Maddermarket 2023

SPRING 2023

WELCOME

I’m delighted to present Maddermarket Theatre’s Spring 2023 season.

As I was programming the first four months of the year, I kept two ideals in mind. First, we must be eclectic. Norwich is a community of differing perspectives, tastes and opinions, and the productions we present need to encompass this. Contemporary plays, classic theatre, new musicals, rock bands, comedians, family favourites, kids shows, burlesque, celebrity ‘evenings with’, youth productions, adult shows, drama, farce, cabaret, jazz, folk, operetta, disco…there must be something for everyone in each season.

Second, we must be affordable. Life isn’t getting any cheaper, but we all still want a night out, to get away for a while, to

laugh, cry, sing, dance. We’re doing everything in our power to keep our prices down and make ourselves as accessible as possible to all. We regularly offer discounts for NHS workers, Blue Light card holders, Universal Credit recipients and students; have group deals for families, schools and charities; and partner with artists and producers who also understand that you – our audience –have to watch the pennies as much as we do.

Something for everyone, that everyone can afford. It’s my genuine pleasure to bring these shows to you, so ‘spring’ into 2023 with us, and I’ll see you for a drink in the foyer.

Elliott Wilshier General Manager

True Tales of Hollywood and the Hit Parade - John Altman in Conversation

Thu 9 Feb 7:30pm

£13.50

Legendary musician/composer John Altman shares tales from his 50-year career. John has worked with the cream of Hollywood and the music scene, arranged Always Look on the Bright Side of Life for Monty Python, mentored Amy Winehouse; crossed paths with Charlie Chaplin and worked on the soundtracks for Titanic and No Time to Die. Everyone knows his work, but few know his story. Until now.

The Best in Comedy

Fri 10 Feb 7:30pm

£17.33

The Best in Comedy returns with another top line-up!

Tiff Stevenson is an awarding-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer, whose thought-provoking comedy and satire have played to audiences worldwide. Comedian, presenter, actor and writer, Stephen Bailey is a proud

northern, working-class, gay man with an indecorous brand of gossipy humour. Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ahir Shah’s sharp brand of stand-up features a blend of philosophical inquiry, political vigour, and sweet gags. Rachel Fairburn is a comedian from Manchester with five critically-acclaimed solo shows under her belt.

Strictly over 18s. The line-up may be subject to change.

Magic Castle

Sat 11 Feb 2:30pm £10.50

Everyone’s favourite children’s theatre company present a spectacular new seasonal stage show for all the family! Join Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit on a holiday to the Magic Castle – a spellbinding school for trainee wizards. There are potions to perfect, broomsticks to battle and spells to solve! But what lurks in the deep in the dungeon?

Packed with singalong songs, musical mayhem and bucket loads of audience participation, this five-star family show is the perfect winter treat for your little ones. Come dressed as a wizard, dragon or fairy for a cracking winter show!

The Ben Langley Show

Sun 12 Feb 2:30 pm & 7:30pm

£15.75 | 17 and under £10.50 | UC £7.88

Norwich panto legend, Hippodrome Circus

Christmas comic and Britain’s Got Talent ‘misheard lyrics’ funnyman Ben Langley returns with his oneman variety for just two shows! With dynamite support from BGT finalist Danny Posthill, grab your tickets before they sell out!

“Ben Langley, you are a very funny man!” Simon Cowell

Kidz Pop Party

Wed 15 – Sat 18 Feb 2:30pm & 6:30pm

£13

Grab your little ones and join the live music spectacular Kidz Pop Party this February half-term. Featuring an amazing live band, incredible singers, gorgeous dancers, hilarious comedy and circus acts, you’ll be treated to 80 minutes of musical madness, perfect for little and big kids alike.

From film classics from Disney, Trolls, Sing

& Despicable Me to chart-topping hits from the likes of Little Mix, Ariana Grande – and of course, Dance Monkey – we’ve got something for kids of all ages to enjoy, along with a few appearances from their favourite characters! Don’t worry parents, we’ve got something for you too, as we take you on a little journey back to the ’90s to relive your youth!

Shark in the Park

Thu 23 Feb 1:30pm & 4pm  £15.75

Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope – but wait, is that a Shark…in the Park!?  From the creative team behind The Hairy Maclary show and You Choose - see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s books

– Shark in the Park, Shark in the Dark and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day – live on Stage! This fin-tastic, family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on 3 exciting adventures; join him to see if there really is a Shark in the Park!

