Autumn 2024 Brochure

Time to cut loose...

WELCOME

Experience the magic of live theatre at Suffolk’s award-winning theatre this season! Whether you're a regular or a newcomer, our autumn line-up has something special in store for you.

Don't miss the epic revival of Footloose the Musical! Celebrating 40 years since its iconic film release, this production promises an unforgettable night filled with awardwinning music.

But that's not all – our programme boasts a variety of music-themed shows. From the lively Suffolk tub-thumping, The Highwayman, to the anarchic LGBTQ+ musical, After the Act by Breach Theatre, and Rifco Theatre's uproarious DJ scene exploration in Southall, there's something to suit every taste.

And be sure not to overlook our thrilling new rendition of Sleeping Beauty! With rock 'n' pop vibes infused throughout, this legendary panto guarantees a captivating experience for all ages.

If you're in the mood for stand-up comedy, live music, or classic drama, we've got you covered. So, come on in and uncover your next good night out with us.

Beyond the stage, our dedication to community engagement shines through our Creative Communities initiatives, reaching out to young people and communities across Ipswich and Suffolk.

This year, we're thrilled to introduce our Panto Pay It Forward campaign, providing tickets to those who may otherwise miss out on the magic of panto. Join us in spreading holiday cheer by donating what you can to help us reach our goal.

Thank you for your unwavering support. We can't wait to share these extraordinary experiences with you.

Douglas Rintoul Chief Executive/ Artistic Director

Photo: Will Green Photography

Presented by OVO and Norwich Theatre

Sexy, darkly funny and deeply moving.

This is a tub-thumping musical, set in the year 1666 but reflecting who we are right now. Inspired by Alfred Noyes’ classic poem, The Highwayman tells the story of a doomed love affair between Bess and self-confessed sociopath Duval.

THU 12 – SAT 14 SEP

THU 12 SEP 7:30PM

FRI 13 SEP 7:30PM

SAT 14 SEP 2:30PM

SAT 14 SEP 7:30PM

Presented by Rifco Theatre Company

An immersive DJ bromance.

Whoever said there are too many actors in LA has never seen the number of DJs in Southall. Facing sabotage, Pali and Jay are on edge. Using only their simple DJ set-up and the odd cup of chai, this show will transport you through time, from Southall's Biggest Deck-Off in 1999 to now.

THU 19 – SAT 21 SEP

THU 19 SEP 7:30PM

FRI 20 SEP 7:30PM

SAT 21 SEP 4:00PM

SAT 21 SEP 8:00PM Tickets from £13 Tickets from £13 AGES 16+ AGES 12+

Content Advice: Contains themes of abuse, neglect, violence, infanticide, domestic violence, self-harm and suicide.

Content Advice: This show contains audience participation, strobe lighting and strong language/swearing.

Presented by phil&ben productions

Ayckbourn’s comic genius hits the stage in this award-winning show.

Norman is an unlikely Lothario. When he tells his career-obsessed wife Ruth that he is going away on business, in reality he is secretly planning an illicit weekend with his sister-in-law Annie. But, their plans are ruined by the arrival of Annie's brother Reg and his prudish wife Sarah.

Tickets from £13

Sarah finds out about the "dirty weekend" and calls Ruth to come and put a stop to her husband's philandering, not helped by the arrival of Annie's kind but slow-witted suitor Tom.

Too much alcohol, too much sexual tension and too little food - the perfect recipe for a disastrously hilarious weekend of eating, drinking and utter confusion.

TUE 24 – SAT 28 SEP

TUE 24 SEP 7:00PM

WED 25 SEP 2:30PM

WED 25 SEP 7:30PM

THU 26 SEP 7:30PM Post-Show Talk

FRI 27 SEP 7:30PM

SAT 28 SEP 2:30PM

SAT 28 SEP 7:30PM

A New Wolsey Theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production

Relive the awesome 80s with the award-winning musical – Footloose!

Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago, moves with his mother to a small farming town after his father abandons them. Faced with a ban on dancing by the town preacher, Ren seeks help from love interest Ariel and his new best friend Willard to convince the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and by doing so, help the town to heal from a shared tragedy.

