Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Spring 2018

WELCOME TO

SPRING 2018 I hope you like the exciting range of work we have programmed at Theatre Royal.

We have some real classics on stage including Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and Hard Times, the ultimate tribute to the First World War, Birdsong, Whisky Galore, and Edgar Alan Poe’s thriller, The Case of the Frightened Lady.

There are also productions from contemporary British writers including Anthony Horowitz, Michael Morpurgo and we are delighted that John Godber will perform in his new play The Scary Bikers. There is new work from The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, based on the best seller Sweet Mandarin and two new musical productions, Teddy and Judy and Liza.

For dance lovers we have ballet, tap and flamenco and I am delighted that Swansea City Opera return with The Barber of Seville. Alongside comedy, magic, music and our extensive

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programme for families, we hope you will find many reasons to enjoy a performance at our beautiful and iconic theatre.

In 2019, Theatre Royal will be 200 years old.

We know that the work we do in our building, in the schools and out in the community is about building for the future and contributing to people’s lives. I would like to thank our local authorities, Patrons, Sponsors, Friends and the volunteers of all ages that also play a key role in our success. If you would like to be more involved in our work please do not hesitate to get in touch. There are so many ways you can be part of our future and of course we look forward to welcoming you and your friends for a night out.

KAREN SIMPSON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A MESSAGE FROM

OUR SPONSOR

Gross & Co. Solicitors are delighted to be once again supporting Theatre Royal and sponsoring the 2018 spring season.

Woolnough Gross, who opened the firm in 1848, I am sure would agree that Theatre Royal is and should always be a crucial part of the heritage of Bury St Edmunds. Today it reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the historic town where we nurture develop and showcase the best of new artists and their work; reflecting local, national and international communities and encouraging the diversification of artists and artistic leadership in the UK. We are very proud to be a part of this community and look forward to the exciting new season.

Graeme Kirk, Senior Partner gdk@gross.co.uk | 01284 763333 | www.gross.co.uk Established in Bury St. Edmunds since 1848, Gross & Co. Solicitors have earned a reputation for providing clients professional advice with a personal service.

Today we have teams who specialise in Property, Family & Divorce, Wills, Trusts & Probate, Immigration, and Company, Commercial & Employment.

MEMBERSHIPS Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505 3

BOOKING INFORMATION / SEASON SAVER

SEASON SAVER

DISCOUNT Book multiple shows and make big savings!

Book early to secure your favourite seats and see more for less this spring.

Book 6+ shows SAVE 15% Book 8+ shows SAVE 25% Valid on all shows excluding Children’s Shows, Fundraising and Community Events & Panto. Season Saver Discount can only be used on seats in Price Bands A & B and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts except the Friends Saver.

BECOME A FRIEND AND SAVE EVEN MORE! Friends receive an additional 5% off

ONLINE:

www.theatreroyal.org

BY PHONE:

01284 769505

BY EMAIL: booking@theatreroyal.org

Take advantage of the Season Saver Discount this spring to see more shows for less. Booking 4+ shows will save you 10%, 6+ shows 15% and 8+ shows a massive 25% off!

Book 4+ shows SAVE 10%

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BOOKING INFORMATION

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IN PERSON:

Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1QR

UNDER 21 SAVER

Tickets are £10.50 for all shows excluding Fundraising Events, Community Events and Pantomime.

GROUPS & SCHOOLS SAVER

Groups of 8+ receive £1 off full price tickets in Bands A, B & C. Panto groups of 10+ recieve £1 off and groups of 25+ receive £1.50 off full price tickets in Bands A, B & C. School groups are £10.50 per ticket with buy 10 get 11th free.

For more information contact our Groups & Schools Coordinator on 01284 829947 or email groupbookings@theatreroyal.org

TERMS & CONDITIONS

We do not charge booking or credit card fees. Exchanges or returns are available up to 7 days before a performance with a £1.75 admin charge per ticket. Schools’ discounts are subject to availability. All ticket prices are starting at prices and can change based on demand so book early to secure the best seats at the best prices.

Please note information is correct at time of going to print, for the latest information visit our website.

SIGHTLINES

Theatre Royal is an historic horseshoe-shaped Georgian auditorium; if you are unfamiliar with the sightlines please talk to our Box Office staff or take a guided tour.

Seats in Dress Circle Boxes A B C / Q R S, Upper Circle Boxes A B C / N P Q and Gallery Row C & D are marked as restricted viewing for many theatre and dance productions.

ACCESS

Spaces for wheelchair users are available in Dress Circle Boxes F, H, K and M subject to availability. We ask you to book in person or over the phone to ensure we can fully accommodate your visit.

There is step free access to the front of the theatre, Box Office, Greene Room Bar, Dress Circle and toilets.

Please note The Pit, Upper Circle and Gallery are only accessible by stairs.

SEATING PLAN KEY Price Band A Price Band B Price Band C Price Band RV

BOOKING INFORMATION / SAVER INFORMATION Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

SEATING PLAN

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb DRAMA / BIRDSONG PRODUCTIONS LTD

HHHH The Daily Telegraph

Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down.

As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground.

Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

A mesmerising story of love and courage. Set both before and during the Great War. Following on from the 2013/14/15 National tours, seen by over 200,000 people, now it is your chance to experience this stunning piece of theatre live on stage. “Moving, gripping, dramatically electrifying and outstanding� The Times 6

HHHH The Daily Mail

“A moving and stunning performance” HHHHH WhatsOnStage

JANUARY / FEBRUARY Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

HHHH The Times

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TICKETS Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 7.30pm Thu 1 Mat 2pm Sat 3 Mat 3pm

£30 - £10.50

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FEBRUARY

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Wed 7 - Thu 8 Feb

Fri 9 - Sat 10 Feb

MICHAEL MCINTYRE: WORK IN PROGRESS

JUDY & LIZA

DEAR ZOO

An emotional rollercoaster of photographs, movie clips and live performances of all of your favourite hits including Cabaret, Maybe This Time and The Man That Got Away.

Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift-the-flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.

Uncover the uncanny parallels between their most iconic songs and the personal lives of the mother and daughter who put the ‘show’ into showbiz.

This production will delight all those who have read the book, (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

COMEDY / OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS

MUSICAL / LIVERPOOL’S ROYAL COURT

Michael McIntyre revisits Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds with Work In Progress.

Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli are back together again in this amazing new musical experience.

Sat 17 - Sun 18 Feb

FAMILY / NORWELL LAPLEY PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

The timeless children’s classic book makes its stage premiere.

Sponsored by

TICKETS

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Wed 7 & Thu 8 8pm

TICKETS

Fri 9 & Sat 10 7.30pm £26

Sat 10 Mat 3pm

Sat 17 1.30pm & 3.30pm £26 - £10.50

Sun 18 11am & 1.30pm

£14 - £10.50

MUSICAL / SARAH LOADER FOR SNAPDRAGON PRODUCTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE WATERMILL THEATRE Elephant and Castle, London. 1956. Saturday night.

Teddy and Josie are about to hit the streets of London for a good time. Hair quiffed. Red lipstick. Dressed toe to head in the latest threads. So what if it’s pouring down, they’re totally skint and someone wants them dead? A little trouble never stopped a Ted from having a good time.

Desperate times call for rock ‘n’ roll.

From the writer-director team behind Boudica at the Globe, Frankenstein at The Watermill Theatre and Wilton’s Music Hall in London comes Teddy, an award-winning, punchy new musical that races through the dark and damaged world of post-war London: a brand new Britain bombed to bits by the Blitz, belts tight with austerity, but ripe and ready for revolution.

With electrifying original songs plus some of the hugest hits from the 1950s performed by the on-stage live band Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts, Teddy is the ultimate story of teenage rebellion and the birth of a new musical era.

Bursting with the energy of a live gig, this is theatre that leaves you on a high and jiving all the way home.

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FEBRUARY Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Mon 19 - Sat 24 Feb

HHHH “A game changer that pushes the music integrated play forwards.” The Stage HHHH “An absolute blast of a night, a fun, punchy, poignant homage to London’s past and an evening that will have you jiving on your way out.” Time Out

TICKETS Mon 19 - Sat 24 7.30pm Wed 21 Mat 2pm Sat 24 Mat 3pm

£26 - £10.50

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FEBRUARY / MARCH

Thu 22 Feb

Thu 1 - Fri 2 Mar

CALL MY BLUFF

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

FUNDRAISER

DANCE / BALLET THEATRE UK

WITH CHIRSTOPHER BIGGINS Join the mighty Christopher Biggins and a panel of ‘experts’ for a game of bluff and double bluff – there will be a lot of guessing and a lot of quaffing!

Enjoy a riotous evening of laughs, fun and fine wine. Hosted by Nethergate Wines and providing all the wine you need for a wonderfully fun night out. Bread and cheese will also be served throughout (all included in the ticket price).

This event is at the Unitarian Meeting House on Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1RH.

This is a Theatre Royal Friends Committee fundraising event to support Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (Registered Charity Number 242977)

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Thu 22 7.30pm

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Be transported to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment. Lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight conspire in Shakespeare’s classic tale brought to you by Ballet Theatre UK. Through the vision of Artistic Director Christopher Moore, this innovative production gives the old tale a new life. With stunning original choreography set to the iconic Mendelssohn score and breath-taking costume you will be transported to the magical woodland of old where you will rediscover the magical charm of this classic comedy.

TICKETS Fri 2 Mat 2pm

OPERA / SWANSEA CITY OPERA

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THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Swansea City Opera presents a revival of their hugely successful 2011 production of The Barber of Seville, Rossini’s most famous opera; razorsharp and full of twists and turns.

From Figaro’s famous entrance aria ‘Largo al Factotum’ to the frenzy of the Act I finale, The Barber of Seville makes for a rollicking evening’s entertainment.

Swansea City opera is known across the UK for its high quality and engaging performances of comic opera and this sparkling performance will be no exception.

Sung in English with Chedburgh Community Choir.

TICKETS

Thu 1 - Fri 2 7pm £25

Sat 3 Mar

£26 - £10.50

Sat 3 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

DRAMA / TITLED WIG PRODUCTIONS AND MALVERN THEATRES

Great Charles Dickens’

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Expectations

Adapted by Ken Bentley Directed by Sophie Boyce Couzens Designed by James Turner Sound Design by Max Pappenheim

The team who delighted audiences here with Travels with my Aunt and Our Man in Havana is back with Dickens’ timeless classic in a powerful new stage adaptation.