Norwich Jazz Club

Tue 7 Feb, Tue 14 Mar, Tue 18 Apr & Tue 9 May 8:30pm  £16 | 25 and under £8

Join us one Tuesday a month for evenings of jazz throughout the spring season. We’ll have guest performers in to turn our café-bar area into a cool jazz

lounge where you can sit back and relax or get your toes tapping to some swinging tunes!

Snapdragon Cabaret –Read Between the Valentines

Sat 25 Feb 7:30pm

£15 | UC £7.50

A Valentine’s Day-themed burlesque/cabaret show. Be seduced by alluring performances from Harry Stallion, Lady Cleo, Titanjia Fae, Coco, Princess Allie Yumcepa, Miss Aurora Harlot, Sirens of Tease, and many more!

Hosted by local drag king legend, Sir Hugh Mungus.

An Evening with Sam & The Swing Tones

Thu 2 Mar 7:30pm

£15

Enjoy a night of wonderful entertainment to raise vital funds for Norwich FoodHub. Sam Johnson and her band –Sam & The Swing Tones – will perform fresh interpretations of swing/jazz classics; pianist singer-songwriter Ian Sainsbury will croon his smooth tunes; and comedian Tom Alban will bring the laughs!

Proudly sponsored by Investing Ethically and Maddermarket Theatre.

Women in Rock

Fri 3 Mar 7:30pm £20 | UC £10

Featuring soaring vocals and choreography and backed by a band of world-class musicians, Women in Rock are ready to take you on a spectacular journey through five decades of female rock. Featuring the songs of Cher, Blondie, Janis Joplin, Republica, Belinda Carlisle, Bonnie Tyler, P!nk, Suzi Quatro, Tina Turner & many more, Women in Rock are guaranteed to get you on your feet.

Floyd in the Flesh

Sat 4 Mar 7:30pm £20 | UC £10 | NHS £10

From the psychedelic ’60s through to the polished delivery of their later work, Floyd in the Flesh are deeply passionate about the music of Pink Floyd and pride themselves on delivering an authentic sound and show every time. Returning in

2023, they bring The Dark Side Of The Moon to the stage, in a show that’s a complete experience for all the senses. Featuring some of the country’s most talented musicians, a spellbinding light and laser show, and authentic projections on that iconic circular screen, this is the show Pink Floyd fans won’t want to miss.

The History Man

Norwich Players Theatre Company

Wed 8 – Fri 10 Mar 7:30 pm

Sat 11 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm Sun 12 5pm

£16 | 25 and under £10 | UC £8 | NHS £8

“Take a Valium. Have a party. Go on a demo. Make a bang. Bed a friend. Always a bright radical solution.” Malcolm Bradbury’s hilarious campus novel erupts onto the stage with its antihero, Howard Kirk, a predatory left-wing sociology lecturer. Like a seventies’ Richard III, Howard seduces the women around him as he plots and schemes with reprehensible relish. This provocative, witty play satirises the period with its student revolutionaries, but is also a play for today, questioning sexual power against women and freedom of expression. An exciting collaboration of the Norwich Players Theatre Company, Maddermarket Theatre and UEA, it’s not to be missed.

The Fabulous Forties

Mon 13 & Tue 14 Mar 2:30pm  £13 | UC £6.50

The Phoenix Voices take us to the ‘40s for two afternoons of classic songs from the decade.

The 1940s was a period of the world at war. This era was not only full of sentimental war songs, it was also a time for musical change; full of jazz, swing and unforgettable romantic musicals. Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and the wonderful Vera Lynn were some

of the unforgettable artists at this time.  Indulge your nostalgia and enjoy these crooning classics in a journey back through time to The Fabulous Forties.

The History of Soul

Thu 16 Mar 7:30pm

£24 | UC £12 | NHS £12

The History of Soul is a celebration of soul music through the decades. A night featuring Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Temptations and many more. Rediscover the songs that

shaped the music industry as we know it, brought back to life by an exceptional band of performers from around the world. A must-see for any fan of soul!