Featuring classic hits such as Footloose by Kenny Loggins and Let’s Hear It for the Boy by Deniece Williams, this much-loved musical celebrates youth, love and life.

RP/DF T T

Audio Description

British Sign Language Interpretation

Captioning

Relaxed/Dementia-Friendly Performance

Touch Tour

THU 3 – SAT 26 OCT

THU 3 OCT 7:30PM

FRI 4 OCT 7:30PM

SAT 5 OCT 2:30PM

SAT 5 OCT 7:30PM

MON 7 OCT 7:00PM

TUE 8 OCT 7:00PM

WED 9 OCT 1:30PM

WED 9 OCT 7:00PM

THU 10 OCT 7:30PM

FRI 11 OCT 7:30PM

SAT 12 OCT 2:30PM

SAT 12 OCT 7:30PM

MON 14 OCT 7:00PM

TUE 15 OCT 7:00PM

WED 16 OCT 2:00PM

WED 16 OCT 7:00PM

THU 17 OCT 7:30PM

FRI 18 OCT 7:30PM T T (6:30PM)

SAT 19 OCT 2:30PM

SAT 19 OCT 7:30PM

MON 21 OCT 7:00PM

TUE 22 OCT 7:00PM

WED 23 OCT 12:30PM RP/DF

WED 23 OCT 7:00PM

THU 24 OCT 7:30PM

FRI 25 OCT 7:30PM

SAT 26 OCT 2:30PM

SAT 26 OCT 7:30PM

Presented by Breach

“Queers in classrooms!”

“Perverts panicking parents!”

A new, 1980’s-inspired musical about pride, protest… and abseiling lesbians. Section 28 was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and ended up galvanising a community.

This show is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.

Tickets from £13 AGES 14+

The joyously exuberant original score, performed live, conjures the music of The Section 28 Years: protest songs, house music, and of course, disco!

A Breach production commissioned by New Diorama. Co-produced by Brighton Festival, HOME, New Diorama and Warwick Arts Centre.

TUE 29 – WED 30 OCT

TUE 29 OCT 7:30PM

WED 30 OCT 7:30PM

Content Advice: The show features references to suicide and child abuse and the use of homophobic language.

Presented by Chipping Norton Theatre Ltd

Puts the laughter in manslaughter!

By Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian.

An anarchic musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor investigates the crime, whilst the other plays all the suspects… and they play the piano throughout!

Tickets from £13 AGES 12+

When the body of an acclaimed novelist is discovered at his birthday party, all the guests fall under suspicion. Can local police officer and wannabe detective, Marcus, solve the mystery before the experts arrive?

With live music and side-splitting entertainment, Murder for Two will keep you guessing until the final note.

TUE 5 – SAT 9 NOV

TUE 5 NOV 7:00PM

WED 6 NOV 2:30PM

WED 6 NOV 7:30PM

THU 7 NOV 7:30PM Post-Show Talk

FRI 8 NOV 7:30PM

SAT 9 NOV 2:30PM

SAT 9 NOV 7:30PM

A New Wolsey Theatre Production

Sleeping Beauty gets a rockin’ twist as it bursts onto the New Wolsey Theatre stage in this year’s spellbinding Rock 'n' Roll pantomime!

Join Princess Aurora and her fiery friend, Milo the Dragon, through the mystical realm of Ipswich on a timewarping adventure that's full of secrets, spells, spindles and the unstoppable force of love!

Beware though - looming over Aurora’s fate is the menacing and prickly Thornica, a jealous fairy with an evil curse!

Can Fairy Rosie outsmart Thornica’s evil plan before it's too late for Aurora? Does the dashing Prince Toby rise to their greatest challenge yet? Will Aurora find the unconditional love she needs to fulfil her destiny?

Packed with live rock and pop music, crazy characters and hysterical antics, be prepared to be totally enchanted as you join us for Ipswich’s awardwinning pantomime!

