BOSSES at a seaside theatre are celebrating a 14 per cent rise in audience figures – which will help to attract bigger and better shows.Latest statistics show the number of show-goers enjoying amateur and professional events at the Spa Pavilion rose by 3pc last year and has increased by 14pc in the past two years.

BOSSES at a seaside theatre are

celebrating a 14 per cent rise in

audience figures – which will help to attract bigger and better shows.

Latest statistics show the number of

show-goers enjoying amateur and professional events at the Spa Pavilion rose by 3pc last year and has increased by 14pc in the past two years.

This means the resort could soon be

attracting more high-profile acts like David Essex, Mike Reid and Freddie Starr, who will all be appearing at the Spa in the next two months.

"These are exciting times at the Spa, with audience numbers on the increase and some star names jumping out of a programme of events that offers something for everyone," said Maggy Wilson, cabinet member for

culture and leisure at Suffolk Coastal council.

"Suffolk Coastal is committed to encouraging the arts, and we are finalising our first arts strategy. The Spa Pavilion remains the flagship venue, offering a mixture of shows that appeal to all age groups and tastes.

"The management at the Spa deserve

credit for their efforts to establish Felixstowe as a regular venue on the tours of companies and star acts."

She added that the theatre retained its

commitment to hosting the works of amateur groups and staging shows for children.

The venue is owned by the council and managed by Clear Channel Entertainment, who have backed the new air of optimism at the Spa by adding a marketing manager to the team headed by Paul Ryan, who took over as general manager in the spring.

The theatre management team is confident it can continue the upward trend in audience figures.

Among the successes this year have been Mr Men, Spirit of the Dance, Shakespeare 4 Kidz, and the Chuckle Brothers. They have all played to either a full or nearly full house, with singer David Essex looking set to do the same.

Among more top shows coming to the Spa in the near future are a one-night performance of Mum's the Word, which is winning rave reviews from national theatre critics, and the 100th anniversary tour of Peter Rabbit.

"Maintaining the quality of the shows we put on but increasing the number of events is the top priority," said Mr Ryan.

"As our reputation is beginning to spread, promoters are returning to use the theatre and more are coming forward to put on attractions for the first time.

"Future seasons will see more big names coming to the Spa, mixed with firm favourites and the best of local amateur productions."