Into the Woods JR

Greasepaint Academy

Sat 18 Mar 2:30pm & 5pm

£12.60 | 14 and under £8

When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever. Local independent performing arts academy for ages 4-18 years – Greasepaint Academy – is excited to present the wonderful Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods JR!

Pinocchio

Wed 22 Mar 1:30pm & 4pm

£15

Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter’s workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet maker who wants to be a real father. Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and the shadow of two saws transforms into a giant shark. An element of improvisation makes each performance unique to its audience. Puppetry, shadows, illusion and speciallycomposed music combine to create a show with something for all ages; it’s inventive, visually and verbally witty, with a big heart.

“Wonderful work that celebrates the possibilities of theatre.” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

True Tales of the Tour de France: Matt Rendell in Conversation

Thu 23 Mar 7:30pm

£13.65

ITV Tour de France commentator and acclaimed author, Matt Rendell, joins us for an evening of entertaining and revealing cycling conversation. Matt will look forward to this year’s Tour de France – while reviewing 2022’s race – while talking of his dealings with cycling's big names, from Eddy Merckx to Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish to Bradley Wiggins.

King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys

Fri 24 Mar 7:30pm £20 | UC £10 | NHS £10

Matt Rendell’s shows delight audiences with a magic mix of deep knowledge, hilarious stories, radical ideas about the sport's future and a near-poetic appreciation of its beauties.

With more than 6500 performances in 21 countries under their belt in their 30 years on the road, King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys are more than just the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing band – they’re an institution! They’ve played on 36 radio shows and made 73 television appearances, including several on Blue Peter, The Teletubbies, as well as the Paradise Club series where they were the house band…not to mention accompanying John Barrowman on Live and Kicking.

Rough, tough and always rocking, they have appeared at festivals, in concert and at clubs throughout the UK and Europe, and they still play the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, where they have headlined for an unprecedented 14 years.

Big Variety Show

Sat 25 Mar 7:30pm

£16

The best of the East! Join us for an evening with the region’s top entertainers as we celebrate the best of variety with good old-fashioned humour and great company to raise funds for the region’s Performers Benevolent Fund. Think of it as the region’s answer to the Royal Variety Show! Song, dance, magic and comedy, including; international songstress and the county’s darling – Titania Trust, award-winning mind reader extraordinaire – The Amazing Anthony, comedy ventriloquist –Trish Dunn, comic magician – Jake Ace, musical entertainers – David Rees & Julie Hewitt, vocal duo –Back Two, Compere – Joseph Ballard.

There will also be a raffle to help raise funds and an exhibition, celebrating familiar faces of the local entertainment scene.

A Perfect Likeness

Conn Artist Theatre Company

Fri 31 Mar 7:30pm

£18 | 25 and under £13.50 | UC £9

Reclusive writer and photographer

Charles Dodgson (also known as Lewis Carroll) invites celebrity author Charles Dickens to his Oxford home to pose for a portrait. Dickens is so intrigued by the whimsical “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” that he accepts. What ensues is a baring of two creative souls, the one private and fastidious, the other boisterous and irreverent. As Dodgson struggles to capture a “perfect likeness” of Dickens, Dickens craftily pries into Dodgson’s personal life to get a handle on one of the most curious men he has ever met. The result is a hilarious and revealing conversation between two quirky, fascinating, and completely different men.

The Upbeat Beatles

Sat 1 Apr 7:30pm £22.50 | UC £11.25 | NHS £11.25

The Upbeat Beatles are second to none – powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicianship. There isn’t a band to touch them – just eight bars of Twist and Shout and you’ll know why!

The show takes you through the fab four’s long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road, with narrative and full multi-media presentation.

If you love The Beatles you’ll love this show, and if you don’t love The Beatles you’ll love this show!

I Spy with My Little Eye

Mon 3 Apr 2:30pm £11 | 16 and under £9.50 | UC £5.50 | NHS £5.50

Based on the picture book by Steven Lee. Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party and, best of all, you’re invited! There’ll be a terrific treasure hunt, all your favourite singalong songs (including The Ants Go Marching, Hickory Dickory Dock and BINGO) and lots of fantastic games to play, including Molly’s favourite game – I Spy With My Little Eye! So put on your party clothes and join us for what promises to be the best party ever! A sweet surprise and photos with Bingo and the birthday girl will be available after the show so bring along their cameras to capture the smiles.