Following a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict, young Pip is given an unexpected chance to better himself by visiting the reclusive and mysterious Miss Havisham. In the decaying grandeur of her house, Pip falls in love with Estella and helped by an anonymous benefactor, he moves to the bustling city to pursue his dream of winning Estella’s heart and of becoming part of the educated elite.

MARCH Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Tue 6 - Sat 10 Mar

Olivier Award-winning actress, Nichola McAuliffe, leads the cast as the iconic Miss Havisham. Nichola is best known for her roles in the TV series, Surgical Spirit, the films Tomorrow Never Dies and Chéri and many stage appearances including Kiss Me Kate for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Peopled by some of Dickens’ most colourful and memorable characters and painted in rich, vivid colours across a vast landscape of people and locations, this stunning new version promises a powerful and theatrical telling of Dickens’ universally loved masterpiece.

TICKETS Tue 6 - Sat 10 7.30pm Wed 7 Mat 2pm Sat 10 Mat 3pm

£26 - £10.50

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MARCH

Mon 19 - Wed 21 Mar

COMEDY / THEATRE ROYAL WAKEFEILD & JOHN GODBER COMPANY

A new comedy about life, love and staying on your bike! Starring the double BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning partnership of John Godber and Jane Thornton.

When retired miner Don and former private school teacher Carol meet at a bereavement group, they thought they’d found a new beginning. But a bike ride through Europe would test their budding romance, and the road to love is rocky when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

Join them on their hilarious and heartfelt journey, as they reconcile the past, debate the present and worry about the future. Whether they’re saddle sore in Southampton, blistered in Bordeaux or frazzled in Florence, one thing is for sure – it takes two to tandem!

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Mon 19 - Wed 21 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

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DRAMA / ANGELA BROWNE LTD IN ASSOCIATION WITH TABS PRODUCTIONS

A mind-bending psychological thriller from the pen of Anthony Horowitz – creator of Foyle’s War, the BBC’s New Blood, Alex Rider, the Sherlock Holmes novels House of Silk and Moriarty… and the James Bond novel Trigger Mortis.

MARCH Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

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Thu 22 - Sat 24 Mar

When Mark Styler, a writer of glossy ‘true crime’ paperbacks, tries to get an interview with Easterman, a notorious serial killer, he has no idea what he’s walking into. First he has to get past Dr Farquhar, the quixotic head of Fairfields - the asylum where Easterman is kept.

But soon he discovers that nothing is what it seems. Who is the mysterious Borson?

Where did he get the meat in the fridge?

And why isn’t the skeleton in the closet?

TICKETS Thu 22 - Sat 24 7.30pm Sat 24 Mat 3pm

£26 - £10.50

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MARCH

Tue 27 Mar

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Thu 29 - Fri 30 Mar

SAT 31 MAR

INCOGNITO

I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS

Mi Flamenco is an international flamenco company with artists of the highest calibre, bringing quality and entertaining performance to UK audiences and beyond.

This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady...

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

DANCE / MI FLAMENCO

A show with all the spirit of authentic, pulsating flamenco, intertwined with the unexpected.

Exciting, moving flamenco dance, powerful song, virtuoso guitar and cello, with lots of charm, imagination and theatre thrown in.

A passionate spectacle for dance, music and theatre-lovers everywhere.

FAMILY / WIZARD PRESENTS

by Michael Morpurgo

An enchanting and interactive production, I Believe in Unicorns sparks imagination in both young and old. We challenge you not to believe in unicorns after joining Tomas’ spellbinding journey. Suitable for ages 6+ “An utterly magical stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s enthralling children’s tale” The Stage

TICKETS

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Tue 27 7.30pm

Thu 29 1.30pm & 4.30pm £21.50 - £10.50

Fri 30 10.30am & 1.30pm £12.50 - £10.50

MUSICAL / ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS LIMITED

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This international smash-hit tribute show brings all of ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes and dazzling performances by an all-star cast that’ll have you thanking ABBA for the music again and again!

Record-breaking movies, smash-hit West End musicals, chart-topping albums and singles – ABBA’s incredible legacy now lives on in concert with this all-new spectacular show.

“Tightly choreographed and a standing ovation… feels like the real thing” Daily Echo

TICKETS Sat 31 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

When young Jim Hawkins is left a treasure map by the dying buccaneer Billy Bones, he sets sail on the Hispaniola in search of the island. Among the crew, Long John Silver becomes his greatest friend, but Silver has a shocking secret in store, and when they reach their destination, Jim faces danger and adventure greater than he could have imagined!

APRIL Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Thu 5 - Sat 7 April DRAMA / THEATRE ROYAL BURY ST EDMUNDS YOUNG COMPANY

With original music, this is sure to be a highlight of the Easter Holidays for all the family!

The classic tale of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island will be brought to life by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds’ Young Company who have previously delighted audiences with their productions of The Jungle Book, Kes and Arabian Nights.

