Alistair McGowan raises funds and plenty of laughs for Lowestoft’s Britten as a Boy statue

On Saturday night the comedian, impressionist and pianist Alistair McGowan entertained a packed audience at Lowestoft’s Players Theatre to raise money for the town’s Britten as a Boy statue. 

Alistair McGowan brings The Piano Show to Lowestoft © Harry Scott

In The Piano Show, the radio and TV star played an impressive programme of piano music by Bach, Chopin, Debussy and Philip Glass, interspersed with his trademark impressions and comedy which delighted the audience. He also shared some of his poetry from a forthcoming book, including one he wrote at the start of his acting career when performing with Ipswich based theatre company, Eastern Angles.

© Harry Scott

One audience member, James Benson, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) ‘What a great night! Who knew impressions could combine with the piano? For the guy behind me it was the first time he’d seen a pianist live.’

The evening was introduced by lowestoft-born Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes, who explained the purpose of commemorating Benjamin Britten as a boy, when his talent was first recognised, is to inspire future generations of Lowestoft children to achieve their ambitions. The statue project has also produced creative educational resources for local schools about Britten’s childhood in the town and these activities will be an ongoing legacy once the life-sized statue is unveiled. 

Mr Soanes revealed that, after last night’s concert, the statue fund had impressively reached £92,000 of the £110,000 needed. He spoke of the wider benefits it would bring to the town and encouraged the audience to consider becoming ‘Named Donors’ where, for a donation of £1000, their name, a business or that of a loved one, can be added to the donor’s plaque which will be placed next to the statue.

All details at brittenasaboy.com

Alistair McGowan’s book of poetry Not What We Were Expecting (out June 12th) can be ordered here.