space. Budget £250,000
Scene 4
Refurbishment of stage area, rig and under stage cross over. Budget £100,000
Scene 5
Front of house lighting and access gantry. Budget £30,000
A MASSIVE thank you to all who have donated to our 'Re-Light My Fire' appeal to raise
funds to replace the heating and ventilation system at The Players Theatre
A Lancashire
Abanazer
Adam Neal
Adele Farrow
Adsam B Hart
AJ Danna
Alan and Olwen Jennison
Alice Taylor
Alison Forte
Alison Lincoln
Allison
Amy Jarvis
Andrew Bretton
Andrew & Patrica Liddon
Andrew Cooper
Andrew Groom
Andrew Pullum
Andrew Russell Morgan
Andy Birthday
Angela Fox
Angela Graystone
Angela Osborne
Anna Farrow
Anne Blake
Anne & Justin (from down under)
Annie and Kim Richards-Croft
Anthony Cates
April Beale
Auntie Bizzie Broadhurst
A Wilson
B&B Young People’s Theatre Group
Barrie Atkins
Barry Smith
Ben Norman
Bernie Gooch
Beryl Nettleship
Betty Hemsley
Bethan Haselden
Birds Eye Ltd, Lowestoft
Brian & Sue Wooden
Brian Chandler & Liz Grieve
Bronwen Anne Bareford
Carla Smith
Carol Lyons and Harry Godwin
Caroline Warren
Carolyn Haylock
Carolyn Youngs - in memory of Geraldine Duffield
Carole Freeman
Catherine Clark
Cerys Roscoe
Charlie Beane
Charlie Wyatt
Cheryl Hood
Chris and Joan Ure
Chris Moore
Chris Tanton
Christine Tyler
Christine Ward
Claire Bogan
Claire Clark
Claire Jones
Colin Charles Boyce
Colin Tucker
Craig Lovatt
Daryl Bryant
David and Gay Chambers
David Balder
David Porter
Dawn Clark
Dawn Rhodes
Deane Dickson
Debbie & Roger Tanton
Declan Matwij
Denise Hurren
Derek & Wendy Monument
Diana Richards
Diane Allott
Dr Colin Bannister
Elaine Thody
Emily Capper
Emily Mathers
Emily Takman
Emma Forsdicke
ETS Sales & Hire Ltd
Eva Brighty
Fay Bishop
Francesca May
Gaynor E Morris
Geoffrey Hubbard
Georgia Woollard-Kingston
Georgina Warren
Gerald, Michelle and Rian
Gill Hines
Gillian Mitchell
Gloria Dashwood
Glynis Galek
Graham Jermyn
Grainne Purvis
Hannah Brackstone-Brown
Harry Godwin
Harvey Bradley
Hayley Sharman
Hazel Cole
Hotel Katherine
Howie Forster
Ian Carter
Imogen Bunn
Irene Taylor
Ivan Day
J Carvasso
Jack Blyth
Jackie Darby
Jacquelyn Allsop
Jan Takman
Jane and Richard Roberts
Jane Collier
Jane Lewis
Jane Walker
Jane Zarins and all at INK
Janet Crawford
Janet Edwards
Jennifer Elliott
Jennifer Podd
Jennifer Wright
Jess Ellis
Jessica Peek
Jill Emmerson
Jo Taylor
Joanne Taylor
John Bailey
John Ellis
John J Bird
Jonathan and Melanie Read
Jonathan Gibbs
Joy Greehhouse
Joy Woods
Joyce Julings
Julie Garrod
Julie Hadridge
Julie Mayo
K Foreman and Family
Kathryn and Andy Edmunds
Katie Cox
Kay Turberville
Keith Goodhand
Keith Howard
Kelly Smith
Kerry Rose
Kim Simpson
Kirsty Blowers
Leaf Kalfayan
Leanna Romano
Leanne Wild
Lee Garrod
Leeds Amateur Operatic Society
LeRoy Gasson
Lesley Moore
Linda and George Harmer
Lindsey Hoare
Lisa Lawson
Liz Cannell
Liz Grieve
Liz Hynes
Louise Gooch
Louise Hay
Lucy Palmer
Luke Garrod
Lynda Joanne Morgan
Lynne Ainge
M&S Energy Community Energy Fund
Malcolm Smith
Mark & Rosemary Willis
Marks & Spencer Ltd, Lowestoft
Margaret Jordan
Mark Saunders
Mary Harris
Martin & Julie Dennison
Martin Vallis
Martin Wilson
Matt Day
Matt Wade
Maurice Garrod
Mel Darkins
Melanie Everitt
Mercedes Bell
Mervyn Pointer
Mike Turberville
Mitchells Renault & Dacia, Lowestoft
Mr & Mrs Farrant
Mr & Mrs Trevor Cox
Mr Barrett
Mr Melville Canham
Mr S Shaw
Mrs Carlton
Nancy Cuss
Nathan Garrod
Nicholas Garrod
Oliver Chipperfield
Oliver & J Jewellery, Beccles
Pamela Milner
Patricia Briggs
Paul Abrahams
Paul Hemsley
Paul Huke
Paul Allerton
Paul Uke
Paul Vincent Mullen
Paula Crisp
Pauline Elizabeth Crowther
Peter Simmen
Peter Wilson
Possom
Power to Change Community Business Crowdmatch
Rebecca Allott
Rebecca Amer
Rebecca Booth
Richard Charlton
Richard Hugh Morling
Richard Simpson
Rob Carter
Robert A Edwards
Rochelle Cuss
Ronica Dawes
Rose Pochodnia
Ross Mullenger
Ryan Lincoln
Ryan Takman
Sandy Bland
Sally Jermyn
Sally Martin
Samantha Bell
Samantha Cross
Samantha Jane Saye
Sandra Crowe
Sandra Ickringill
Sandra Young
Sara Ann Poppy
Sarah Fox
Savannah Wild
Seaglass
Sheri Chalk
Shirley Hurren
Shirley Smith
Sian Websdale
Simon Callan
Simon Groom
S Plant
Stella Bostock
Stephanie Davies
Stephanie Day
Stephanie Garrod
Stephen Armer
Stephen Berry
Stephen Brown
Stephen Went
Stephen R Wilson
Steve Darlow
Steve Hayward
Steve Smith
Stuart Brighty
Sue Bishop
Sue Smith
Suffolk Constabulary East Sports and Social Club
Susan Anderton
Susan Darkings
Susan Julings
Suzanne Kingston
Susan and Robert Bilbie
Susan Powell - In memory of Joyce Powell
Tayla Chalk
Teresa Jackman
Teresa Stockdale
Terry and Julia Rymer
The Huddersfield Boys
Toni Penson
Tony Mallion
Tracey Eglington
Trevor Ayers
Trevor Carter
Trudie Jackson
Val Millward
Vetta Wise
Victoria Kirk
Wendy Brooks
Wendy and Derek Monument
Will Ellis
William Holmes
And of course all of the people who have donated anonymously.
Thank you to everyone. You are ALL amazing!
To support us with our ambitious project, either contact us directly,
or click here to make a donation via PayPal.
Join us on the following channels
Box Office & Enquiries Hotline
01502 770020
