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Marina Theatre Welcomes Back Its Thriving Community Groups To Its Building

The Marina Theatre is delighted to welcome the return of its much-loved community groups following the redevelopment works that began in November 2024.

While performances were able to continue until June 2025, the building works meant the theatre’s community spaces were temporarily unavailable. As a result, popular groups including the Sunrise Samba band, Ukulele players and Theatre Next Stagers were hosted at alternative venues across Lowestoft, including Lowestoft Library, Gunton Church and The Olive Centre.

Despite the disruption, the groups continued to flourish under the guidance of Community and Outreach Manager Lorna Pearce, with members embracing their temporary homes and maintaining strong attendance throughout the redevelopment period.

Lorna said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome our community groups back to where they belong. I’d like to thank all of our members and facilitators for their patience, flexibility and continued enthusiasm during what could have been a challenging time.”

Due to its growing popularity, the Marina Theatre’s Sunrise Samba band will continue rehearsing at The Olive Centre on Clapham Road on Tuesday evenings, allowing for additional space. The theatre are planning on adding some beginners sessions in the coming months.

The Theatre’s Ukulele Group meets on Wednesday evenings and has recently introduced a beginners’ session. The group is also looking forward to performing at community events throughout the year.

Drama remains a core part of the programme, with Next Stagers (for over 50s) meeting on Wednesday mornings and Youth Theatre (ages 7–18) on Saturday mornings, offering participants the chance to develop performance, confidence and theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment. Due to the theatre’s growing group numbers, and high interest in youth drama, they are hoping to add an additional acting class for young people one evening in the week. Marina Company will also relaunch later this year with exciting opportunities for local people to perform and direct a show on the theatre’s stage. So, if acting is something that interests you, watch this space.

From January 2026, two new groups have also joined the programme: Marina Monkeys, a group for babies and toddlers held on Thursdays, which introduces children to music, stories, art, messy and creative play and Mindful Music, a Friday session using music to support relaxation and meditation. No previous experience necessary. Participants are encouraged to share music that has evoked emotion and helped with their wellbeing.

Sam Vallerius, General Manager of the Marina Theatre, said: “It’s fantastic to have our community groups back in the building. They truly bring life and soul to the theatre. The Marina is more than a stage — it’s a shared space shaped by the community that uses it.”

For full details of community groups and session times, visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk or email community@marinatheatre.co.uk.