From Piaf to Potter

Anne Allen Flautist on 31 January

“It’s a pretty eclectic mix!” Mark Tremlett of Branscombe was astounded when, on his first visit to the Marine Theatre to see Marcus Brigstocke, he saw the range of their new programme for 2008. “The Marine Theatre aims to meet everyone’s entertainment needs. Comedy :  Michael McIntyre, serious theatre: The Lady of Burma featuring the life of Aung San Suu Kyi, classical music and tribute bands: Bon Giovi and Deeply Purple,” explained Margie Barbour, the Artistic Director who selects this varied programme. She added. “We’re closing for three weeks to re-furbish and fix things that need nurturing, and then on January 26th we are presenting ”The Picture of Dorian Gray” from the European Arts Company. It’s a very high standard of performance and production, and oddly enough I worked with the director’s actress wife, Louise Dawson, at the BBC. Show business is a small world! That’s followed by Music hall on Sunday 27th and then classical concert featuring flute and piano on 31st January, the first of our series of 6 that runs through until July shows the kind of variety we are offering.”

Kagemusha Taiko on 2 February

The Marine Theatre has a very active Youth theatre; both “Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf” on 8th February and “Potted Potter” on Sunday 24th February will appeal to all ages but particularly to young people and the young at heart. “Potted Potter” the Unauthorized Harry Potter experience, is a fantastically funny hour featuring all the characters and even includes a game of Quidditch involving the audience! This enormously popular Edinburgh festival success will give the students the opportunity to see the anarchic comedy that is particularly popular with young audiences.

Potted Potter Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner on 24 February

All sorts of music events at the Marine Theatre, from rock to blues and now the best of young classical musicians as well, are coming over the next few months. Kagemusha Taiko are returning on 2 February with their high energy, beautifully choreographed dramatic drumming. The Theatre has a tradition for offering the best of tribute bands, and on Saturday 9 February Bon Giovi, a live 5-piece band is coming to give fans a great night out, with a stadium atmosphere at this popular local venue. A valentine special with a French café atmosphere on Thursday February 14th with Piafinitee, featuring an accordion player accompanying Djamila, a wonderful singer of Edith Piaf’s greatest hits. Candles on the tables, roses in vases and “free crudités” will make this a special valentine treat.

Aung San Suu Kyi from Burma and 'Liana Mau Tan Gould as Aung San Suu Kyi, on 27 April

Local community groups have always enjoyed performing at the Marine and the local Lyme Regis Pantomime Society are performing “Hickory Dickory Dock” from 19th to 23 February. A fun filled show to drive the winter blues away for all the family. Tickets for the Marine Theatre can be bought from Lyme TIC 01297 442138.