Chill out with stars of Siberia

AS winter sets in the stars are set to shine brighter than ever at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre as a host of top names and attractions appear on the east coast.

Following its hugely successful run of Peter Pan the festive theme continues as the world renowned Russian State Ballet of Siberia presents The Nutcracker.

Complete with full orchestra, international soloists and corps de ballet, this brand new production set to Tchaikovsky's sublime score stops off at the Marina on January 14 and 15, as part of a major UK tour, primarily visiting major cities.

On Saturday, February 7, one of the biggest ever black recording artistes Billy Ocean will perform a string of his classic hits, including Caribbean Queen, When the Going Gets Tough and Get Outta My Dreams.

The next evening local band Roller Coaster celebrates its 25th Anniversary arranged by the Rotary Club Of Lowestoft and on Monday, February 9 a spectacular gala night will bring together two of the worlds top recording artistes, Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell. As part of their Valentine's tour, the Marina date is one of just a handful of concerts in which they will perform together and seats have already sold out in record time.

Fans of comedy can look forward to the return of the hilarious Damian Williams, who stars in the riotous Robin Hawdon comedy Birthday Suite running from Tuesday, February 10 to Thursday, February 12.

February half term holiday brings a number of special family events, including Fifi and The Flowertots, All Star Wrestling and the spectacular Chinese State Circus.

Legendary lead singer of Hot Chocolate, Errol Brown stops off as part of his final tour on February 17, followed on March 1 by rock and roll legend Joe Brown.

Following a special charity performance with the Band of her Majesty's Royal Marines on March 7 three of the Worlds greatest names in darts come together for a special competition. Eric Bristow, Bobby George and John Lowe go head to head in two hours of great entertainment, which includes their own stories and a chance to ask the legends of the oche questions.

The team behind last years critically acclaimed revival of Dad's Army breaths new life into another classic comedy as original cast member Vicki Michelle is joined by Hi De Hi stalwart Jeffrey Holland in the 25th anniversary production of Allo Allo!. Brimming with joyous mayhem and especially written for the stage by original creators Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, the production runs for just one week from Monday to Saturday, March 9 to 14.

One of televisions most popular psychics, Sally Morgan best known for her hit ITV show visits for one night on Wednesday, March 18, with country favourite Charlie Landsborough returning the next evening.

Multi award winning singer Elkie Brooks is another top artiste making a welcome return on March 21, followed on Sunday, March 22 by the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, directed by Chris Dean.

Britain's king of comedy Ken Dodd appears for just one night only on Saturday, March 28.

Following the enormous popularity of last summers hit movie Mamma Mia, one of the most authentic tributes to super group ABBA, Bjorn Again return on Sunday, March 29.

During April the Marina plays host to even more top names including Jane Macdonald and a special celebration of the hit movie Sister Act starring the London Community Gospel Choir and X Factor finalist Rowetta. Other highlights during April include the start of an unprecedented fifth year of residency with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a number of top tributes, amongst them Let's Hang On celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Nashville Nights and Dixie Days, a celebration of country's greatest hits, Barbara Ellis stars as Patsy Cline and ever popular Eagles tribute Talon returns on Saturday, April 18.

For more information or to book any Marina concert or show please telephone the box office on 01502 533200.