New Wolsey Theatre supports 5,000 people through community programme

Why it matters: The theatre's community outreach has made a real difference in people's lives through workshops, school tours, and collaborations with the NHS and Jobcentre Plus.

The big picture: The theatre's Creative Communities programme offers a wide range of activities designed to make culture accessible to everyone in Ipswich. Recent initiatives include:

• A social prescribing project with the NHS called 'Tell Your Story'

• Free summer activities for children receiving free school meals

• Seven Youth Theatre groups supporting 150 young people

• A touring production of 'Hare & Tortoise' reaching 24 Suffolk primary schools

• Partnerships with local organisations including Aspire Black Suffolk, UnScene Suffolk, and Suffolk Refugee Support

By the numbers:

• 82,000 visitors attended more than 300 performances in 2024

• Over 95 schools and 7,000 students engaged with the theatre

• An additional 2,000 people reached through livestreams

• 5,000 people participated in community programmes

Success story: The theatre's community impact has also earned it recognition through multiple awards, including:

• Suffolk Business of the Year

• Positive Impact in the Community

• 'Highly Commended' at BBC Suffolk Make a Difference Awards 2024

• Silver Carbon Charter Award

What's next: The venue has announced its Spring 2025 programme, including:

• Its first international collaboration – 'Noises Off', co-produced with theatres in Luxembourg and Cumbria.

• A range of accessible performances including relaxed, captioned and BSL interpreted shows.

• Interactive productions like 'Feel Me' by The Paper Birds, created with and for young people.

What they're saying: "It's a testament to the entire team here at the New Wolsey Theatre that our impact locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally continues to grow and gain recognition from both the public and the media," said Douglas Rintoul, Chief Executive and Artistic Director.

The bottom line: Tickets for the Spring 2025 season go on sale to the general public on Saturday 2 November at 10am, with priority booking available for members, schools, season ticket holders and groups.

In the meantime, you can find out more about the theatre's Creative Communities programme at https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/creative-communities/