Welcome to our Winter 2025/6 edition Newsletter
STOP PRESS
Our 2025 production – The Pied Piper secures NODA’s nomination for Best Pantomime in the eastern region.
As we start the new year, we are extremely pleased to have received this nomination. This is a hat-trick of nominations since the end of COVID, with our 2023 pantomime, Mother Goose winning the award. Our 2024 production, Treasure Island was also nominated.
NODA restructured its regions in 2025 and we are now part of a much larger area that incorporates Norwich, Thetford, Fakenham and Cromer as well Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Southwold and Diss.
Panto 2026, Cinderella – 90% of seats sold
Its just two weeks to go before first night on 15th January 2026.
This favourite of all pantomimes – is our 50th Anniversary production and mirrors our first ever pantomime which took place in January 1976.
Cinderella – 1976 – Loddon Players
The whole production team from cast, dancers, crew and front of house are in final preparations mode.
Don’t miss out on securing tickets to watch.
Cinderella Panto 2026 – Loddon Players
Highlights of the year
As we have seen above, our 2025 Pantomime was The Pied Piper – now nominated for Best Pantomime – here is a link to our production page
Nominated for NODA Best Panto Award The Pied Piper 2025 – Loddon Players
Our summer production was “Keep Calm & Carry On” and took place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th June at the Lecture Hall George Lane.
The feedback we had from the audience who attended during the heatwave on those two nights was very positive.
Those of us who took part were really proud of the show that allowed us to pay our respects to those who fought, those who died and those who stayed behind. To the evacuated children, to those sheltering during the Blitz and so much more.
Thank you once again for your great support.
Here is our web page for more details and images of the production.
Maureen Larkin has very recently been made an Honorary Life President of The Loddon Players – see Maureen’s Moments below.
Funky Feet
Funky Feet School of Dance & Performing Arts have to raise at least £10,000 to cover the cost of a new dance floor following their enforced departure from Chedgrave.
Loddon Players have very recently donated £500 – one of our four main recipients of our profits from our productions.
Dancing Through Life
The production, in two performances, took place on 11th October.
From the tiniest dancers to seasoned adults, this spectacular show provided an unforgettable adventure through Alice in Wonderland, transporting you into a land of magic and curiosity. The journey continued with dazzling performances inspired by beloved musicals, featuring guest artists from local schools.
The venue was
Langley School, Alston Centre, Chedgrave,
NR14 6BJ
More Funky Feet information here
Social Events
Jackie and David Bingham held a summer house party for members and families on 12th July 2025.
A good time was had by all. Jackie’s white chocolate & raspberry cheesecake went down a storm and the recipe was in great demand.
We took a break from social events during August and September (Video of Pied Piper that we planned to show using Loddon Cinema was cancelled due to poor advanced ticket sales).
In October a party of members went to see our own Jody-Michelle Chapman & Simon Peck in Spamalot at Gorleston Pavillion. It was a brilliant show that would have graced the professional stage.
Our own Sam Bailey took part in Spotlight Players Beccles – Musical Memories show in November and a number of members went to see her – it was an excellent show!
A number of members also went to see Chet Valley Voices Christmas Concert in December – featuring our own Adam Kellingray-Williamson and David Bingham.
Jackie and David Bingham held a pre Christmas Party at their home. A great time was had by all with songs accompanied by Adam Kellingray-Williamson and plenty of Christmas spirit.
Latest PANTOMIME
The Pied Piper
Now nominated by NODA East in their Best Pantomime Category, this ground breaking production played to full houses and was very well received.
Written and produced by Steve Burton, directed by Jackie Bingham, with musical direction from Alan Cant and choreography for the Funky Feet dancers by Miss Vicky Codling.
Here are a few more images:
More details including reviews and lots of photos from the production
The History of Cinderella as a Pantomime
Looking ahead to our next pantomime Cinderella, now only a couple of weeks away, lets have a look at the history of this most popular of pantomimes.
Cinderella is widely regarded as the definitive British pantomime — a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and theatrical spectacle. Its roots lie in Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairy tale, which introduced the iconic glass slipper and fairy godmother. These magical elements made the story ideal for the developing pantomime tradition of the early 19th century.
The first major Cinderella pantomime was staged at London’s Drury Lane Theatre in 1804. This production helped shape the structure of modern pantomime, replacing the earlier harlequinade format with a clearer narrative and spectacular visual effects. Throughout the Victorian era, Cinderella became known for its elaborate transformation scenes and grand ballroom sequences, attracting huge audiences.
By the 20th century, the show had adopted the classic pantomime features audiences love today: the Ugly Sisters played by men, Buttons as the comic lead, topical jokes, and plenty of audience participation. Its uplifting story — a triumph of kindness, resilience, and a little bit of magic — has ensured its lasting popularity.
Today, Cinderella remains the most frequently performed pantomime in the UK, delighting families every Christmas season and continuing a theatrical tradition more than two centuries old.
This our 50th Anniversary Pantomime and is the 6th time we have performed it – our very first pantomime was indeed Cinderella – performed at Hobart High School on 1st, 2nd and 3rd January 1976.
Next Show
Cinderella - 15th - 24th January 26
To mark our 50th anniversary, we return again to the pantomime we began with in 1976 – Cinderella
Produced & written by Steve Burton, directed by Jackie Bingham, all the essential ingredients are there for this most popular of pantomimes
In the goody corner
Cinders – of course
Fairy Godmother
Buttons (and his hapless brothers)
Prince Charming & his family
Dandini
In the baddy corner
The evil Baroness
Ugly Sister x 2
January 2026 – 9 Performances
Thursday 15th 7.30pm
Friday 16th 7.30pm
Saturday 17th 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 18th 2.30pm
Thursday 22nd 7.30pm
Friday 23rd 7.30pm
Saturday 24th 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets available as follows:
Telephone Box Office number 0333 666 3366
Opening times for telephone bookings
Mon – Fri 9.00am to 7.00pm
Sat – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sun – Closed
Online Bookings 24/7
Local Theatre
Theatre Royal
The Maddermarket Theatre
Whats on
Lowestoft
Wisbech - The Secret Garden
Gorleston Pavillion
NODA
The National Scene
Loddon Players have been members of NODA for many years. We get support for many issues including legal and welfare matters.