Delve into the darkness of a bygone time with three nights of thrills and tales from Don’t Go Into the Cellar! Their stage plays are all rooted in the popular fiction of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century; striving to capture the spirit of the original source material, whilst at the same time adding something fresh and unexpected for audiences to enjoy. All the way from the West Midlands – a land saturated with Victorian and Edwardian genre writing – Don’t Go Into the Cellar! are here to bring these classic stories to life. If you like the sound of all three of these alluring performances, you can buy a set of tickets for a delightful discount.

The Thirty-Nine Steps

Tues 4 Apr 7:30pm £11 | UC £5.50 | NHS £5.50

A gripping one-man thriller based on the classic John Buchan tale. Can Hannay solve the riddle of The Black Stone in time to avert a global conflict? This new adaptation of the perennial favourite features Jonathan Goodwin as Richard Hannay.

Buy all three plays for £26 (save £7)

The Diary of a Nobody

Wed 5 Apr 7:30pm

£11 | UC £5.50 | NHS £5.50

One of the funniest books written during the nineteenth century receives a brandnew stage adaptation! Jonathan Goodwin, in a show he also scripted, plays the hapless and humourless Charles Pooter, whose mundane existence provides the setting for this comedic look at suburbia.

City clerk Charles Pooter is a very ordinary Nobody who nonetheless decides that his mundane life is worthy of posterity by keeping a diary. Now you are all invited to listen to his own accounts of his suburban life with wife Carrie and their friends, Cummings and Gowing. Never realising that he is usually the butt of the jokes being told at his expense, Pooter’s preening pomposity ensures the audience laughs at him, and not with him!

Raffles

Thu 6 Apr 7:30pm

£11 | UC £5.50 | NHS £5.50

A.J. Raffles is the Edwardian era’s most celebrated gentleman thief. In a series of highly entertaining tales, the suave catburglar thrills and charms you in equal measure. Written by E.W. Hornung (Arthur Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law).

The Best in Comedy

Sat 8 Apr 7:30pm

£17.33

The Best in Comedy will be returning to the Maddermarket stage this April with another line up of witty and hysterical entertainers!

More information will be available on our website nearer the time, so stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled to find out more.

Diana – The Untold and Untrue Story

Fri 7 Apr 7:30pm

£15 | UC £7.50 | NHS £7.50

Do you know the story of Diana?

Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy – this unique celebration of the people’s princess is as hilarious as it is tasteless. A brand new show from harbingers of theatrical chaos, Awkward Productions written and performed by Linus Karp. Our two previous shows – how to live a jellicle life – life lessons from the 2019 hit movie musical ‘cats’ and Awkward Conversations With Animals I’ve F*cked – have received much critical acclaim and have both toured the UK extensively.

Little Shop of Horrors

Echo Youth Theatre

Wed 12 & Fri 14 Apr 7:30pm

Thu 13 5pm

Sat 15 2:30pm & 7:30pm

£16.50

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II, after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-

singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent towards global domination!

The James Taylor Quartet

Fri 21 Apr 7:30pm

Seat Band A £25 | Seat Band B £20

The James Taylor Quartet are here to get you up and swinging!

Lead by Hammond organ-guru, James Taylor, JTQ stands with one foot planted firmly in the 21st Century – and the other, just as firmly, somewhere south of the 1970s. For a quarter of a century, JTQ have set the standard for the coolest sounds in funky acid jazz. On dozens of mighty albums and at their legendary gigs at home and around the world, they’ve quietly become a byword for distinguished British creativity.

“James Taylor keeps it swinging, fun and unpretentious.” Jazzwise

The Jive Aces

Sat 22 Apr 7:30pm

£24.15 | UC £12.08 | NHS £11.50

Renowned for their high-energy swingin’ music and spectacular live show, The Jive Aces, have toured over 40 countries worldwide. They strive to spread smiles and cheer with their swingin’ music and classic vintage style, from crooning smooth ballads to blasting honking rhythm and blues. With their hallmark yellow suits and a repertoire that stretches from the timeless tunes of the swing era to the glitz of the Rat Pack, with a dash of classic rock ‘n’ roll, they perform songs by such great artists as Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald (as well as a selection of superb original tunes) in their unique upbeat style.