FRI 22 NOV 2024 – SAT 18 JAN 2025

FRI 22 NOV 7:00PM

SAT 23 NOV 7:00PM

MON 25 NOV 7:00PM

TUE 26 NOV 12:00PM

TUE 26 NOV 7:00PM

WED 27 NOV 7:00PM

THU 28 NOV 1:30PM

THU 28 NOV 7:00PM

FRI 29 NOV 7:00PM

SAT 30 NOV 2:00PM

SAT 30 NOV 7:00PM

TUE 3 DEC 11:30AM RP/DF

TUE 3 DEC 7:00PM

WED 4 DEC 1:30PM

WED 4 DEC 7:00PM

THU 5 DEC 12:00PM

THU 5 DEC 7:00PM

FRI 6 DEC 5:00PM

FRI 6 DEC 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)

SAT 7 DEC 2:00PM T T (1PM)

SAT 7 DEC 7:00PM

MON 9 DEC 7:00PM

TUE 10 DEC 1:30PM

TUE 10 DEC 7:00PM

WED 11 DEC 7:00PM

THU 12 DEC 12:00PM

THU 12 DEC 7:00PM

FRI 13 DEC 5:00PM

FRI 13 DEC 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)

SAT 14 DEC 2:00PM

SAT 14 DEC 7:00PM

MON 16 DEC 7:00PM

TUE 17 DEC 1:30PM

TUE 17 DEC 7:00PM

WED 18 DEC 1:30PM

WED 18 DEC 7:00PM

THU 19 DEC 12:00PM

THU 19 DEC 7:00PM

FRI 20 DEC 5:00PM

FRI 20 DEC 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)

SAT 21 DEC 2:00PM

SAT 21 DEC 7:00PM

MON 23 DEC 2:00PM T T (1PM)

MON 23 DEC 7:00PM

TUE 24 DEC 11:30AM

THU 26 DEC 2:00PM

THU 26 DEC 7:00PM

FRI 27 DEC 2:00PM

FRI 27 DEC 7:00PM

SAT 28 DEC 2:00PM

SAT 28 DEC 7:00PM

SUN 29 DEC 2:00PM

SUN 29 DEC 7:00PM

MON 30 DEC 2:00PM

MON 30 DEC 7:00PM

TUE 31 DEC 11:30AM

THU 2 JAN 2:00PM

THU 2 JAN 7:00PM T T (6PM)

FRI 3 JAN 2:00PM

FRI 3 JAN 7:00PM

SAT 4 JAN 2:00PM

SAT 4 JAN 7:00PM

SUN 5 JAN 2:00PM

TUE 7 JAN 7:00PM

WED 8 JAN 12:00PM

WED 8 JAN 7:00PM

THU 9 JAN 1:30PM

THU 9 JAN 7:00PM

FRI 10 JAN 5:00PM

FRI 10 JAN 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)

SAT 11 JAN 2:00PM

SAT 11 JAN 7:00PM

TUE 14 JAN 11:30AM RP/DF

WED 15 JAN 11:30AM RP/DF

WED 15 JAN 7:00PM

THU 16 JAN 1:30PM

THU 16 JAN 7:00PM

FRI 17 JAN 5:00PM

FRI 17 JAN 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)

SAT 18 JAN 2:00PM

SAT 18 JAN 7:00PM

Audio Description

British Sign Language Interpretation

Captioning

RP/DF T T

Relaxed/Dementia-Friendly Performance

Touch Tour

Livestream

Please note: There is no AD on any of the Late-Night shows.

GREAT NIGHTS OUT

Tickets from £13

Presented by D-Live Theatre Company

Deaf Awakening is a brand-new production that explores the Deaf world perspective. Contains swearing.

TUE 3 SEP 7:30PM

AGES 13+

Presented by Bluejay Productions Ltd

Featuring note-perfect renditions of the most loved songs from the 50s and 60s.

WED 4 SEP 2:30PM

Presented by The Comedy Store

Amazing comedians strutting their stuff. Expect lightning-quick reactions and world-class improvised silliness!

Presented by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Story’ offers a unique evening celebrating one of the world's most famous jazz venues.

WED 4 SEP 7:30PM FRI

7:30PM

Presented by Rush Theatre Company

AGES

An incredible narrative musical telling the story of the Windrush Generation and how Reggae took the world by storm.