NODA nationally run events such as summer schools and training workshops.
NODA in the EAST
NODA has a regional structure and we fall into that area in NODA East Region. (5 and 6 now combined)
Our representatives normally visit us to watch and report on our performances – here is their report for Mother Goose which has won their Best Panto Award 2023!
Their latest review is of Treasure Island 2024
We are very proud to say that this was nominated for Best Panto Award 2024! Although we did not win this time, the competition even to be nominated is fierce and we are up against much larger communities and their theatre groups.
Here is their recently published review of The Pied Piper on our web page
Stop Press – this pantomime has been nominated for the Best Panto Category – the winner will be announced in May 2026.
Maureen's Moments
Maureen Larkin is now an Honorary Life President of The Loddon Players
A Celebration
Maureen Larkin’s remarkable journey with The Loddon Players began in 1977, when she first stepped onto the stage in Dick Whittington. What started as a single role quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the group, marking the beginning of nearly five decades of performance, leadership, and unwavering dedication to community theatre.
Over the years, Maureen became one of the most recognisable and respected figures within the Players and the wider community. She embraced an extraordinary range of roles, from classic comedic pantomime characters to straight‑play roles, always bringing warmth, humour, and professionalism to every production. Her instinctive understanding of pantomime tradition — and her ability to balance comedy with genuine storytelling — made her a cornerstone of the Player’s annual festive shows.
Beyond the spotlight, Maureen contributed tirelessly behind the scenes. She supported new members, helped maintain the group’s high standards, and championed the inclusive, community‑centred ethos that defines The Loddon Players. Her knowledge of local theatre, her calm guidance, and her commitment to keeping productions both joyful and well‑organised have shaped the Player’s identity for generations.
Maureen’s influence extends far beyond her performances. She has been a mentor, a steady hand during challenging times, and a passionate advocate for keeping amateur theatre thriving in Loddon. Her presence has helped nurture countless performers, volunteers, and young people discovering the stage for the first time.
In recognition of her exceptional service, dedication, and the immeasurable impact she has had on the group, Loddon Players is proud to bestow upon Maureen Larkin the title of Honorary Life President. It is a fitting tribute to a woman whose commitment, talent, and spirit have helped shape the Player’s history — and whose legacy will continue to inspire its future.
On a personal note, when I arrived in Loddon, from behind the scenes or as a member of the audience, I was able to watch Maureen using her comedic skills to wow audiences year after year.
She was a professional in every thing she did. As I got to know her, I learned that she had opportunities to move in that direction but she chose to put her family and her community first.
She retired from front line roles in 2017 although she has made some cameo appearances, both in pantomimes and summer productions. In 2023 I finally shared the stage with her – it was a huge privilege as it is to call her my friend and to know that its reciprocated.
I am so delighted that this appointment has been bestowed upon her – now alongside our first Honorary Life President – Joan Evans.
David Bingham
Here are some links to Maureen’s past pantomime performances starting with her first role as Lulu the Chambermaid.
Latest News
Funky Feet School of Dance & Performing Arts have to raise at least £10,000 to cover the cost of a new dance floor following their enforced departure from Chedgrave.
Loddon Players have very recently donated £500 – one of our four main recipients of our profits from our productions.
Dancing Through Life
Our show for 2025 was Dancing Through Life and performed on 11th October 2025 – two performance 1pm and 5pm
From the tiniest dancers to seasoned adults, this spectacular show was an unforgettable adventure through Alice in Wonderland, transporting you into a land of magic and curiosity. The journey continued with dazzling performances inspired by beloved musicals, and featured guest artists from local schools.
It was performed at
Langley School, Alston Centre, Chedgrave,
NR14 6BJ
Other notable events
Here are some photos of the Competition Team in their various costumes:
Recent Events
We hold regular social meets ups around the area.
We also publicize and on occasion organize tickets to see local shows that our members appear in from time to time.
All current members will receive an email with a link to the newsletter. It will also be available to read on our website.
If you wish to take part in members social events please email us at:
We are currently straining every sinew in preparation for Cinderella so there are no social events planned except for cast and members involved in the production – they will be confirmed by email or Whats App in due course.
Since our last Newsletter – Summer 2025 this is the diary of our social events:
Jackie and David Bingham held a summer house party for members and families on 12th July 2025.
A good time was had by all. Jackie’s white chocolate & raspberry cheesecake went down a storm and the recipe was in great demand.
We took a break from social events during August and September (Video of Pied Piper that we planned to show using Loddon Cinema was cancelled due to poor advanced ticket sales).
In October a party of members went to see our own Jody-Michelle Chapman & Simon Peck in Spamalot at Gorleston Pavillion. It was a brilliant show that would have graced the professional stage.
Our own Sam Bailey took part in Spotlight Players Beccles – Musical Memories show in November and a number of members went to see her – it was an excellent show!
Adam Kellinggray-Williamson – Musical DIrector of the community choir Chet Valley Voices and David Bingham – singer performed their Christmas Concert at St Johns Chapel George Lane Loddon on 6th December and some members attended. It was very well received.
Jackie and David Bingham held a pre Christmas Party at their home. A great time was had by all with songs accompanied by Adam Kellingray-Williamson and plenty of Christmas spirit.
Social Diary