Working round the clock in Lowestoft

GEARING up for an international smash hit musical, staff at a Lowestoft theatre have been kept busy as they work around the clock to welcome another top production to town.

Next week the highly-acclaimed Blood Brothers returns to the Marina Theatre - and once again the production will bring a taste of the West End to the east coast.

But before this sure to be spectacular show can tread the theatre's boards on Monday, the Marina's technical team have another enormous challenge ahead of them as they unload and assemble several articulated lorries full of costumes, scenery and equipment in time for opening night.

'Staff will be working around the clock this weekend in preparation for the shows visit,' a spokesman for the theatre told The Journal.

Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, which is produced by one of the UK's most successful theatre producers Bill Kenwright, highlights an epic tale of Liverpool life.

The show has been running in London's West End since July 1988 and has also toured the UK since 1995. In the USA it has had a record-breaking Broadway run, a hugely successful coast-to-coast tour and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.

Telling the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be re-united by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret, the memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.

The celebrated lead role of Mrs Johnstone has been played in the past by the likes of well-known actresses Stephanie Lawrence, Clodagh Rodgers, Kiki Dee, Lyn Paul, Siobhan McCarthy, and four of the Nolan sisters Linda, Bernie, Denise and Maureen.

Next week's performances run nightly from Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. For more information or to book seats please call the Marina box office on 01502 533200.