TICKETS Thu 5 - Sat 7 7.30pm Sat 7 Mat 3pm £16.50 - £8.50

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APRIL

Thu 5 Apr

Sun 8 Apr

GOLF DAY

PAUL GAMBACCINI

FUNDRAISER

COMEDY / NORWELL LAPLEY PRODUCTIONS LTD

Join us for a day of golf with your friends, family colleagues, team or club at Stowmarket Golf Club.

Enjoy a coffee & bacon roll on arrival and fish & chips after your round. For teams of up to 4.

Using the Stableford Competition scoring system the best 3 scores from 4 are to count.

Generous prize table and raffle.

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For the first time, Paul Gambaccini reveals how he started life as a boy in the Bronx and wound up ‘The Professor of Pop’ in Great Britain.

Together with clips of great artists he has known, he will explain what it was like to experience the phenomena of Elvis Presley as a child and the Beatles as a teenager, how he got into radio, his early experiences with Rolling Stone magazine, his fascinating years at Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Classic FM, and his regular television appearances.

This is a Theatre Royal Friends Committee fundraising event to support Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (Registered Charity Number 242977)

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Thu 5

Tee off from 9am

£120 per team

Sun 8 7.30pm

DANCE / BALLET CENTRAL

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BALLET CENTRAL 2018

Ballet Central returns with a new programme showcasing the best in dance theatre. These talented young dancers will perform a mixed bill, featuring works by world-renowned choreographers.

See Jenna Lee’s brand new creation Black Swan, a dark twist on the iconic classic, and a gothic reworking of the ‘Fairies Prologue’ from Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty. An excerpt from Far by multi award-winning choreographer and director Wayne McGregor will also feature and to celebrate the work of Kenneth MacMillan the repertoire includes an excerpt from his rarely-seen Valley of Shadows. And finally, enjoy Christopher Gable’s Cinderella, a timeless version of a much-loved fairy tale.

TICKETS

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TICKETS

Mon 9 Apr

£26 - £10.50

Mon 9 7.30pm £21.50 - £10.50

Sat 14 Apr

DRAMA / TOWNSEND PRODUCTIONS

MUSIC / RLN MUSIC LIMITED

WE ARE LIONS, MR MANAGER!

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A new drama about the remarkable story of Jayaben Desai, the inspirational leader of the 1976-78 Grunwick Strike. She brought the issue of workplace exploitation and racism to the fore and challenged the perception of Asian women being inherently passive and docile.

She not only stood up for workers’ rights and against oppression with selfless dedication, but with her steadfast resolve, she turned the dispute into a national movement for human rights and dignity inspiring future generations.

FUNDRAISER

CLARE COLLEGE CHOIR

KIKI DEE & CARMELO LUGGERI

A new play by Neil Gore

Tue 17 Apr

Cementing her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists, 2018 marks Kiki’s 55th year in the music industry. The duo’s latest critically acclaimed album A Place Where I Can Go features 11 tracks including the haunting duet Horses with Scottish singer Eddi Reader.

Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of stories and song which include unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and, of course, Kiki’s own hits Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, I Got The Music In Me and the stunning Amoureuse.

Since the founding of a mixed voice choir in 1971, the Choir of Clare College has gained an international reputation as one of the leading university choral groups in the world.

Join the Choir at St Mary’s Church as they return after last year’s sell-out concert, for another sumptuous programme of music spanning centuries of choral excellence.

“Here is music with the power to transform your life” The Times This is a Theatre Royal Friends Committee fundraising event to support Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (Registered Charity Number 242977)

TICKETS

“...a company making a name for delivering vivid, politically committed theatre” - The Observer

Tue 17 7.30pm Central Pews

TICKETS

TICKETS Tue 10 7.30pm

£16.50 - £8.50

APRIL Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Tue 10 Apr

Sat 14 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

£20

Side Pews & Restricted Views

£15

Front Pews

£30

(includes pre-show drinks reception with the conductor)

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APRIL

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Wed 18 - Sat 21 Apr

DRAMA / LONDON ACACDEMY OF MUSIC AND DRAMATIC ART

LAMDA’s mission is to seek out and train the exceptional dramatic artists and technicians of every generation, so they can have the most extraordinary impact on the world through their work in theatre, film and television.

Returning to Theatre Royal with their new touring production of Hay Fever, LAMDA graces the stage with a new adaptation of Noel Coward’s 1920s comedy. Surprises, romance and outrageous behaviour lead to four guests regretting ever accepting an invitation from the melodramatic Blisses.

The four guests who have been invited to the Bliss household all believed they’d have their host to themselves.

When forced to engage in close quarters, romantic alliances shift with frivolous ease, misunderstandings and tempers flare and the Bliss family have no choice but to give up on their hope of a quiet weekend as they wreak emotional havoc on their guests.​

TICKETS Wed 18 - Sat 21 7.30pm Thu 19 Mat 2pm 18

Sat 21 Mat 3pm £21.50 - £10.50

CAR PARKING

Supported by The St Edmunds Trust

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES

Similar to subtitles in films, captioning converts the spoken word and sound effects in a performance into text which appears on a screen on stage as it is happening.

AUDIO DESCRIBED

Suitable for those who are blind or visually impaired, audio description gives you live commentary on the action happening on stage through a pair of headphones.

TOUCH TOURS

Available on request for some performances, please contact box office for more information.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE

Spoken English is translated into British Sign Language by an onstage interpreter.

