Please note: All of the shows in this brochure are included in the Season Ticket deal, except for Feel Me, the three Family Shows, The New Blur Album, Uncanny: I Know What I Saw and our pantomime, Dick Whittington and his Cat. The Season Ticket deal is not available on Band C seats. Further pricing and Season Ticket information can be found on page 18.
Thank you for making the New Wolsey Theatre your home for live entertainment. It’s been joyous to see the theatre full again. This Autumn Season is crammed with something for everyone! Our major production in September is The Red Lion, which brings football and theatre together on stage – it’s gripping, funny, sensitive and was a 5-star smash-hit in the West End. Also on offer this season are big classic dramas, shows for young people, live music, stand-up comedy, gig theatre, and fresh takes on shows with premieres by East Anglian theatre makers. And, of course, our iconic Rock ’n’ Roll pantomime is back, Dick Whittington and his Cat. Have a good browse, look out for our brilliant Season Ticket deal and please get in touch with us as we'd love to tell you more.
Making and presenting shows is not all we do. We believe that creativity and connection enhance lives. We work with young people, schools, colleges, communities, social change organisations and freelancers across Ipswich and the region. We're incredibly proud of our weekly Warm Space project which welcomed people into a warm and creative environment, giving them food, support and companionship during a difficult winter. We’re getting to know our communities better so that together we can imagine a brighter future for us all. Do support this incredible work. Every ticket you buy, and more significantly each donation you make, plays a vital part in us achieving that.
I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Douglas Rintoul Chief Executive/Artistic Director
Photo: Will Green Photography
Feel Me is a new, interactive, mainly nonverbal theatre show coproduced by The Paper Birds, UK leaders in devised verbatim theatre, and the New Wolsey Theatre.
Feel Me asks, via your mobile phone, who and what you care about from the stories unfolding live on stage in front of you.
THU 22 JUN – 1:30PM
FRI 23 JUN – 1:30PM & 7:30PM
SAT 24 JUN – 7:30PM
Tickets: £12.00 & £18.00
Teachers' CPD (free with visitin CPD and schools book here: enorthrop@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Tickets on sale: wolseytheatre.co.uk
gripping locker-room drama.
It’s the small-time. The semi-pro. The nonleague. In a world far removed from the wealth and media of football, this club is struggling to make ends meet. So, when a gifted young player arrives out of nowhere, it’s the opportunity everyone’s been waiting for. For the kit man this brilliant player will restore the declining
THU 7 – SAT 23 SEP
THU 7 SEP 7:30PM
FRI 8 SEP 7:30PM
SAT 9 SEP 7:30PM
TUE 12 SEP 7:00PM
WED 13 SEP 2:30PM
WED 13 SEP 7:30PM
THU 14 SEP 7:30PM
FRI 15 SEP 7:30PM
manager is determined to make him his own. Exploring issues of trust, loyalty and conflict across three generations, this is a new production of the touching, funny and powerful locker-room drama from multi-award-winning writer Patrick Marber. In a play that resonates in contemporary British society, The Red Lion goes beyond the pitch to look at hope, obsessions and the desperation of humanity to be a part of something.
SAT 16 SEP 2:30PM
SAT 16 SEP 7:30PM
TUE 19 SEP 7:00PM
WED 20 SEP 2:30PM
WED 20 SEP 7:30PM
THU 21 SEP 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
FRI 22 SEP 7:30PM
SAT 23 SEP 2:30PM
SAT 23 SEP 7:30PM
A true story celebrating the epic success of the women’s game.
The Dagenham Invincibles were the greatest women's football team of World War One and heralded as "The Unbeaten Women Champions of the Country." But in 1919, the factory girls hung up their boots and their triumphs faded into obscurity.
