A HOST of ideas and suggestions have come forward to help with the survival of the community Seagull Theatre, in Pakefield.It follows an open day at the building led by Helen McDermott, who is the chairman of the advisory group, which was set up secure the future of the complex in Morton Road.

A HOST of ideas and suggestions have come forward to help with the survival of the community Seagull Theatre, in Pakefield.

It follows an open day at the building led by Helen McDermott, who is the chairman of the advisory group, which was set up secure the future of the complex in Morton Road.

She spent Saturday at the theatre and was delighted with the response following an appeal in The Journal which was also backed by Waveney MP Bob Blizzard.

“I was really encouraged by what people had to say and there were a good number of good ideas which we now need to investigate and see if we can turn into reality,” she said.

“There was a steady turn out of folk with suggestions.”

Among those include a live quiz night, along the lines of a pub quiz; history and writing courses; historic costume exhibition; drama courses/workshops; recording locals for archive material; a London and local band day; Dance East classes; a music development project for young people which is already up and running in other parts of the region; specialist antique fairs; costume hire; a link with the High Tide group of players who recently appeared at The Cut, in Halesworth; staging Fisherton the Musical, a locally written production which is also being staged on June 7 at Gorleston Pavilion; space for a local library; making contact wit Business Link to find out if they have any start-up businesses needing office space; and an ambitious and imaginative idea to offer space for rental to local GPs or using the theatre as a Post Office outlet.

David Porter, head of performing arts at Kirkley High School, is keen to book the theatre from October 20 to 23 to stage a play with rehearsals taking place between October 6 and 9; and the Lowestoft Players are interested in putting on a show.

Meanwhile, grants are being pursued to fund a series of tea dances and the Wrentham Band is keen to using the theatre for rehearsals and performances.

The response has been so favourable that Ms McDermott is planning to be at the Seagull again this afternoon and is also examining the possibility of another Saturday morning or an evening during the week.

Meanwhile, grants are being pursued to stage tea dances and the Wrentham Band has shown an interest in rehearsing and performing at the theatre.

Those who are unable to meet up with Ms McDermott but would like to give their views or obtain information can contact Enterprise Lowestoft on 01502 580909.