RELAXED PERFORMANCE

These performances are slightly adjusted to allow a more relaxed, informal audience experience. Changes will be made to the sound and lighting to soften their impact and eliminate surprise.

To book a relaxed performance please call Box Office on 01284 769505.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

Spaces for wheelchair users are available in Dress Circle Boxes F, H, K and M subject to availability.

We ask you to book in person or over the phone to ensure we can fully accommodate your visit.

There is step free access at the front entrance of the theatre, Box Office, Green Room Bar, Dress Circle and toilets. Please note the Pit, Upper Circle and Gallery are only accessible by stairs.

INDUCTION LOOP

Available in every seat with your hearing aid turned to the T position.

GREENE KING CAR PARK – IP33 3PB

Off Cullum Road and available for most evening and weekend performances, the car park cost is £2, payable on entry.

ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION

Whilst we regret this route is not suitable for customers in wheelchairs, the front entrance to Theatre Royal is wheelchair accessible.

For daytime performances the nearest car parks to the theatre can be found at Premier Inn and Ram Meadow.

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DIARY

DIARY

Box Office Opening Hours Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org booking@theatreroyal.org

HELP US TO HELP YOU! Please have the following information to hand when you book your tickets: 1 The date and time of performance(s) that you wish to book for; 2 The number of tickets you would like; 3 If applicable, your preferred seating area; 4 Your credit / debit card number.

Date

Event

Time

JANUARY JULY Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Wed 31

The Good Person of Szechwan The Good Person of Szechwan The Good Person of Szechwan The Good Person of Szechwan The Good Person of Szechwan Birdsong

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm

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FEBRUARY

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Thu 1 Birdsong 2pm & 7.30pm 6 Fri 2 Birdsong 7.30pm 6 Sat 3 Birdsong 3pm & 7.30pm 6 Mon 5 Lunchtime Concert: Sam Phia & Louise Garner 1.10pm 25 AUGUST Wed 7 Michael McIntyre: Work In Progress 8pm 8 Thu 8 Michael McIntyre: Work In Progress 8pm 8 Fri 9 Judy & Liza 7.30pm 8 Sat 10 Judy & Liza 3pm & 7.30pm 8 Sun 11 The Jungle Book 3pm & 6.45pm 22 Mon 12 The Jungle Book 3pm & 6.45pm 22 Tue 13 From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads 7.30pm 22 Wed 14 Whose Story is it Anyway?

7.30pm 22 Thu 15 Fall Out 7.30pm 22 SEPTEMBER Fri 16 More Stars Than in the Heaven 7.30pm 22 Sat 17 Dear Zoo 1.30pm & 3.30pm 8 Sun 18 Dear Zoo 11am & 1.30pm 8 Mon 19 Teddy 7.30pm 9 Tue 20 Teddy 7.30pm 9 Wed 21 Teddy 2pm & 7.30pm 9 Thu 22 Teddy 7.30pm 9

Date

*Events highlighted in red are taking place at a venue other than the Theatre Royal. Please check venue details at time of booking.

Theatre Royal is operated by a Registered Charity (number: 242977) Bury St Edmunds Theatre Management Ltd registered in England and Wales.

Registration no 842455.

Reg offices: Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1QR. Brochure designed by Creative Duck Design.

Event

Time

Page

Thu 22 Call My Bluff 7.30pm 10 Fri 23 Teddy 7.30pm 9 Sat 24 Teddy 3pm & 7.30pm 9 Sun 25 Here We Are Now 6pm 34 Mon 26 Teechers 7.30pm 22 Tue 27 Teechers 7.30pm 22 Wed 28 Teechers 2pm & 7.30pm 22 MARCH Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Sun 4 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Mon 12 Tue 13 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24

A Midsummer Night’s Dream A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Barber of Seville Entertain Us Great Expectations Great Expectations Great Expectations Great Expectations Great Expectations Lunchtime Concert: Tale Dolce Musical The Producers The Producers The Producers The Producers The Producers The Scary Bikers The Scary Bikers The Scary Bikers Mindgame Mindgame Mindgame

7pm 2pm & 7pm 7.30pm 6pm 7.30pm 2pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm & 7.30pm 1.10pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm & 7.30pm

10 10 10 34 11 11 11 11 11 25 34 34 34 34 34 12 12 12 13 13 13

Event

Time

Tue 27 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat 31

Incognito I Believe in Unicorns I Believe in Unicorns Thank You For The Music

7.30pm 1.30pm & 4.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 7.30pm

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APRIL Thu 5 Treasure Island 7.30pm 15 Thu 5 Golf Day 16 Fri 6 Treasure Island 7.30pm 15 Sat 7 Treasure Island 3pm & 7.30pm 15 Sun 8 Paul Gambaccini 7.30pm 16 Mon 9 Ballet Central 2018 7.30pm 16 Tue 10 We are Lions, Mr Manager!