SAT 7 SEP 7:30PM

THU 5 SEP 7:30PM AGES

Opera della Luna returns to Ipswich with their hilarious take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic, The Pirates of Penzance.

TUE 10 SEP 7:30PM

Presented by SRISHTI – Nina Rajarani Dance Creations

Pathways enables a new generation of British-grown South Asian dancers to find their feet and showcase their talent through four ensemble Bharatanatyam works.

TUE 17 SEP 7:30PM

Presented by Norwell Lapley Productions Ltd

Dom Joly has been off travelling the globe again. This time, he’s been looking into some of the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence.

Presented by Opera della Luna AGES

Presented by Seabright Live Ltd

This fast-paced gem brings you the entirety of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, told through the eyes of Spike.

WED 11 SEP 7:30PM

Presented by Mi Flamenco

AGES 14+

This evocative multimedia production is an immersive experience combining filmic imagery, flamenco dance and soul-stirring music.

THU 31 OCT 7:30PM

AGES 10+

FAMILY SHOWS

Presented by Little Seed Music

Presented by Nonsense Room Productions

Presented by Spinning Wheel Theatre

Tickets from £13 for UNDER 26's

Luna looks forward to one special day… Library Day! It’s the day when she discovers magic amongst the library shelves – including dinosaurs, mummies, unexplained mysteries to monsters and magic.

MON 28 OCT 11:00AM

MON 28 OCT 2:00PM

Based on the brilliant picture book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, get ready for an interactive musical show for all the family where YOU CHOOSE what happens!

SAT 2 NOV 12:30PM

SAT 2 NOV 3:00PM

In this interactive show for young children, you're invited you to come and sit amongst the reeds and lily pads and hunt for missing ducks in your own fabulous adventure!

In partnership with the New Wolsey Theatre, Suffolk Libraries and the Angles Theatre, this show will take place at the Ipswich Library.

From WED 4 DEC to SAT 21 DEC

Please visit our website for further details. AGES

THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE’S YOUNG COMPANY PRESENTS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Night’s

THU 8 - SAT 10 AUG 2024

7:00PM NIGHTLY

SEATING PLAN & SEASON TICKETS

Prices starting at: (except Family Shows and Sleeping Beauty)

Sleeping Beauty starting at:

Family Show prices starting at: KIDS/UNDER 26: £13

ADULTS: £16

PLEASE NOTE: The Season Ticket deal is not eligible for Band C seats, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Family Shows or Sleeping Beauty.

GROUP BOOKINGS

We offer some super savings and great deals! Contact relationships@wolseytheatre.co.uk for more information.

Understanding Our Prices – You may have noticed that our prices state ‘starting at.’ Make sure you book quickly as these prices won’t last forever. As the demand for tickets increases, our prices are subject to change, so book now for your favourite seats at the best prices.

Season Ticket holders get priority access to buy tickets when new seasons go on sale. If you’re a New Wolsey Theatre Member you will also receive an extra 5% saving.

BOOK NOW

wolseytheatre.co.uk 01473 295900

CALENDAR

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

THU 8 – SAT 10 AUG

(See page 17)

Deaf Awakening

TUE 3 SEP

(See page 12)

Rave On

WED 4 SEP

(See page 12)

Comedy Store Players

THU 5 SEP

(See page 12)

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

FRI 6 SEP

(See page 12)

Rush

SAT 7 SEP

(See page 12)

The Parson’s Pirates

TUE 10 SEP

(See page 13)

Buffy Revamped

WED 11 SEP

(See page 13)

The Highwayman

THU 12 – SAT 14 SEP

(See page 4)

Srishti Pathways

TUE 17 SEP

(See page 13)

Pali & Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding

DJ Roadshow

THU 19 – SAT 21 SEP

(See page 4)

Season Ticket shows are marked with

Table Manners

TUE 24 – SAT 28 SEP

(See page 5)

Footloose

THU 3 – SAT 26 OCT

(See page 6 & 7)

Luna Loves Library Day

MON 28 OCT

(See page 14)

