THE Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will return to an east coast theatre this week for the fifth year running.The link between the Marina Theatre, in Lowestoft, and the orchestra was due to come to an end last December, but local campaigning ensured that theatre bosses secured an extension into 2009.

THE Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will return to an east coast theatre this week for the fifth year running.

The link between the Marina Theatre, in Lowestoft, and the orchestra was due to come to an end last December, but local campaigning ensured that theatre bosses secured an extension into 2009.

The Edwardian theatre became home to the RPO in 2004 as the orchestra granted the Marina Theatre one of only three residences outside London.

The first concert in the 2009 series will take place on Friday and will be conducted by Grzegorz Nowak.

Ian Maclay, managing director of the RPO, said: “Our first four seasons at the Marina have been nothing but a runaway success. The RPO is very much enjoying the position as resident orchestra and to announce a fifth year is very encouraging indeed. We look forward to offering audiences in Lowestoft and the surrounding area an exciting programme for 2009.”

Marina Theatre manager Martin Halliday said: “It is tremendous news that the RPO have agreed to extend their association with us. It was a huge gamble for both the venue and the orchestra to take and I am delighted it has proved such a great success.

“To have the world's top orchestra resident in our town has already seen healthy audiences at each concert so far and tickets for the new season are in great demand.”

Other concerts in the series will include The Golden Age of Musicals on July 3, a celebration of English music on October 9 and a Russian Gala on November 14.

For more information or to book tickets, contact the theatre's box office on 01502 533200.