7.30pm 17 Sat 14 Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri 7.30pm 17 Tue 17 Clare College Choir 7.30pm 17 Wed 18 Hay Fever 7.30pm 18 Thu 19 Hay Fever 2pm & 7.30pm 18 Fri 20 Hay Faver 7.30pm 18 Sat 21 Hay Fever 3pm & 7.30pm 18 Mon 23 A Brave Face 7.30pm 22 Tue 24 Mountains - The Dreams of Lily Kwok 7.30pm 23 Wed 25 Mountains - The Dreams of Lily Kwok 2pm & 7.30pm 23 Sat 28 Walk like a Man 7.30pm 24 MAY Tue 1 Wed 2 Thu 3 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12 Wed 16 Thu 17 Fri 18 Sat 19

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Lunchtime Concert: James Recknell The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Richard Herring: Oh Frig, I’m 50!

Radio Active Islands in the Stream Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era Hard Times Hard Times Hard Times Hard Times

7.30pm 7.30pm 1.10pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm & 7.30pm

35 35 25 35 35 35 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 26

Date

Event

Time

Fri 25 Wed 30 Thu 31

Psychic Sally – Kisses To Heaven Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years Britain’s Got Magic

7.30pm 7.30pm 7pm

Page 27 27 27

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Whisky Galore Whisky Galore Whisky Galore Whisky Galore Whisky Galore Cinderella Cinderella The Owl and The Pussycat The Owl and The Pussycat Ryhthm of the Dance The Gruffalo’s Child The Gruffalo’s Child The Gruffalo’s Child The Hollow The Hollow The Hollow The Hollow

1pm & 4pm 11am & 1pm 11am & 1pm 7.30pm 2pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm & 7.30pm 10am & 1pm 11am & 2pm 7.30pm 1.30pm & 4.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm

28 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 32 31 31 31 35 35 35 35

Footloose: The Musical Footloose: The Musical Footloose: The Musical Footloose: The Musical The Case of the Frightened Lady The Case of the Frightened Lady

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

35 35 35 35 33 33

The Case of the Frightened Lady The Case of the Frightened Lady The Case of the Frightened Lady The Case of the Frightened Lady

2pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm & 7.30pm

33 33 33 33

JUNE Fri 1 Sat 2 Sun 3 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7 Fri 8 Sat 9 Mon 11 Tue 12 Fri 15 Sat 16 Wed 20 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30

DIARY Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Date

JULY Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Mon 30 Tue 31 AUGUST Wed 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4

21

APRIL

MORE SHOWS IN FEBRUARY

SEASON SAVER

DISCOUNT Take advantage of the Season Saver Discount this spring to see more shows for less. Booking 4+ shows will save you 10%, 6+ shows 15% and 8+ shows a massive 25% off!

Book early to secure your favourite seats and see more for less this spring.

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Book 6+ shows SAVE 15% Book 8+ shows SAVE 25% Valid on all shows excluding Children’s Shows, Fundraising and Community Events & Panto. Season Saver Discount can only be used on seats in Price Bands A & B and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts except the Friends Saver.

BECOME A FRIEND AND SAVE EVEN MORE! Friends receive an additional 5% off 22

DRAMA / VAMOS THEATRE PRESENTS A CO-PRODUCTION WITH

MERCURY THEATRE COLCHESTER & A CO-COMMISSION WITH LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL

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Sun 11 - Mon 12 Feb THE JUNGLE BOOK

Book multiple shows and make big savings!

Book 4+ shows SAVE 10%

Mon 23 Apr

Tue 13 Feb FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Wed 14 Feb WHOSE STORY IS IT ANYWAY? Thu 15 Feb FALL OUT

Fri 16 Feb MORE STARS THAN IN THE HEAVENS Mon 26 - Wed 28 Feb TEECHERS

Find out more at www.theatreroyal.org/upcoming

A BRAVE FACE

Award-winning Vamos Theatre brings its trademark, wordless, full mask style to a story that needs to be told. Set in Afghanistan in 2009, A Brave Face explores Post-Traumatic Stress, an unseen injury of war, and the impact it can have on even the closest of families.

With engaging storytelling, physical dexterity and emotional insight, A Brave Face engages audiences across borders and boundaries.

HHHHH “Simply beautiful” WhatsOnStage HHHHH “Quite simply, a triumph” Inquire

TICKETS Mon 23 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

DRAMA / BLACK THEATRE LIVE WITH YELLOW EARTH THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

MOUNTAINS

The Dreams Of Lily Kwok Helen has grown up in the UK, but always felt a piece of her story was missing.

Visiting her mother’s birthplace of Hong Kong for the first time, she is determined to find out who she really is and where she belongs. Amidst the skyscrapers and bustling streets, she meets her grandmother, Lily Kwok, and steps into her past where she discovers shocking family secrets that will change her life forever.

This stylish and evocative new play by award winning writer In-Sook Chappell, tells the extraordinary story of the women behind the famous Manchester restaurant Sweet Mandarin.

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APRIL Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Tue 24 - Wed 25 Apr

Based on Helen Tse’s bestselling family memoir of passion, sacrifice and survival across three generations held together with one lifeline - food.

Mountains - The Dreams Of Lily Kwok with live cooking on stage.

“A gripping tale of struggle, laughter, love and food … with a universal story of survival that will move your soul.”

Ken Hom Sweet Mandarin

TICKETS Tue 24 - Wed 25 7.30pm Wed 25 Mat 2pm £21.50 - £10.50

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APRIL / MAY

Sat 28 Apr

MUSIC / HANDSHAKE LIMITED

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WALK LIKE A MAN Go back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, now immortalised in the multi-award winning show Jersey Boys, which has been packing theatres worldwide since its debut in 2005.