TUE 26 – SAT 30 SEP
TUE 26 SEP 7:00PM
WED 27 SEP 2:30PM
WED 27 SEP 7:30PM
THU 28 SEP 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
In 2023 their war-cry is heard in the roar of the Lionesses as they embark on their World Cup journey evoking the Invincibles’ joyous spirit. For local teenager Maya, it's the event of the summer as she cheers for England from the family sofa and unearths long-lost footballing secrets.
Written by Amanda Whittington, this world-premiere play is packed with nail-biting excitement, laughter, music, drama and celebration.
FRI 29 SEP 7:30PM
SAT 30 SEP 2:30PM
SAT 30 SEP 7:30PM
Tickets from £12
A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Production
Tickets
A ferocious black comedy and landmark of twentieth-century theatre.
In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed round, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins…
TUE 3 – SAT 7 OCT
TUE 3 OCT 7:00PM
WED 4 OCT 2:30PM
WED 4 OCT 7:30PM
THU 5 OCT 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
AGES 14+
Abigail’s Party premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in 1977. A record 16 million people watched it as the Play for Today, underlining its status as a true modern classic and national treasure.
“It’s remarkable that after so many years, and so many notable revivals, Cabot’s production finds new perspectives on such a familiar play”
The Stage,
Directed by Michael Cabot.
FRI 6 OCT 7:30PM
SAT 7 OCT 2:30PM
SAT 7 OCT 7:30PM
Contains strong language.
from £12 London Classic Theatre presentsNew Old Friends in association with MAST Mayflower Studios presents
An ace of a show which you’re sure to (fifteen) love.
Lord Knows, the chair of The Whombledun International Invitational Tennis Tournament, has died and his son, Hugh, is suspicious. The police won’t take the case so Hugh calls in Perry & Penny Pink, private investigators.
What transpires has all the hallmarks of multi-award-winning New Old Friends particular brand of theatrical hilarity: a cast of four performers play countless characters with quick-fire changes and quicker wits. Expect mirth, murder and mayhem, with a side of tennis.
Based on a story from the awardwinning podcast.
TUE 10 – WED 11 OCT
TUE 10 OCT 7:30PM
WED 11 OCT 7:30PM
Content warning: Mild bad language, innuendo and murder.
Tickets from £12 AGES 12+
A visceral and contemporary new production that speaks to a world we find ourselves living in now.
A struggling and divided nation, tearing itself apart. So when the Macbeths see their chance at the crown, why shouldn’t they take it?
But things don’t go according to plan. Dreams quickly turn to nightmares, humanity erodes, nature stirs. As society
TUE 17 – SAT 21 OCT
TUE 17 OCT 7:00PM
WED 18 OCT 2:00PM
WED 18 OCT 7:30PM
THU 19 OCT 2:00PM
strives to make sense of the darkness that sits inside it, how long will it take for people to fight back against the endless cycle of violence and corruption?
ETT is an internationally recognised touring company. They create theatre of outstanding quality, imagination and ambition.
Directed by multi-award-winning Richard Twyman.
THU 19 OCT 7:30PM
FRI 20 OCT 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
SAT 21 OCT 7:30PM
Tickets from £12 English Touring Theatre, Northern Stage, Shakespeare North Playhouse & Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg presentsStop what you’re doing and read this very carefully. Your life may depend on it…
This critically acclaimed, multi-fivestar-awarded hilarious comedy will be presented by Professor Abraham Van Helsing and his three idiotic actors as
TUE 31 OCT – SAT 4 NOV
TUE 31 OCT 7:00PM
WED 1 NOV 2:30PM
WED 1 NOV 7:30PM
THU 2 NOV 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
FRI 3 NOV 7:30PM
they stage a life-changing, theatrical production surrounding the true events of Dracula. Will they pull it off? It’s highly unlikely! With four actors playing over forty characters and directed by one of the UK’s most exciting comedy directors, John Nicholson, Dracula: The Bloody Truth will make you die laughing!
