A coastal theatre has hailed the "fantastic" success of a new venture after opening an outdoor café.

The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft has been offering guests a new eating experience in recent weeks after unveiling The Yard as an outdoor café.

After the Covid-19 pandemic had forced management at the Marina to shut its indoor café on December 23, the theatre opened a new café outdoors on Wednesday, April 14.

Eastern Daily Press: The Yard outdoor café at The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is now open. Picture: Mick HowesThe Yard outdoor café at The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is now open. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Ahead of indoor restrictions, and the next phase of lockdown easing May 17, the venue has provided an outside eating experience using their yard - which is normally out of bounds to the public as it is "filled with tour trucks."

After making use of the new "welcoming" café space, the Marina Theatre’s chief executive, Emma Butler Smith, said: “The response has been fantastic from everyone.

Eastern Daily Press: Welcome back to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWelcome back to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We've had a lot of our audience coming back to support us and it's been really busy.

"The Yard is up and running after the staff and everyone involved worked really hard as a group to refurbish the area."

It is the latest good news for theatre management and staff as they work tirelessly to recover and reopen amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.

Eastern Daily Press: The entrance to the Marina Theatre box office and café. Picture: Mick HowesThe entrance to the Marina Theatre box office and café. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As they plan to welcome people back into the theatre for a programme of films and screenings from Thursday, May 20, Mrs Butler Smith said: "We are looking forward to getting back to live shows really gradually.

"The café space can cater for 32 people outdoors, and the message is to come in and see us - we are really pleased with it."

Eastern Daily Press: Posters welcoming people to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesPosters welcoming people to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With The Yard situated in a "lovely sun trap" serving freshly cooked food, a new pizza oven will see the venue launch pizza nights over the coming months as they "aim to bring more people into the town."

Mrs Butler Smith said: "We are the town's theatre, programming shows for the town - so what the town wants we'll work to give it to them.

"We are rooted in the community and the community is rooting for us."

Eastern Daily Press: Welcome to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft sign. Picture: Mick HowesWelcome to The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft sign. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The café, along with the theatre's box office, is open from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10am and 3pm.

To find out more visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk