Gorleston Pavilion Theatre has ambitious plans for future

And now Gorleston Pavilion Theatre has entered a new chapter as it is in the hands of a new registered charity, headed by one of its long-term trustees. 

Alex Youngs, the new chief executive of the Gorleston Pavilion Trust, said the team has ambitious plans for the theatre, continuing the dedication of its former custodians Stuart Malkovich and the late Kevin Lynch.

New chief executive Alex Youngs (right) at a blue plaque ceremony with Mayor Penny Carpenter. Picture - Gorleston Pavilion Trust (Image: Gorleston Pavilion Trust)Mr Youngs said: "Stuart and Kevin completely revitalised the building and put themselves firmly at the heart of the community here in Gorleston.

"It has been an absolute joy and privilege to have spent the last 27 years working alongside them in one way or another.

"We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for committing themselves fully to making this part of the world a better place and I hope that we can do their legacy justice by continuing their work."

Kevin Lynch. Picture - Gorleston Pavilion Theatre (Image: Gorleston Pavilion Theatre)Tributes were paid to beloved theatre director Mr Lynch following his death in January last year. At the 120th celebration of the Pavilion, he said he had loved welcoming people from all over the globe for the previous three decades.

With Mr Malkovich, Mr Lynch had invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into the building throughout their tenure. However, Mr Youngs said general wear and tear means much more is needed to secure the Pavilion's future.

The Gorleston Pavilion at Gorleston Pier Gardens. Picture - Gorleston Pavilion Theatre (Image: Gorleston Pavilion Theatre)The trust has started work on a feasibility study for an ambitious multi-million pound Heritage Lottery bid in the hope of transforming the venue and its surrounding areas into a "nationally recognised centre of excellence".

The venue is now open seven days a week from 10am until 3pm, and new programming is expected to come in the following months.

Mr Youngs has currently started a series of fundraisers to help boost funds for the theatre's revised plans.

For more information on the Pavilion fundraiser, visit www.pavtheatre.com/challengealex