SAT 4 NOV 2:30PM
SAT 4 NOV 8:15PM
Content warning: The performance includes pulsating lights, pyrotechnics, haze, loud sound effects, some mock horror and words that sound rude (but are not!).
An electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will set minds and spines tingling, with a stunning original score.
1943. While Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And one of them has a terrifying story to tell…
TUE 7 – SAT 11 NOV
TUE 7 NOV 7:00PM
WED 8 NOV 2:30PM
WED 8 NOV 7:30PM
THU 9 NOV 7:30PM Post-Show Talk
“I created life. You don’t believe me but it’s true. I didn’t start from scratch of course but out of portions and odd ends I made something – alive. But what I created... it wasn’t a superhuman. It was a monster.”
Titled Wig productions tour to the biggest theatres in the UK and recently toured with Around the World in 80 Days and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
FRI 10 NOV 7:30PM
SAT 11 NOV 2:30PM
SAT 11 NOV 7:30PM
Tickets from £12 AGES 12+ Tilted Wig presentsA new version of the classic familyfavourite show, written by awardwinning comedian, writer and composer, Vikki Stone.
Join our brave hero, Dick Whittington, on his journey to London to seek his fame and fortune in this year’s ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll pantomime! Can he outwit the evil King Rat, free the city from his
Tickets from £12
team of revolting rodents and win the hand of the one he loves?
Join us for this fabulous festive show packed full of contemporary rock and pop songs played live, crazy characters, hilarious happenings and awesome adventure, with the purr-fect amount of feline flavour chucked in for good measure.
THU 23 NOV 2023 – SAT 20 JAN 2024
THU 23 NOV 7:30PM
FRI 24 NOV 7:30PM
SAT 25 NOV 7:30PM
MON 27 NOV 7:30PM
TUE 28 NOV 7:30PM
WED 29 NOV 1:30PM
WED 29 NOV 7:30PM
THU 30 NOV 1:30PM
THU 30 NOV 7:30PM
FRI 1 DEC 7:30PM
SAT 2 DEC 2:30PM
SAT 2 DEC 7:30PM
TUE 5 DEC 7:30PM
WED 6 DEC 11:30AM RP/DF
WED 6 DEC 7:30PM
THU 7 DEC 1:30PM
The New Wolsey Theatre presentsTHU 7 DEC 7:30PM
FRI 8 DEC 5:00PM
FRI 8 DEC 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)
SAT 9 DEC 2:30PM ( TOUCH TOUR 1:30PM)
SAT 9 DEC 7:30PM
MON 11 DEC 7:30PM
TUE 12 DEC 1:30PM
TUE 12 DEC 7:30PM
WED 13 DEC 7:30PM
THU 14 DEC 1:30PM
THU 14 DEC 7:30PM
FRI 15 DEC 5:00PM
FRI 15 DEC 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)
SAT 16 DEC 2:30PM
SAT 16 DEC 7:30PM
TUE 19 DEC 1:30PM
TUE 19 DEC 7:30PM
WED 20 DEC 7:30PM
THU 21 DEC 2:30PM ( TOUCH TOUR 1:30PM)
THU 21 DEC 7:30PM
FRI 22 DEC 2:30PM
FRI 22 DEC 7:30PM
SAT 23 DEC 2:30PM
SAT 23 DEC 7:30PM
SUN 24 DEC 11:30AM
TUE 26 DEC 2:30PM
TUE 26 DEC 7:30PM
WED 27 DEC 2:30PM
WED 27 DEC 7:30PM
THU 28 DEC 2:30PM
THU 28 DEC 7:30PM
FRI 29 DEC 2:30PM
FRI 29 DEC 7:30PM
SAT 30 DEC 2:30PM
SAT 30 DEC 7:30PM
SUN 31 DEC 11:30AM
TUE 2 JAN 2:30PM
TUE 2 JAN 7:30PM
WED 3 JAN 7:30PM ( TOUCH TOUR 6:30PM)
THU 4 JAN 1:30PM
THU 4 JAN 7:30PM
FRI 5 JAN 5:00PM
FRI 5 JAN 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)
SAT 6 JAN 2:30PM
SAT 6 JAN 7:30PM
MON 8 JAN 7:30PM
TUE 9 JAN 7:30PM
