He has captivated east coast audiences with his comic charm, wit and unforgettable one-liners.

And now a coastal town's favourite funnyman has admitted he was "honoured" to have received a special recognition.

Lowestoft Journal: Panto dames Lav and Lou with Terry Gleed at the lights switch on in Lowestoft.

For the past seven years, "Lowestoft’s favourite" sidekick Terry Gleed has starred in consecutive pantomimes with The Marina Theatre and Paul Holman Associates.

Lowestoft Journal: Terry Gleed will take on the role of Smee in this year’s production of Peter Pan.Terry, pictured, previously stars as Wishee Wishee in Aladdin.Pictures: Pamela Raith Photography.

Previously the panto stalwart has shone on the Marina Theatre stage as Pickles in Sleeping Beauty, French Freddie in Beauty and the Beast, Wishee Wishee in Aladdin, Smee in Peter Pan, Muddles in Snow White, Buttons in Cinderella and Jack's brother Silly Simon in the current production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Lowestoft Journal: Terry Gleed in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Marina Theatre LowestoftTerry Gleed in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Marina Theatre Lowestoft (Image: Fourth Wall Photography)

But while he has proved a popular draw on stage, off it he has always enjoyed his stays in Lowestoft - entertaining off stage during the panto run with numerous school visits, community events, meet and greets and Christmas lights switch-on's.

Lowestoft Journal: Launch of the Lowestoft Marina Theatre pantomime  'Peter Pan' staring Sid Owen as Hook.  Anthony Sahota (Peter Pan), Terry Gleed (Smee), Sid Owen (Hook) and Sophie Holt (Wendy) Picture: Nick Butcher

Speaking ahead of his return to Lowestoft for a fourth year in 2018, he said: "Lowestoft has a magic all on its own – from the moment I arrive until the curtain falls on the last night, I have a constant smile on my face."

Lowestoft Journal: Fenton Gray as Widow Twankey and resident funnyman Terry Gleed as Wishee Washee. Picture: Nick Butcher

Described as a "resident funnyman" who "always proves extremely popular" with the audiences, Terry "lights up the stage with his hysterical one-liners and comedic dance moves" while "providing the sing-a-long fun for the kids and the laugh out loud innuendos for the adults."

Lowestoft Journal: The cast of Beauty and the Beast panto at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft. Back from 2nd left, Mary Rees Howe (Fairy Rosebud); Jeremy Edwards (Gaston), Rosie Hale (Belle); Matthew Wellman (Prince Francois/Beast); Helen Jeckells (witch); and Terry Gleed (Freddy). Front, Graeme Henderson (Professor Crackpot) and Fenton Gray (Dame Cherie Trifle). Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

In recognition of his achievements, the theatre decided to honour Terry "with his very own chair in the auditorium" as a "gift" from staff and "on behalf of the people of Lowestoft."

Lowestoft Journal: Terry Gleed's plaque at the Marina Theatre in LowestoftTerry Gleed's plaque at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft (Image: Marina Theatre)

'Overwhelmed'

Expressing his delight with the special honour, Terry Gleed said: "It was one of the biggest surprises I have ever received when it was revealed to me that a seat in the auditorium at the Marina Theatre now has a plaque on it with the inscription 'Terry Gleed' and a listing of all the panto roles I have played.

Lowestoft Journal: Hayley Sewell and Terry Gleed iin rehearsal for Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. Pictures: Marina Theatre

"Look out for it when you visit the theatre - seat number E12 - I feel so honoured by this and also extremely emotional.

Lowestoft Journal: Terry Gleed is starring in Sleeping Beauty at the Marina Theatre.

"I was a very shy little boy and could only dream of going on stage, as my confidence grew in life I eventually found my dream could be a reality.

Lowestoft Journal: Terry Gleed with his seat in the auditorium at The Marina Theatre in LowestoftTerry Gleed with his seat in the auditorium at The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft (Image: Marina Theatre)

"My mum was overwhelmed when I told her about the plaque.

"I just wish I could tell my dad about it as he sadly passed away six years ago, but I have a lovely feeling that he is watching and is giving me a hug of pride right now.

"Thank you Marina Theatre and all the good people of Lowestoft for welcoming me into your gorgeously friendly community."

'A hallmark'

A Marina Theatre spokesman said: "As it is Terry’s seventh pantomime in Lowestoft and his performances have become a hallmark of many people’s Christmas tradition, we felt it was the right moment to honour him with his very own chair in the auditorium.

"After the curtain went down on our VIP night we surprised him with his brass plaque detailing all the characters he’s played in our pantomimes and immortalising him as ‘Lowestoft’s Favourite.’

"Terry got quite emotional at the reveal.

"It is a gift from the Marina Theatre staff and very much on behalf of the people of Lowestoft, who we know mean so much to Terry."

The theatre confirmed that Terry Gleed will be returning to Lowestoft in 2023 to reprise the role of Wishee Washee in next year's panto production - Aladdin.