Pre-West End run for musical set in Lowestoft

Lowestoft's Marina Theatre has landed another coup by securing Save the Last Dance For Me – a story based in the town — produced by the same writers, creators and directors of the hugely successful Dreamboats and Petticoats.

The announcement comes only weeks after the Edwardian venue hosted the stage musical version of Dreamboats and Petticoats, which played to capacity audiences during its run.

Save the Last Dance For Me will take audiences back to the 1960s for a show that has been written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, whose writing credits include Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather, and features many of the classic hits of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman including A Teenager in Love; Sweets for my Sweet, Can't Get Used to Losing You and Save the Last Dance For Me.

The story follows two teenage sisters in the summer of 1963, who head off on holiday for the first time without their parents. They visit the seaside and – to make local audiences feel very much at home – a large part of the story is actually set in Lowestoft.

Save the Last Dance For Me will be visiting major cities, including Manchester, Nottingham, Liverpool and Bristol, ahead of its arrival in Lowestoft for a week of performances on July 2. It is then expected to transfer to the West End.

Marina chief executive Martin Halliday said: 'We're delighted to have secured this prestigious new production for our audiences. Coupled with the story being partly based in Lowestoft, Save the Last Dance For Me is set to become the must-see production at the Marina this summer.'

t Save the Last Dance For Me, Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, July 2-7, 01502 533200, www.marinatheatre.co.uk