JONATHAN REDHEAD A blockbuster series of films will be shown at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft this summer, a year after it was feared that movies would be cut from its programme altogether.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

A blockbuster series of films will be shown at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft this summer, a year after it was feared that movies would be cut from its programme altogether.

Waveney District Council decided last year to stop showing movies at the Marina, ending a tradition stretching back more than eight decades and despite more than 60,000 customers turning up over three years. It put the move down to a spending review.

But an outcry, particularly from pensioners, led to a U-turn and films were reinstated at the 750-seat Edwardian theatre four months later.

There are no such doubts this year, and the Marina's Sun Screen movie prog-ramme for summer starts on July 21.

July and August will see major releases being shown, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Over the Hedge and Superman Returns. Entry is £2.50 - believed to be one of the lowest ticket prices in the country.

Stephen Ardley, Waveney portfolio holder for operations and facilities, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to schedule such a strong programme of summer films at the Marina, especially at a time when we are presenting one of the most varied and exciting schedules of live entertainment to be seen in any civic theatre."

For more information or to reserve seats for any Marina concert, movie or show, call the box office on 01502 533200; website www.marinatheatre.co.uk