Stephen Wilson,74, was a longstanding member of The Lowestoft Players for more than five decades after joining to help behind the scenes in 1973.

The Lowestoft resident was one of five siblings and elder brother to Peter, Martin, Gerald and Kathryn and spent his whole life in the town.

Martin Wilson, on behalf of the family, said Stephen's death was a "sad loss of an artistic genius and a very dear brother".

He added: "He will be so sadly missed and so terribly sudden for us all to take in.

"Thank you everyone for all your kind words and for all the support to our family."

Stephen Wilson spent more than five decades playing an integral part in the Lowestoft Players. (Image: Emma-Jayne Cullen) Following the announcement of his passing on Wednesday, March 19, more than a thousand messages have been left remembering Stephen for his artistic flair that “raised the bar for theatrical productions”.

Stephen Wilson played an integral role in the Lowestoft Players for more than 50 years. (Image: Lowestoft Players)

The former Farlingaye head of art’s creativity and passion for theatre saw him work on 170 Lowestoft Player’s productions alone.

Stephen was also the creator of the new look of the Pleasurewood Hills' mascot Woody Bear and friends character costumes working alongside Jenny Wright in the early years in the mid-80s.

Stephen designed and created with Jenny Wright the new look Woody Bear and his friends at Pleasurewood Hills. (Image: Wilson family)

Stephen starring as Madame Lucy in the Player's production of Irene.........

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