Valli’s unmistakable voice dominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December 63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You and many, many more.

Wed 9 May

COMEDY / AVALON PROMOTIONS LIMITED

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RICHARD HERRING: OH FRIG I’M 50!

Richard Herring gets to the half century (against all odds) and looks at how his life has changed in the last decade; from irresponsible, single kidult, literally fighting his way through a mid-life crisis, to married father who is mid-way to the telegram from the Queen (though given she will be 140 in 2067, she might forget to send it).

Following on from Oh F***, I’m 40! This is the second (and let’s face it, almost certainly penultimate) instalment in Herring’s once-adecade examination of ageing.

Thu 10 May

COMEDY / SO COMEDY

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RADIO ACTIVE

Angus Deayton, Helen Atkinson Wood, Michael Fenton Stevens and Philip Pope reunite to take classic scripts from the award winning BBC Radio 4 show following a sell-out and critically acclaimed run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and performances at the Glastonbury & Underbelly Southbank Festivals.

HHHH – The Telegraph HHHHH – British Theatre Guide HHHHH – The Edinburgh Guide

“A gloriously infantile delight in mischief, provocation and inspired rudeness” The Guardian.

TICKETS 24

Sat 28 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

TICKETS

TICKETS

Wed 9 8pm £21.50 - £10.50

Thu 10 8pm £21.50 - £10.50

MUSIC / ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS LIMITED

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Sat 12 May

MUSIC / THE NICK ROSS ORCHESTRA

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Mon 5 Feb

1.10pm

SAM PIHA AND LOUISE GARNER

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Enjoy the songs of the Queen and King of country music - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

This thigh-slapping stage show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly, along with Kenny’s charisma and energy with hit after hit including: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the Country, plus the smash hit Islands in the Stream.

Enjoy a superb score and supreme musicianship as we bring the house down with the ultimate tribute to two country music legends.

Returning from thrilling cruise ship audiences worldwide, Sam (guitar) and Louise (flute) have ‘runaground’ again, just long enough to launch their first CD of Sam’s own music at this concert, featuring ‘Malaguena’ used in the award-winning 2015 film Joy, starring Robert de Niro and Jennifer Lawrence.

SOUNDS OF THE GLENN MILLER ERA

Mon 12 Mar

The lights soften, the mood settles. An audience waits for that first moment of sound. The Big Band is poised, relaxed, but with eyes anxious for the lead. And then, as if giving body to an echo, the mumured notes of Moonlight Serenade... and the night, it seems, is suddenly full and timeless.

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an umissable evening of music and song’ - the Classic Big Band Sound of the 1940s, inlcuding In the Mood, Little Brown Jug and other classic Glenn Miller songs.

TALE DOLCE MUSICA

1.10pm

Three of the most experienced woodwind players from Norfolk (flute, oboe, bassoon), led by flautist Anna Hopkins with harpsichordist David Morgan, perform sweet music from the Baroque era.

Thu 3 May

JAMES RECKNELL

1.10pm

Another Baroque treat, including a delightful Capriccio by J S Bach and a Suite by F Couperin, performed on the spine-tingling harpsichord by the well-known harpsichordist, organist, pianist, choir director and former Head of Music at Culford School.

MAY / LUNCHTIME CONCERTS Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Fri 11 May

Tickets £8.50 (Includes tea, coffee and cakes after each concert) Sponsored by Gross & Co

TICKETS

TICKETS Fri 11 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

Sat 12 7.30pm

£26 - £10.50

In association with ArtsOptions.

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MAY

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Wed 16 - Sat 19 May

DRAMA / NORTHERN BROADSIDES

BY CHARLES DICKENS A new adaptation by Debbie McAndrew Directed by Conrad Nelson

The Northern Powerhouse, 1854.

Imagine a world where imagination is forbidden.

Coketown is such a place. Thomas Gradgrind will not permit fanciful thoughts in his school or his home. But what effect will this policy have on his own children, Tom and Louisa? How can he protect them from corrupting influences – especially when the circus comes to town?

Dark satanic mills, interrupted by the colour and vibrancy of Sleary’s Circus, set the stage for a sweeping tale of supressed love, seduction and social mores, peopled with the sharply observed exaggerated characters that Dickens is celebrated for.

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Conrad Nelson directs Deborah McAndrew’s witty adaptation of Charles Dickens’ great Northern novel to bring you a joyful juggling and tumbling through this touching and often hilarious tale of repression and longing.

TICKETS Wed 16 - Sat 19 7.30pm Thu 17 Mat 2pm Sat 19 Mat 3pm

£26 - £10.50

Wed 30 May

PSYCHIC SALLY KISSES TO HEAVEN

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: THROUGH THE YEARS

DRAMA / SALLY MORGAN ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

MUSIC / ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS LIMITED

Celebrating her 10th anniversary on the road, Sally Morgan returns to Bury St Edmunds.

Sally’s jaw dropping show has attracted amazed reviews from theatregoers and psychic fans. The messages from beyond come thick and fast.

Funny, entertaining, touching, sometimes heart breaking, often controversial, Kisses to Heaven showcases the phenomenal ability of the nation’s best loved medium.

