He is considered the forefather of modern Lowestoft.

And now a man described as "one of the giants of Victorian Britain" is set to be put under the spotlight next month.

For the first time the story of Sir Samuel Morton Peto will be dramatised on stage in a "unique production".

'Peto' - a show based on his life - will hit the stage at the Seagull Theatre, on Morton Road, Pakefield in Lowestoft on Thursday, May 18.

Following the success of a heritage research project which focussed on Peto bringing the railway to Lowestoft 175 years ago, creative arts organisation The Voice cLoud is hosting 'Peto' - a performance based upon the discoveries made through this research.

A spokesman for The Voice cLoud said: "For the first time, Peto's story will be dramatised on stage in this unique production, revealing the man responsible for the town's development, infrastructure and prosperity during Victorian times - the arrival of rail to the town, port status and local architecture.

"Peto will bring together both professional actors and local community musicians to celebrate the unique heritage and history of Lowestoft.

"The show will explore his obsession with - and philanthropy for - Lowestoft as well as his lesser-known financial downfall and eventual demise in obscurity, in a show which is accompanied by traditional folk music and the Victorian seaside entertainment which the tourists who visited Lowestoft would have enjoyed."

A civil engineer, railway designer, MP and Baronet, Sir Samuel Morton Peto brought the railway to the town and undertook the building of the Esplanade, Marine Parade and the houses that line it towards Kirkley.

But before that, in 1844, Peto had bought the estate of Somerleyton Hall.

Tickets for 'Peto' cost £6 and are available from the Seagull Theatre box office on 01502 589726 or online www.theseagull.co.uk