“The Jive Aces have to be one of the most entertaining and multi-talented acts around. Brilliant musicianship combined with a madcap sense of fun on stage.”

– The Stage

Je Suis Swing

Fri 28 Apr 7:30pm

£17.50

The sublime sounds of the Simon Brown Quintet, accompanied by vocalists Julie Hewitt and David Rees, return to the Maddermarket stage this April with a fresh springtime blend of swing and ‘hot club’ jazz standards from across the world.  Blessed with the sonorous tones of Zak Barrett’s clarinet and Phil Brooke’s irresistible rhythm guitar, gypsy jazz numbers such as J’attendrai and Petite Fleur really come to life, and Zak’s homage to Sidney Bechet in Si tu vois ma Mere could seriously bring tears to your eyes (in all the right ways!)

Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band - Chapel and Tavern

Sat 29 Apr 7:30pm

£24.50

Having spent their long and distinguished collaborative career exploring Christmas and timeless religious music, Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band’s new tour – Chapel and Tavern – sees them celebrate the lives and culture of ordinary folk. The first half of the concert takes place in the chapel, featuring the vigorous and enthusiastic music of the church gallery bands from an era when hymn writers happily took their inspiration from theatre music and popular song. After the interval, we’re in the tavern for rousing performances of catches, ballads, theatre songs and dance tunes.

Iolanthe

East Norfolk Operatic Society

Wed 3 – Sat 6 May 7:30pm

Sun 7 2:30pm

£16.50 | 25 and under £11 | UC £8.25 | NHS £8.25

Iolanthe is Gilbert and Sullivan at their best. Gilbert’s hilarious satire on the House of Lords and the role of women in politics is complemented by Sullivan’s sparkling music, making this one of the most popular of the G&S canon. ENOS’ exciting new production moves the action forward to the Roaring Twenties, promising a magical evening of melodious merriment.

ABBA Revival

Wed 10 May 7:30pm

£24.50

Award-winning ABBA tribute band – ABBA Revival – has recently been voted the UK’s Official No.1 ABBA tribute act by the Agent’s Association of Great Britain. Revival’s renowned ABBA stage show has proven a hit time and time again in the UK and the world over, wowing audiences from Europe to the Middle East, and just recently they were invited to perform a 5-day tour in ABBA’s homeland of Sweden. The show includes faithful choreography, spectacular and authentic costumes, stunning production and, most importantly, excellent musicianship. ABBA Revival takes their audience on a musical journey back to those heady poptastic disco days when ABBA ruled the dance floor!!

The Hollow

Norwich Players Theatre Company

Wed 17 – Fri 19 May 7:30pm

Sat 20 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Sun 21 5pm

£16 | 25 and under £10 | UC £8 | NHS £8

An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the centre of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife, Gerda, his mistress, Henrietta and his former lover and Hollywood film star, Veronica. Also visiting are love rival Edward, and disheartened cousin Midge. As the romantic associations grow, so does the list of potential suspects, as a shot rings out across the grounds and house. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed.

A Christie classic that leaves you guessing until the very last moment.

Frozen JR

Limelight Theatre Company

Wed 31 May & Thu 1 Jun 5pm

Fri 2 7:30pm

Sat 3 2:30pm & 7:30pm

£15 | UC £7.50 | NHS £7.50

Do you want to build a snowman? You’ll love this fanciful and heart-warming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time! Join Anna, Elsa, and all of your favourite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes

favourite Frozen songs such as Love Is an Open Door, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, and Let It Go, as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. With its empowering message of love and understanding, Frozen JR is sure to melt your heart!

School of Rock

Echo Youth Theatre Company

Thurs 8 & Fri 9 Jun 7:30pm

Sat 10 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Sun 11 Jun 2:30pm

£16.50

Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme… you better get me to school on time! School of Rock is a two-hour, two-act musical based on the hit movie. The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school.

There, he turns a class of straight-A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

An exclusively ceramics gallery in the heart of Norwich Lanes

The Gallery: We are an independent Ceramics Gallery established in 2016 specialising in modern and contemporary studio ceramics, working exclusively with British based artists, and occupies the ground floor of this lovely grade 2 listed building.

