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HEAD EAST – Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

TIME FLIES SO FAST WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR FUN … FANTASTIC! VISIT THIS MAGNIFICENT GRADE 1 LISTED BUILDING, THE ONLY THEATRE IN THE NATIONAL TRUST PORTFOLIO AND THE LAST WORKING REGENCY PLAYHOUSE IN THE COUNTRY.

 

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a proud producing theatre, staging three in-house productions each year. The theatre’s Summer School model has also proved very successful; designed to provide opportunities for young people to work alongside professional cast and crew on a production and their annual pantomime is legendary, attracting over 25,000 each year and delighting generations of audiences!

Earlier this year Theatre Royal presented their own production of the 1950’s styled Home, I’m Darling which received fantastic reviews and 4 stars from The Stage, and The Birds and The Bees, a co-production with John Stalker Productions, Theatre Royal Norwich and New Wolsey Ipswich, and Theatre Royal was visited by the one and only Dame Judi Dench for an afternoon of conversation and giggles. She did not disappoint!

To find out about their rich programme of events click here.

 

At this half year point, it’s time to release the line-up of performances set for the Autumn season. This year, the theatre has reduced ticket prices for many of their productions to encourage audiences to visit and to make it accessible for everyone.

Tickets start at just £10.80. With a vast range of comedy, drama, music and ballet, there really is something for everyone this autumn season – enjoy!

 

THEATRE ROYAL IN-HOUSE COMMUNITY PRODUCTION: THE SECRET GARDEN

For Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, the autumn season means a return of Theatre Royal’s community production – a show created in-house where professional actors work alongside local young people encouraging them to gain experience, confidence and helping them to hone their acting and performing skills. This year they are presenting a brand-new adaptation of The Secret Garden by neurodivergent playwright Nicola Werenowska. The production is based on the original book, much loved by many generations, by Francis Hodgson Burnett and is a classic tale of friendship, discovery and transformation. If you’ve seen and loved the films, tv series or the book, then you’re bound to love this family classic with 21st century forethought.

All performances of The Secret Garden will be captioned to encourage as many people as possible to feel able to come to the theatre. Check out the website for meal and ticket deals. The Secret Garden is supported by Bury Town Council.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(The Secret Garden, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs 19 Aug till 3 Sept)

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

As a charity, Theatre Royal cannot keep putting on performances and running their beautiful building without all the support friends and audiences give them throughout the year.

Each year they present a series of special events to raise much-need funds for the theatre’s community and education programmes and they have some fantastic performances and events on the programme.

These events are fundraising events in support of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, charity number 242977.

 

THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

From the wonderful Bury St Edmunds Concert Band comes this extraordinarily popular event which includes all of the classics – ‘Rule Britannia’, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ amongst many more. This toe-tapping, lively performance sells out pretty quick so booking in advance is advised.

To find out more and to book tickets click here
(Last Night of the Proms, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs 18 September)

 

BELLE VOCI

This astonishing duo have had quite the journey from the live finals of ITV’s The Voice to supporting Alfie Boe OBE as well as a detour to the FA Cup Finals and various award ceremonies. Their pair return to Theatre Royal to with Opera For Everyone – their fresh take on opera classics, musical theatre greats and modern songs sung with their unique Belle Voci twist.

To find our more and to book tickets click here
(Belle Voci, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs Thursday 3 November)

 

CAROLS FROM CAMBRIDGE

Set in the beautiful surroundings of St. Mary’s Church on Honey Hill is our annual carol concert. The wonderful choristers of the Selwyn College Chapel Choir sing festive favourites to get you in the mood for Christmas.

To find our more and to book tickets click here
(Carols from Cambridge, St. Mary’s Church, Honey Hill, Bury St. Edmund’s, Suffolk.
Runs Tuesday 6 December)

THESE EVENTS ARE FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN SUPPORT OF THEATRE ROYAL BURY ST. EDMUND’S, CHARITY NO. 242977.

 

DRAMA

Maybe you’re trying to fill the whole in your evenings that Line Of Duty left last year? Theatre Royal can provide a wide selection of drama that can do just that and give you a great evening out at the same time:

 

SHERLOCK HOLMES – THE VALLEY OF FEAR

Crammed full of adventure, mystery and, of course, one or two rather brilliant deductions, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s thrilling, final Sherlock Holmes novel is brought to life in this spectacular new stage adaptation by Blackeyed Theatre.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
Sherlock Holmes, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs 27 Step to 1 Oct)

 

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

Tall Stories presents Oscar Wilde’s spine-chilling ghost story for your delight and delectation. A comedian, a magician, a psychic and their charismatic compere tell the story of Sir Simon de Canterville who disappeared mysteriously 300 years ago after being accused of murder.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
The Canterville Ghost, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs 7 till 8 October)

 

SHAKERS

The high street might be struggling to get back to normal but the Shakers bar is under new management and they are determined to make it the place to be seen as the hospitality industry looks to a new future. Misogyny is rife – in the home, the workplace and on the streets. The customers are getting leerier, the hours longer but the pay hasn’t changed. Waitresses Adele, Nicky and Mel juggle home, work, school and everything in between – how long can it be maintained? Funny, physical and fizzing with wit, Shakers puts women’s lives front and centre as everyone returns to going out.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
Shakers, Theatre Royal, Suffolk. Runs 10 to 12 October)

 

NEW DRAMA

 

These Hills are Ours

Do you ever want to run away from it all? Dan and Boff run a series of routes through the city and find themselves looking out across the noise and business from a quiet peak. But what are they really running from? These Hills are Ours is the story of what they found on those journeys, about escaping it all by running to wild places. A story about exploration and freedom. A love story to running and adventure. Dan and Boff will be encouraging audience members to join them the following morning for a group run.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Tue 20 Sept)

