A new play that has been inspired by real life events during the devastating 1953 floods is to be performed next week.

The Marina Theatre has commissioned and produced Norah’s Ark, which will be staged over four performances from Thursday, July 6 to Saturday, July 8.

Staged by Spinning Wheel Theatre, and written by Lowestoft playwright John Hales, the show has been inspired by local stories and anecdotes as well as historic accounts of past flooding events.

Opening in 1953 – the year of the east coast floods – Norah’s Ark will take audiences on a journey into the future exploring what Lowestoft’s future relationship with the sea might look like. 

While the title character, Norah, is a fictitious Lowestoft resident, her tale is drawn from the stories of real local people.

Lowestoft Journal: Rehearsals for Norah's Ark Picture: Marina TheatreRehearsals for Norah's Ark Picture: Marina Theatre (Image: Marina Theatre)

The cast features experienced actors from the region led by Erin Geraghty and Alexandra Ewing who both play Norah at different stages of her life; joined by Tim Welton and Henri Merriam.

George Boundy, from the Marina Theatre, said: "I think Norah’s Ark is going to be something really special for Lowestoft and act as a beacon to the rest of the region to prove that we can make thoughtful, compelling and creative new work here on the most easterly point to the UK.”

Norah’s Ark is a story about community action, of making small steps to overcome great odds.

It is the culmination of a project which started back in January.

This project is funded by Historic England through the Lowestoft Heritage Action Zones, in partnership with East Suffolk Council.

Norah’s Ark takes place between Thursday, July 6 and Saturday, July 8.

The 1953 floods claimed the lives of 307 people across the region – including five people at Southwold – and while Lowestoft miraculously escaped any deaths on land, the 11-man crew of the trawler Guava was lost at sea while 40 pigs, cats and dogs were lost.

Lowestoft Journal: Guava, which was lost at sea on January 31, 1953. (Image: Malcolm White Collection)Guava, which was lost at sea on January 31, 1953. (Image: Malcolm White Collection) (Image: Malcolm White Collection)

Tickets from marinatheatre.co.uk or on 01502 533200.