WED 10 JAN 11:30AM RP/DF
WED 10 JAN 7:30PM
THU 11 JAN 1:30PM
THU 11 JAN 7:30PM
FRI 12 JAN 5:00PM
FRI 12 JAN 9:00PM Late-Night Show (16+)
SAT 13 JAN 2:30PM
SAT 13 JAN 7:30PM
MON 15 JAN 7:30PM
TUE 16 JAN 1:30PM
TUE 16 JAN 7:30PM
WED 17 JAN 7:30PM
THU 18 JAN 1:30PM
THU 18 JAN 7:30PM
FRI 19 JAN 7:30PM
SAT 20 JAN 2:30PM
SAT 20 JAN 7:30PM
Audio Description
British Sign Language Interpretation
Captioning
Livestream
RP/DF
Relaxed/Dementia-Friendly Performance
Please note: There is no on any of the LateNight shows. All Livestreams have and options available, unless the auditorium show has interpretation, in which case the Livestream option swaps to a interpretation option.
Get your dancing shoes on for this old skool reggae night, paying tribute to legends Sir John Holt and Dennis Brown.
TUE 29 AUG 7:30PM
The UK’s No. 1 Motown show delivers truly outstanding performances with the slickest choreography and an amazing band for the best Motown experience you will ever have!
WED 30 AUG 7:30PM
RBM Comedy presents
MARK SIMMONS: QUIP OFF THE MARK
As seen on Mock the Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’ Mark Simmons brings his brand-new show on the road.
MON 11 SEP 7:30PM
AGES 14+
Join us for an evening that celebrates all of Burt Bacharach’s greatest hits, featuring performances from our West End cast and The Magic Moments Orchestra.
THU 31 AUG 7:30PM
Show Me The Rabbit Ltd presents
ROGER MCGOUGH: ALIVE AND GIGGING
Roger McGough takes to the stage with a show featuring new poems as well as old favourites.
MON 18 SEP 7:30PM
Photo by Allan Melia Artistes International Management Ltd presents Nett UK Ltd presents Don’t Stop the Beat Productions Limited presentsThis uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic 80s festive fan favourite - Die Hard .
MON 9 OCT 7:30PM
AGES 14+
Having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna), Jenny Eclair, AKA
‘The Face of Vagisan’, confronts a new decade of decrepitude.
THU 12 OCT 7:30PM
AGES 16+
To commemorate Blur’s 2023 reunion, John Osborne brings his Radio 4 show back to the theatre, full of Blur songs and love. An intimate performance in the NWT Café & Bar.
FRI 13 OCT 7:30PM
Tilted in association with Curve presents
An electrifying reimagining of the ultimate love triangle. Mella Faye has created a powerhouse of a show, driven by a muscular live band on stage.
SAT 14 OCT 7:30PM
AGES 16+
Is the impossible, possible? Join Danny Robins for the biggest investigation into the paranormal – ever.
FRI 27 OCT 7:30PM
AGES 10+
Internationally acclaimed soul, jazz, gospel and blues singer-songwriter Polly Gibbons (from Suffolk) is joined by her eight-piece band, featuring Ronnie Scott's James Pearson.
SAT 28 OCT 7:30PM
John Osborne presents
Avalon UK presents Pecho Mama presents
Photo by Jo Thorne
James Seabright presents
Hold on to your seats as the venue is transformed into a real-life science laboratory with lots of unbelievable “how did they do that!” moments. Experience non-stop, action-packed, interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination.
