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Theatres & Cinemas
Organisation
Description
The New Wolsey Theatre is a multi-award-winning venue in Ipswich that produces original shows and collaborates with theaters worldwide, while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and artistic development.
In the news
First look at New Wolsey's Beauty and the Beast panto
New Wolsey Theatre has released production images for Beauty and the Beast, giving audiences a first glimpse of the Rock'n'Roll pantomime which has been drawing rave reviews and packed houses since opening on 21 November.News
What's on in Ipswich this Christmas: Your guide to festive shows
From traditional pantomimes at the Regent and New Wolsey Theatre to dance adaptations of classic tales and cinema screenings, Ipswich venues are offering entertainment for all ages throughout the festive season.Feature
Why Suffolk must keep faith in its own economy
The national verdict on Rachel Reeves' Budget has been damning. Analysts have warned of contracting investment, stealth taxes and a squeeze on living standards since the Chancellor's fiscal statement. But those forecasts mean nothing if Suffolk businesses talk themselves into paralysis.Opinion
Regent Theatre transformation provides perfect launchpad for town's City of Culture bid
As Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton urged the town to "celebrate all the amazing things happening" at Friday's City of Culture launch, the Regent Theatre provided the perfect evidence. The £3.45 million transformation of this 96-year-old landmark proves Ipswich is serious about culture – and ready to show the rest of the UK what it's been missing.Feature
New Ipswich Monopoly board launches today with Ipswich.co.uk among coveted spots
Nineteen years on from the first edition, the official Ipswich Monopoly launched this morning, featuring over 30 local landmarks and organisations, including Ipswich.co.uk on one of three Community Chest squares. The football club claims the board's top spot 19 years after the town's first version.News
John Grose Chery sponsors Wolsey's 25th anniversary panto
Beauty and the Beast features a time-honoured horse and carriage but John Grose Chery is providing the horsepower for the New Wolsey Theatre's landmark 25th Rock 'n' Roll pantomime this Christmas.News
New Wolsey Theatre honours Ipswich's unsung heroes with permanent mural
From a police dog who saved his handler's life to volunteers who support carers and the homeless, a new artwork at the New Wolsey Theatre celebrates the everyday acts of kindness that make Ipswich a better place to live.News
Christmas lights switch-on to mark start of festive season in Ipswich
The town's annual Christmas lights switch-on returns to the Cornhill on Sunday, 16 November, kicking off the festive season with entertainment for all ages and free Sunday parking throughout the run-up to Christmas.News
This intimate family drama tackles the future of British farming
Set on a windswept Norfolk coastal farm between 2025 and 2050, Black Sheep follows three generations of the Carter family as they face losing their tenancy whilst navigating environmental upheaval and the relentless demands of rural life, coming to Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre next month.News
Seven leading East Anglian theatres launch region's first touring consortium
Seven of East Anglia's leading theatre and arts organisations have joined forces to launch the East Anglian Touring Consortium, the first collaboration of its kind in the region, backed by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England.News
Finding freedom through words: Hard-hitting prison play visits Ipswich this month
Welcome to HMP Ditchfield, where a group of prisoners discover that words can be their greatest escape in a raw, witty new play coming to the New Wolsey Theatre this month.News
Ipswich Regent Theatre seeks local star for Cinderella panto role
The Ipswich Regent Theatre is calling for the public to audition for the lead role of Cinderella in its Christmas pantomime, with open auditions taking place on Sunday, 28 September.News
New Wolsey Theatre opens applications for Associate Artists scheme
The Ipswich theatre is seeking diverse talent across East Anglia, but especially within Ipswich, for its 18-month programme, with applications closing on 15 September.News
'I want everyone to realise how great they are' – Pantomime dame brings message of self-acceptance to Ipswich
Pantomime dame and published author Mama G brings her message of self-acceptance and individuality to Ipswich families in a storytelling session that champions being yourself.News
Share your Regent Theatre memories for historic time capsule
Ipswich residents are invited to contribute ideas ranging from personal memories to photographs and memorabilia that capture what the beloved theatre means to them.News
New Wolsey Theatre reveals three major productions for Autumn 2025
Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre will present Don't Look Now, Teechers and Beauty and the Beast this autumn, with tickets going on general sale from Saturday 10 May.News
Ipswich Regent Theatre begins £3.5m renovation project
The curtains at Ipswich's largest theatre were pulled shut on Saturday for a seven-month redevelopment project lasting until December.News
'Everything literally goes wrong' in comedy coming to Ipswich
A "wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy" about a chaotic touring theatre company is heading to the New Wolsey Theatre in May.News
New Wolsey Theatre calls for nominations to honour Ipswich's everyday heroes
Ipswich residents are invited to nominate their personal heroes for recognition at the New Wolsey Theatre's free community event on Saturday, 31 May.News
West End's Bake Off musical is coming to Ipswich
The Great British Bake Off Musical, inspired by the popular Channel 4 programme, is heading to Ipswich after its West End success.News
Suffolk radio history preserved through new play by visually impaired actors
