A popular panto star has been awarded the Freedom of the Town of Lowestoft by Lowestoft Town Council for his contribution towards entertainment and charitable work in the town.
Terry Gleed is back in Lowestoft for his 10th pantomime at the Marina Theatre as he takes on the role of Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty.
After the curtain call on Friday 12th December, Terry was awarded Freedom of the Town for services in entertainment in the community of Lowestoft by the Mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Nasima Begum.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Nasima Begum said, “Today we recognise the extraordinary contribution of Terry Gleed towards entertainment and charitable work in Lowestoft. Terry has been a familiar face at the Marina Theatre since 2015, delighting audiences on-stage with his pantomime performances, which have become a cherished part of our festive tradition, bringing families together and creating memories that last a lifetime. Beyond the theatre, Terry spends his time in Lowestoft bringing festive cheer to local charities, schools and community groups with regular visits. From delighting families at Lowestoft Library, to his work with Topcats in Pakefield and visiting the Salvation Army on Christmas Day, these simple acts of kindness speak volumes about the man we honour today.”
An emotional Terry received the accolade in front of invited guests and his fellow cast members. Speaking of the gesture Terry said, “I want to say a very heartfelt thank you for granting me the honour of such a prestigious award. So many people in Lowestoft deserve this award so I am accepting it on behalf of hundreds of others who do as I do. Sam Vallerius, the Marina Theatre General Manager, has always believed in me along with Paul Holman, our producer, so I thank them both for allowing me to spread giggles in pantoland.”
Sam Vallerius, General Manager of the Marina Theatre said: “We were thrilled when we heard that Terry would be receiving the Freedom of The Town. For 10 years Terry has been entertaining our audiences with his quick wit and silly japes. Terry arrives early every year too to makes visits to schools, charities and the Lowestoft Library. We’re very much looking forward to this run of Sleeping Beauty, it’s going to be a good one!”
The Freedom of the Town is the highest award that the Town Council can offer. Previous recipients of the award from the Town Council include The Excelsior, Mr John Wylson, Mr Christopher Brooks, the Royal British Legion, the Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew and the Royal Naval Patrol Service Association.
You can see Terry Gleed and the rest of the pantomime cast in Paul Holman Associates production of Sleeping Beauty which runs until New Year’s Day. Tickets can be booked via the Marina’s Box Office on 01502 533200 or by visiting marinatheatre.co.uk
