Lowestoft: Youth Theatre set to expand in exciting 'new venture'

For a number of years, the Seagull in Pakefield, south Lowestoft has run a successful youth theatre each Wednesday evening in term times.

The Seagull Youth Theatre (Image: The Seagull)

The management has revealed the development of a new venture in north Lowestoft.

The Grit Lowestoft (Image: The Grit)

Working in collaboration with The Grit Arts and Heritage Centre in Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft, the new youth theatre will run each Thursday evening during term times.

Offering three standard 11-week terms each year, the professionally led classes will initially be for school years 1-4 and 5-7.

The youngest group will meet each week at 4.45pm for one hour, followed by the older group meeting at 6pm until 7pm.

The sessions will be led by professionally working arts practitioners who will bring their experience of being performers to the groups.

Work will focus on drama and expression initially, leading to creating their own shows in time.

A spokesman said: "It is hoped that should the groups be successful, a further musical theatre group could be added along with a drama group for the oldest children."

Karen Read (Image: Seagull Theatre)

Karen Read, Seagull Theatre manager, said: "Working with Lowestoft’s young people has always been at the heart of what we do at the Seagull, and our Youth Theatre has been central to that for many years.

"This opportunity to expand the Youth Theatre to the north side of Lowestoft has the potential to support a lot more children to discover the joy of theatre and performance.

"Every week we meet people who had their lives improved and perspectives changed by their time at the Seagull, and we hope this new venture with the Grit will mean even more can discover the magic of acting."

Piers Colby at The Grit in Lowestoft (Image: Mick Howes)

Piers Colby, manager of The Grit in Lowestoft, said: "We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Seagull to bring this great opportunity to young people in north Lowestoft.

"From day one at The Grit we have been fortunate to have the support of so many in our town, and alongside all the great acts we have coming this year, this will be a wonderful addition to our work."