Oral histories from Radio Orwell 257 have inspired "Living On Air", a new production featuring twelve actors living with sight loss.News
New comedy drama inspired by real-life touring experiences debuts in Ipswich
Middle Ground Theatre Company brings "Dial M for Mayhem" to the New Wolsey Theatre, featuring a play-within-a-play set in the Scottish Highlands.News
New Wolsey Theatre's Hare and Tortoise begins school tour this spring
Over 2,500 Suffolk schoolchildren will experience live theatre as the New Wolsey's adaptation of Aesop's fable visits 23 schools across the region.News
More than heat: The warm spaces providing support and connection in Ipswich
As winter draws to a close, we speak to the warm spaces in Ipswich that have been tackling isolation and offering vital support in the heart of our community over the winter monthsFeature
Local firm to deliver major Regent Theatre makeover
Ipswich's Grade II listed theatre will close from May to December 2025 for significant refurbishment works, with shows relocating to the Corn Exchange.News
Theatre project transforms lives through art
Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.News
Last few tickets remain for Jason Manford's Ipswich show
Comedy fans have just 48 hours to secure remaining seats for the nationally acclaimed comedian's performance at the Regent Theatre this Thursday.News
Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange announce star-studded spring entertainment lineup
The Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange have unveiled their spring season programme, featuring top comedians Jimmy Carr and Jack Dee alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars and music tributes.News
Female soul legends honoured in 'unforgettable' new show
Powerhouse vocalists are set to bring the magic of soul music's greatest female artists to life in Ipswich as 'Sisters With Soul' makes its debut at the New Wolsey Theatre. Only five tickets remaining.News
Cinderella set to christen newly renovated Regent Theatre in 2025
Fresh from a record-breaking run of Jack and the Beanstalk, Ipswich Regent Theatre has announced Cinderella as its 2025 Christmas pantomime, which will be the first major show following the venue's £10+ million transformation.News
Interactive theatre show to measure audience empathy at New Wolsey
An innovative theatre production that measures audience empathy in real-time is coming to the New Wolsey Theatre this January. The Paper Birds Theatre Company's 'Feel Me' uses mobile technology to track how viewers respond to stories of displacement and acceptance.News
Ipswich Regent Theatre to close for seven months in major makeover
Planning permission has been granted for a major refurbishment of Ipswich's Grade II listed Regent Theatre. The venue will close from May 2025 until December 2025, with shows relocating to the Corn Exchange during works.News
New outdoor exhibition space opens at New Wolsey Theatre
Four giant exhibition cubes have been installed outside the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich to showcase local initiatives and celebrate the town. The first exhibition features 'love letters' to Ipswich from local residents.News
Comedy star adds second Ipswich date after tickets sell fast
Following exceptional demand for his March show, comedian Chris McCausland has announced a second Ipswich performance of his "Yonks!" tour at the Regent Theatre.News
Ipswich prepares for its biggest-ever Christmas programme
Theatres, museums, archives and arts venues across Ipswich have joined forces to deliver the town's largest-ever festive entertainment programme, featuring 237 performances and 77 exhibition days across eight venues.News
New Wolsey Theatre supports 5,000 people through community programme
Over 5,000 local residents have benefited from the New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities Programme this year as the venue announces its new season.News
Tickets to see comedian Chris McCausland at the Ipswich Regent selling fast
Stand-up star Chris McCausland is set to perform his brand-new show "Yonks!" at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich on 18 March 2025. The comedian, known for his sharp wit and TV appearances, promises another night of masterclass comedy.News
How to buy Ricky Gervais Mortality tickets at the Regent
Comedian Ricky Gervais will return to Ipswich in January with his new show, Mortality. Tickets for the performance at the Regent Theatre will go on sale tomorrow and are expected to sell out quickly.News
Comedian Josh Widdicombe to perform at Regent Theatre in new stand-up tour
The Last Leg and Parenting Hell star Josh Widdicombe has announced a return to stand-up comedy with a new tour, including a stop in Ipswich in spring 2026.News
Stars announced for Ipswich Regent Theatre's Christmas panto
It's nearly Christmas! Oh, no, it isn't. But that hasn't stopped the Regent Theatre from announcing that TikTok sensation Abbie Budden and EastEnders actor Michael Greco will headline Jack and the Beanstalk at the Ipswich Regent Theatre this December.News
Tickets selling fast for star-studded Moulin Rouge tribute at the Ipswich Regent
Tickets to "Come What May," a dazzling celebration of the iconic movie-musical Moulin Rouge, which will play at the Regent Theatre on 6 October 2024, are selling fast.News
Ipswich Regent Theatre wins top travel award for second year
The Ipswich Regent Theatre has received a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of worldwide attractions.News
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Happiness Club
Drawing from her personal transformation journey, Samantha offers evidence-based coaching and holistic wellness services that address our community's growing mental health challenges.
With mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic stress affecting many Ipswich residents, Samantha's work focuses on practical tools for building resilience and joy in everyday life.
Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and workplace wellbeing programs, she helps individuals and organisations develop sustainable happiness practices.
