Lowestoft: Abi Titmuss in Shakespeare role

SHE'S probably more well known for her role as a glamour model but Abi Titmuss is about to take on a new challenge.

For the stunning blonde is to take on her first Shakespeare role at Pakefield's Seagull Theatre and was in town on Monday to help promote the play.

It's classed as one of the most demanding roles for any actress but Abi is looking forward to going into character as Lady McBeth in the performances which take to the stage next week.

For the past four years she has been working hard to carve out a new career for herself and has appeared in productions all over the country.

'I do not want to be known for just being famous. I have been working for the past four years in theatres all over the country and I am really happy to be back in Lowestoft. I was in a play at the Marina Theatre last year and this opportunity to appear in such a superb role at the Seagull is simply brilliant,' she said.

Abi is now proud to be an award-winning actress and the opportunity to play Lady Macbeth adds to her growing portfolio of stage roles.

On Saturday she finished a month-long run in the rugby league comedy Up and Under in Yorkshire and was quickly on the road to Lowestoft to begin rehearsals for her Shakespearian debut.

'Up and Under finished at Wakefield on Saturday and I travelled to Lowestoft on Sunday ready to start work again. I know I am fabulously lucky to have such an opportunity and I am determined to make the most of it,' she said.

Abi's appearance in what is the final production in a superb first season at the Seagull has generated a lot of media attention.

'I suppose it was inevitable that there would be a reaction when news got out that Abi Titmuss was going to appear in a Shakespeare play. But I hope this works in a positive way for the Seagull Theatre and all the volunteers that make it such a wonderful venue,' she said.

Abi will be returning to the London stage in 2010 but in the meantime is determined to make the most of her time in north Suffolk.

'I have never visited the small market towns like Bungay and Halesworth before but taking this production to such small intimate venues gives me a real buzz. It is such a nice part of the country and I hope people will take the opportunity to enjoy a real live theatrical experience,' she said.

The Seagull's artistic director John Hales is reflecting on a wonderful first year after the venue was saved from closure in which The Journal's Save Our Seagull campaign played a large part.

'I wanted to end the year on a real high and having Abi on board for this production has certainly given us that,' he said.

As well as directing the play, which is a modern dress production and will include filmed backdrops, John is starring in the title role.

'Abi has always been a huge fan of the theatre and is really making a stand for the smaller theatres across the country by playing Lady Macbeth at the Seagull and on tour.

'The publicity will be great for us as we rebuild the theatre, but more importantly, we're lucky to have such a dedicated, talented, powerful and classy actress working with us,' said John.

'This production is designed to make Shakespeare exciting and accessible. It's for audiences new to Shakespeare and schools but also for the more experienced theatregoer looking for a fresh take on this extraordinary play,' he said.

Macbeth will be performed at the Seagull from next Wednesday to Sunday, and on Monday and Tuesday, November 30 and December 1. Tickets cost �10, or �9 for concessions and are available from the box office on 01502 589726.

The play will also tour other East Anglian venues and is being performed at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay, on Tuesday, November 24, box office 01986 895367, and The Cut, Halesworth, on Friday, December 4, box office 0845 6732123, and the performances are being sponsored by Robinsons Lowestoft, Bennetts, Haines Watts, Red Herring, Purple Wave and M R King.