 

The Last Motel

Instead of Spain or Greece, Abalone has used his holiday to commit armed robbery and now has a woman stuffed into the boot of his car. Join him at The Last Motel as he plans what to do with his hostage. A psychological thriller written by the award-winning Jeremy Fletcher.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Fri 23 Sept)

 

Time and Tide

Written by local scriptwriter and performance poet James McDermott, Time and Tide is an LGBT centric comic drama. May runs a crumbling caff on the end of Cromer Pier, Ken is running out of customers, thanks to Costa and Nemo is desperate to tread the boards in London. Relish Theatre and Norwich Theatre present this comic drama about a Norfolk community struggling with change.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Tue 4 till Wed 5 Oct)

 

I, Amdram

A story of return, reconciliation, and rehearsals with mum. Hannah Maxwell grew up in a world steeped in amateur dramatics and heads back to her hometown (Welwyn Garden City) taking a whistle-stop tour of 90 years of musical theatre heritage in the process. She still remembers every line of the Welwyn Thalians’ 2010 production of My Fair Lady, but nine years in London as a “learned urban lesbian” have left her struggling to find her place.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Thurs 6 Oct)

 

MUSIC

These foot-tapping acts will give you a roaring night with humming for days and get you diving into those record collections again. These events usually sell quickly so don’t miss you chance to get tickets!

 

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac

This fantastic homage to Fleetwood Mac takes you straight back to the 70’s playing all your favourite songs from the band’s repertoire.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Sun 9 Oct)

 

Radio GaGa

In this ultimate tribute to rock band Queen, all the famous hits are played out on stage in wonderous fashion with full costumes.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Thurs 27 Oct)

 

On What A Night

Oh What A Night! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons combining infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Sat 5 Nov)

 

 

COMEDY

Theatre Royal Comedy Club has become a staple amongst locals so why not get tickets early and see what you’ve been missing. There’s a whole host of hilarious acts and comedians to tickle that funny bone:

 

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Direct from the West End is this spontaneous musical comedy. Created entirely from audience suggestions, songs are created on the spot with hilarious effects.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Thurs 8 – Fri 9 Sept)

 

The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes

Created from the weirdest things about your hometown, these quick wits create songs, scenes and characters based around audience suggestions.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Thurs 22 Sept)

 

Theatre Royal Comedy

In partnership with Comedy Market, Theatre Royal’s very own comedy club featuring a great lineup of comedians from the UK touring circuit alongside up-and-coming comics.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs single performances Sat 24 Sept & Fri 28 Oct)

 

Mark Thomas: Black and White

After lockdown and isolation, this show is about being in a room together and toppling international capitalism.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Wed 21 Sept)

 

Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It

We’ve all had some pondering to do about the fragility of life but don’t worry, Mark Watson has it covered.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs 15 Oct)

 

The Greatest Magician

An evening of wonders – a dazzling new magic show presented by the magician most famous for jamming the BBC switchboards after he correctly predicted the lottery! This astonishing, enigmatic, five-star rated magic show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs 10 till 12 Oct)

 

FAMILY

Because theatre is for everyone. Give your little people the wonderful experience of live performance that they’ll never forget with our half term and weekend performances.

 

Total Pop Party

This group of fabulous singers take you from Ed Sheeran to Little Mix and Ariana Grande with an optional pre-dance show to learn the dance routines.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs 29 Oct)

 

Marty and The Party

A beautiful show aimed at 2-6 year olds with lots of dancing and bopping. Marty hasn’t found his groove yet but is heading to the best party ever, how will he fit in? A fun tale of discovery.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Tue 25 Oct)

 

Rise and Fall

A balloon filled performance teaches children about holding on and letting go as balloons bounce and fly in this captivating performance.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Wed 26 Oct)

 

BALLET

Wonderful stories told through the power of dance by awe-inspiring dancers. Be moved by these amazing performances.

Dream

A vibrant and fresh full-length ballet from Ballet Cymru based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream full of whimsy, magic and lovers.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Thurs 13 till 14 Oct)

 

Beauty and The Beast

From Ballet Theatre UK, one of the most enchanting love stories of all time.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Sun 13 till Tue 15 Nov)

 

LOCAL AMATEUR COMPANIES

We love being able to support our local amateur companies as they continue to produce excellent work which you can watch on our stage throughout the year.

 

The Lightning Thief

From Suffolk Young People’s Theatre comes this well-loved tale based on the books by Joe Tracz in a musical style. The half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson discovers powers he can’t control and a future he doesn’t want, but when Zeus’ lightning bolt is stolen, Percy becomes the main suspect and begins a mission to find it and prove his innocence. Featuring a thrilling rock score.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Wed 3 till Sat 6 Aug)

Hello, Dolly!

From Irving Stage Company comes this popular musical comedy set in 1890’s New York. Lively dance numbers and foot-tapping tunes throughout with songs like ‘Put On Your Sunday Clothes’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Tues 8 till Sat 12 Nov)

 

SHAKESPEARE AT THEATRE ROYAL

There are so many ways to experience the great work of Shakespeare but the solo performance below is one you’ll never see again. Don’t miss it.

Romeo and Juliet Retold

A remarkable solo performance from Debs Newbold will catapult you straight to Verona in this poignant, emotional re-imagining of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here
(Runs Monday 19 September)

 

As well as the wide variety of performances at Theatre Royal, they also take theatre into the community with a series of youth and adult theatre workshops with new seasons starting in September. Theatre Royal loves being able to bring theatre closer to people who might not normally be able to attend the theatre and encouraging the local community to enjoy and embrace the arts with them.

Follow them on social media to keep in the loop, and book something to see to discover this gem for yourselves!

 

 


 

 

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