When Naomi Symeou arrives back at the Marina Theatre this week, it will see her complete a remarkable journey from when she first appeared on stage with the Lowestoft Players.

But this time around, she is set to return as producer of the smash-hit Footloose: The Musical, which stars Gareth Gates and Maureen Nolan and runs from Monday, February 22 to Saturday, February 27.

Ms Symeou was born in Bradwell and went to Lynn Grove High School, in Gorleston, before studying performing arts at Great Yarmouth College.

She performed across the area from the age of 13, first with Dusmagrik Young People's Theatre Company in Gorleston before progressing to Gorleston Theatre Company and the Lowestoft Players.

She starred in a number of shows at the Marina with the Players, including A Sound of Music and the role of Lola Lamar in Copacabana.

Ms Symeou then worked as a singer on cruise ships before spending three years as a performer in Hong Kong.

Since returning to the UK, she has worked for various companies including Park Theatre and Create Theatre School.

She became general manager of Sell A Door Theatre Company in 2014.

She is now responsible for a whole host of tasks including managing the creative team and casting for productions – which also includes Avenue Q, set to arrive in Lowestoft on May 23.

'I return to Lowestoft a few times each year as about half of my family are living there now,' she said.

'When I performed at the Marina it was amazing and for them to be able to take shows of this size now is really exciting.

'We have never had a show this far east before and I know the cast are looking forward to coming to the seaside.

'I feel like the shows I did in Lowestoft and Gorleston gave me an amazing grounding for going out and becoming a performer. I can't wait to come back.'

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