MON 23 OCT 11:00AM
MON 23 OCT 2:30PM
Be blown away by the world of Stuff and Nonsense in this joyful retelling of a classic tale, told in their unique physical style alongside raucous puppets to create high-octane family theatre that will make you howl.
TUE 24 OCT 4:00PM
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are back with some splish-splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of catch-your-breath acrobatics, juggling, slapstick and circus-filled hilarity.
WED 25 OCT 2:00PM
WED 25 OCT 5:00PM
THU 26 OCT 11:00AM
THU 26 OCT 2:00PM
Dummies Corp presents Amethyst Magic and Illusion presents
at: (except Family Shows, The New Blur Album and Dick Whittington and his Cat)
PLEASE NOTE: The Season Ticket deal is not eligible for Band C seats or for the following shows: Feel Me, the three Family Shows, The New Blur Album, Uncanny: I Know What I Saw, and Dick Whittington and his Cat
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 the best 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 3-5 shows in the Autumn Season and get a 15% discount
Book 6+ shows in the Autumn Season and get a 20% discount
Season Ticket shows are marked with
Feel Me
THU 22 – SAT 24 JUN
(See page 4)
An Evening of Classic Reggae
TUE 29 AUG
(See page 14)
Motown – How Sweet It Is
WED 30 AUG
(See page 14)
Back to Bacharach
THU 31 AUG
(See page 14)
The Red Lion
THU 7 – SAT 23 SEP
(See page 5)
Mark Simmons: Quip off the Mark
MON 11 SEP
(See page 14)
Roger McGough: Alive and Gigging
MON 18 SEP
(See page 14)
The Invincibles
TUE 26 – SAT 30 SEP
(See page 6)
Abigail’s Party
TUE 3 – SAT 7 OCT
(See page 7)
Yippee Ki Yay
MON 9 OCT
(See page 15)
Crimes on Centre Court
TUE 10 – WED 11 OCT
(See page 8)
Jenny Eclair: Sixty PLUS (FFS!) XXL Show
THU 12 OCT
(See page 15)
The New Blur Album
FRI 13 OCT
(See page 15)
Oedipus Electronica
SAT 14 OCT
(See page 15)
Macbeth
TUE 17 – SAT 21 OCT
(See page 9)
Top Secret: The Magic of Science
MON 23 OCT
(See page 16)
The Three Little Pigs
TUE 24 OCT
(See page 16)
Splashtest Dummies
WED 25 – THU 26 OCT
(See page 16)
Uncanny: I Know What I Saw
FRI 27 OCT
(See page 15)
Polly Gibbons: As It Is Album Launch
SAT 28 OCT
(See page 15)
Dracula: The Bloody Truth
TUE 31 OCT – SAT 4 NOV
(See page 10)
Frankenstein
TUE 7 – SAT 11 NOV
(See page 11)
Dick Whittington and his Cat
THU 23 NOV 2023 – SAT 20 JAN 2024
(See page 12 and 13)
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/ 01473 295900
tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk
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.
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.
Interpreted Performances
BSL interpreted performances feature a professional interpreter who translates spoken English into British Sign Language. Sometimes BSL is integrated into the show itself, meaning it is done by the actors on stage.
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.
Theatre captions are similar to television subtitles and give deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing audiences access to live performance.
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.
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 – please 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
Livestreamed shows include Audio Description, Captioning and BSL options on selected dates. Please check our website for full information.
The Red Lion
(See page 5 for details)
The Invincibles
(See page 6 for details)
Abigail’s Party
(See page 7 for details)
Macbeth
(See page 9 for details)
Dracula: The Bloody Truth
(See page 10 for details)
Frankenstein
(See page 11 for details)
Dick Whittington and his Cat
(See page 12 and 13 for details and dates) RP/DF
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The New Wolsey Theatre
Civic Drive
Ipswich
Suffolk IP1 2AS
Phone: +44 (0) 1473 295900
Email: tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk
VAT No: 765325812
Charity No: 1082016