After the Act

TUE 29 – WED 30 OCT

(See page 8)

Echoes – Mi Flamenco

THU 31 OCT

(See page 13)

Dom Jolly – The Conspiracy Tour

FRI 1 NOV

(See page 13)

You Choose

SAT 2 NOV

(See page 14)

Murder for Two

TUE 5 – SAT 9 NOV

(See page 9)

Sleeping Beauty

FRI 22 NOV 2024 – SAT 18 JAN 2025

(See pages 10 & 11)

Sleeping Beauty (Livestream)

SAT 21 DEC – MON 30 DEC

(See pages 10 & 11)

Five Little Ducks

WED 4 DEC – SAT 21 DEC

(See pages 14)

ACCESS INFORMATION

The New Wolsey Theatre is a theatre for everyone. We strive to be as accessible as possible to all who come and enjoy our diverse programme of events or just fancy coming in for a coffee. For further information visit wolseytheatre.co.uk/access/

Audio Described Performances

Audio Description captures the visual elements of a performance that a blind or partially-sighted person might otherwise miss and describes them in clear, vivid language through a pair of headphones. Free Touch Tours take place an hour before the performance.

British Sign Language

Interpreted Performances

BSL interpreted performances feature a professional interpreter who translates spoken English into British Sign Language.

Captioned Performances

Theatre captions are similar to television subtitles and give deaf, deafened or hard-ofhearing audiences access to live performance.

Wheelchair User Access

There are six wheelchair user accessible spaces in The New Wolsey auditorium with step-free access: four in row C and two in row K. There is also a passenger lift to the upstairs seating in the auditorium. NW2 is accessible for wheelchair users.

RP/DF Relaxed and Dementia Friendly Performances

A Relaxed and/or Dementia Friendly performance is one that has been carefully adjusted to reduce anxiety or stress for those who might otherwise find

the experience unsettling or difficult. For example, changes are made to sound and lighting to eliminate surprise and soften their impact. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and moving around in the auditorium during the performance. These performances may be suitable for audiences with autism, sensory and communication needs, learning and/or physical disabilities, mental health conditions or people living with dementia.

Our Bradbury Platform is installed for these performances, increasing our wheelchair user accessible spaces up to 12. We are working towards being a Dementia Friendly venue and staff members are Dementia Friends.

T T Touch Tours

For many blind, partially sighted or visually impaired theatregoers, a touch tour is an essential part of the theatre experience. Having access to the stage and set before a performance is a way of firming up the descriptive information they may have already received and provides them with extra detail to allow them to engage with the production. Customers will explore the space, and may like to handle selected props, costumes and furniture.

Accessible Services

• All our staff and regular freelancers receive Disability and Equality training

• Our Duty Managers are trained sight guides – please ask for assistance when booking your tickets

• Assistance/Guide Dogs are welcome and we can assist with dog-sitting during performances

• Infra-red Hearing Enhancement System available – enquire at our Box Office

• Livestreaming options are available for selected shows so you can watch from home, with audio described, BSL, relaxed and captioned versions

• There is a Changing Places facility in NW2

Available to borrow on request at the Box Office:

• Manual wheelchairs

• Junior ear defenders

• Comfort cushions

Accessible Shows Coming Up

Livestreamed shows include Audio Description, Captioning and BSL options on selected dates. Please check our website for full information.

Footloose

(See pages 6 & 7 for details)

T T RP/DF

Sleeping Beauty

(See pages 10 & 11 for details)

T T RP/DF

We’d love to thank our funders, sponsors and supporters:

Design: Desk Tidy Design

Print: Healeys Print Group Ltd

NWT Marketing Team: Zanna Hornby, Zack Lwin, Jack Parker

• This brochure has been fully carbon balanced for paper and production via The World Land Trust.

• Ticket sales are subject to our current Terms and Conditions: wolseytheatre.co.uk/termsandconditions.

• All details in this brochure were deemed correct at the time of going to print but we reserve the right to make alterations where necessary.

Photo credit: Will Green Photography

Phone: +44 (0) 1473 295900

Email: tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk

VAT No: 765325812

Charity No: 1082016