One of the UK's best-known entertainers shone on stage in Lowestoft as he helped celebrate the town's most famous son.
A packed Players Theatre in Lowestoft enjoyed a special performance from master impressionist Alistair McGowan on what was hailed "a terrific night".
Organised as part of an ongoing appeal to raise funds to install a statue of a young Benjamin Britten looking out over the sea that inspired his music in his birth town of Lowestoft, the comedian made a big impression for the Britten as a Boy campaign.
The comedian, impressionist and pianist donated his 'Piano Show' performance on March 16 to raise further funds for the appeal.
There were plenty of laughs as 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.
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.
Lowestoft-born Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes told the audience that the purpose of commemorating Benjamin Britten as a boy, when his talent was first recognised, was to "inspire future generations of Lowestoft children to follow in his footsteps to achieve their ambitions".
The statue project has also produced creative educational resources for local schools about Britten’s childhood in the town - which will be an ongoing legacy once the life-sized statue is unveiled.
Speaking after the concert, Mr Soanes said: "We had a terrific night at a packed Players Theatre in Lowestoft with Alistair McGowan generously donating his performance."
Mr Soanes revealed that following the concert, the statue fund has now "impressively reached" £92,000 of its required £110,000 target.
To help reach the final target, locals are being encouraged to consider becoming 'named donors' where, for a donation of £1,000 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.
Details online brittenasaboy.com
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