JONATHAN REDHEAD West End musicals, Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney and master of mind control Derren Brown top the bill for the new season at the country's most easterly theatre.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

West End musicals, Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney and master of mind control Derren Brown top the bill for the new season at the country's most easterly theatre.

Around 100,000 brochures are being sent out from the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft to advertise the Spring/Summer season, which will include musicals Annie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, seven prestigious drama productions, comedians Freddie Starr and Jim Davidson and some of the biggest names from the world of entertainment.

The 750-seat Edwardian theatre, which currently boasts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a resident, has undergone a transformation in recent years from as home for “third rate tribute bands and adult comedians”.

Ballet, opera and orchestral music will also be in the varied programme, which includes children's entertainment and has been described as one of the theatre's best ever.

Launching the season, venues manager for Waveney District Council, Martin Halliday, said: “This season is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and varied line ups in the Marina's history.

“Never before has the venue played host to so many top productions, to have one major musical such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is fantastic but to have secured a second with Annie is terrific news for both the theatre and the town.

“At last people no longer have to travel hundreds of miles in pursuit of top quality family entertainment.”

Drama is also well represented in the season, after the Marina secured the services of top producers, Bruce James Productions for a series of plays, farces and thrillers.

“We are delighted to be entering our fourth year of association with the Marina and to have seen audiences for live theatre increasing year on year,” Bruce James said. “We are very encouraged by the commitment shown to this type of entertainment, both by the public and the team at the venue and hope that this season will, once again prove very popular.”

Stephen Ardley, portfolio holder for operations and facilities at Waveney, said other towns and cities envy the Marina.

“Over the past few years, our Marina has transformed from a home to third rate tribute bands and adult comedians to one of the finest places of entertainment in the region.”

t Marina Theatre box office: 01502 533200.