Our Pottery Studios are on the First floors: We have fully equipped pottery studios, with work stations available to rent on a daily or half daily basis, for potters able to work independently and are booked on a rolling 4 weekly basis.

Pottery Lessons: We offer pottery tuition for beginners as well as advanced tuition on most aspects of ceramics. Evening classes are also regularly available.

WALKS

Open daily all year: Boardwalk, bird hide, arboretum, wellbeing wanders

GARDENS

Open from May 17th Wed, Thurs , Fri and Sunday 11am-5pm.

Garden tearoom with local specialities.

EVENTS

Programme: Taster Activity Days April 1st, 22nd

Little Vintage Lover Fair May 14th, Concerts July 21st and 22nd, Open air Shakespeare August 11th, Charity Day Sept 3rd. Literary Fair October 6th-8th.

Talk to us

The easiest way to book tickets, stay up-to-date with what's on, join our mailing list, hire our spaces or costumes, and donate your time or money, is via our website –maddermarket.co.uk

You can call us on 01603 620 917 or email us at boxoffice@maddermarket.org If you want to talk in person, our Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 11am - 2pm, and one hour prior to every performance.

Many of our productions offer discounts for NHS workers, Blue Light Card holders, and Universal Credit recipients. You can find our full Ticket Refund/Exchange and Privacy policies on our website.

Find us

You'll find us nestled in the Norwich Lanes, on Saint John’s Alley, which runs between Pottergate and Saint Andrew's Street, just around the corner from the market and the city hall. We can also be approached from Saint Benedict's Street, Duke Street and Lobster Lane.

There is no parking on site, but both the Saint Andrews and Saint Giles Car Parks are just a short walk from us. Blue Badge parking is available opposite Jarrolds on London Street and on Gentleman’s Walk.

Make merry with us

Our Madders Bar opens an hour before every show and stays open for a short while after each. We serve a wide range of alcoholic beverages – many from local suppliersas well as soft and hot drinks, and a selection of snacks and cakes.

Pre-order your interval drinks before the show to avoid the half-time rush and choose your favourite ice-cream from an enticing selection by local legends, Ronaldo’s.

And for something more substantial, we’re only a few minutes’ walk from the wealth of dining options the Norwich Lanes and city centre offer.

Access us

We strive to make our venue as accessible as possible.

There is stair-free, level access from our garden entrance into the bar, foyer, bathrooms, and auditorium. There are two wheelchair spaces towards the front of the stalls; space to park a limited number of mobility scooters and prams outside the auditorium; and a few seats for those who need extra legroom. A wireless hearing loop system is in place in the auditorium.

In certain circumstances, we offer carers complimentary tickets, and encourage patrons to call ahead with any special needs, so we can make everyone’s visit comfortable and safe.

Get to know us

Since 1921, we've been a ‘home away from home’ for anyone wanting to get creative, make friends and experience quality entertainment. Located in the heart of historic Norwich, in a listed building brimming with character, we’ve been described as ‘the people’s theatre’ (BBC Norfolk). Founded by an Edwardian maverick whose vision was fuelled by meals donated by local hoteliers, we’ve always been at the heart of the community. Today the helping hands of locals continue to keep the Maddermarket thriving.

We're home to the Norwich Players Theatre Company, host to many local theatre makers and creators, and supported by a dedicated team of theatre professionals and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. We’re an almost entirely self-sufficient registered charity, with our activities funded by ticket sales and the kind donations of supporters.

Help us

For over 100 years, we've been proudly supported by a small army of volunteers who sell the tickets, usher the audience, paint the sets, pour the beers, sew the costumes, rig the lights...you name it. We couldn't operate without them, and we'd love you to join our family. Some join to build careers, others to improve health and well-being. Many come for the sheer pleasure of being creative, the rewards of helping out and the opportunity to meet new people. Being an almost entirely self-funded registered charity, we also rely on the kind donations of theatre lovers such as yourself. Every pound helps - now more than ever - so please give generously if you can.

Hire us

Have a show you want to put on? Need a venue for an event, party or get-together? Look no further. We can offer our charming 300-seat auditorium, our intimate studio, our spacious bar, and our gorgeous inner-city beer garden and courtyard at very competitive rates, and tailor a package that takes care of your technical, marketing, staffing and catering needs. We also have a huge wardrobe department, offering customer hire across an extensive range of styles and periods.