The show is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.

Performing the songs in a truly captivating way, against a backdrop of iconic imagery, their delicate recreation of the unmistakable sound of the American folk-rock duo is something of a masterpiece.

Hear many of the hits such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and Bookends’ own beautiful rendition of the unforgettable Bridge Over Troubled Water.

TICKETS

TICKETS Fri 25 7.30pm

The most authentic sounding concert to the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel. Made up of Dan Haynes & Pete Richards, Bookends have toured the globe extensively with their concerts being described as ‘simply breathtaking’.

£26

Wed 30 7.30pm

Thu 31 May

COMEDY / ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS LIMITED

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BRITAIN’S GOT MAGIC

Finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2016 be prepared to experience the sensational magic of Christian Lee, award winning comedy magician.

MAY Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

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Fir 25 May

With over 40 Million YouTube hits worldwide and his tongue-in-cheek humour, Christian is leading the way with his unique style and wacky performances. He has been dubbed the ‘King of Comedy Magic’ by Time Out. So, watch closely as Christian Lee and guests conjure you an evening of magic and humour featuring some of the most exciting names in magic and variety in the UK, this show is suitable for the whole family.

TICKETS £26 - £10.50

Thu 31 7pm £21.50 - £10.50

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JUNE

Fri 1 - Sun 3 Jun

FAMILY / FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS

FOUR TERRIFIC TALES – ONE SUPERB SHOW! Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed!

Is Tiddler telling the truth?

Will Monkey find his Mummy?

Will George The Giant make lots of friends?

Can the old lady really squash and squeeze all those animals in?

This delightful production is brought to you by the team behind Stick Man Live, adapted from the bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

Suitable for all ages!

TICKETS Fri 1 1pm & 4pm 28

Sat 2 & Sun 3 11am & 1pm

£14 - £10.50

DRAMA / OLDHAM COLISEUM, HULL TRUCK THEATRE AND NEW VIC THEATRE

By Compton MacKenzie Adapted by Philip Goulding Directed by Kevin Shaw The islanders of Great and Little Todday are dismayed to find their whisky supply dwindling as the UK government diverts the precious stuff to the Americans, in an attempt to bribe them into supporting the British war-effort. When the whisky runs out completely, it seems like the end of the world…

But then, a 50,000 whisky bottle cargo is shipwrecked close by the islands and welcome relief seems to be at hand. Conflict is guaranteed, however, once stuffy, Paul Waggett of the Home Guard takes it upon himself to try to reinforce discipline and prevent the thirsty islanders from taking advantage of their apparent good fortune.

JUNE Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

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Tue 5 - Sat 9 June

This new production is a play-within-a-play set in 1955; a tribute to the feisty, fearless all-female touring theatre companies of the post-war years. Under the dogmatic direction of the redoubtable Flora Bellerby, witness the Pallas Players - Win, Leaky, Bea, Aileen, Connie and last-minute replacement Juliet – as they play all the hilarious and diverse characters from Mackenzie’s comedy classic. An innovative and beguiling adaptation that breathes fresh life into a well-loved, internationallyacknowledged masterpiece.

“Whisky Galore was made into a glorious film in 1949 and has remained a classic comic novel ever sense.”

Good Reads

TICKETS Tue 5 - Sat 9 7.30pm Wed 6 Mat 2pm Sat 9 Mat 3pm

£26 - £10.50

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JUNE

Mon 11 - Tue 12 Jun

Fri 15 - Sat 16 Jun

CINDERELLA

THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT

DANCE / BALLET CYMRU

Sun 10 - Sun 24 Jun Once Upon A Festival is our annual Children’s Arts Festival which is accessible in Theatres, Schools and Communities. The events featured at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds this year include Cinderella, The Owl & the Pussycat and The Gruffalo’s Child.

For all the latest information and programme of events visit www.onceuponafestival.co.uk

Sponsored by

FAMILY / FULL HOUSE THEATRE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LUTON CULTURE

Ballet Cymru is proud of its innovative productions and Cinderella will be no exception, with a new music score and creative circus elements, combined with the finest classical dance. Ballet Cymru has worked with award winning composer Jack White and Circus Company Citrus Arts to conjure a surprising world of wonder and magic.

Featuring choreography by Creative Wales Award winner Darius James and costumes by Welsh designer Steve Denton, Ballet Cymru brings to life this timeless story using the company’s unique blend of classical technique and storytelling.

TICKETS 30

Will this meloobious family return together, will they always be a three?

TICKETS

Mon 11 7.30pm Tue 12 2pm & 7.30pm

Join Owly-cat and fellow family members, Jumblie and Quangle Wangle Quee, in a story inspired by the nonsense world of Edward Lear. The spongetaneous trio travel to the dolomphious land where the bong tree grows, learning all about the creatures who live there and their curious habits.

Fri 15 10am & 1pm £26 - £10.50

Sat 16 11am & 2pm £12.50 - £10.50

Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jun

FAMILY / TALL STORIES Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s sell out tour and his monstrous West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child - with attitude!

Just how brave is she?

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should Ever set foot in the deep dark wood. . .

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he?

Tall Stories returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation.

Recommended for ages 3+.

TICKETS Fri 22 1.30pm & 4.30pm

The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 – Macmillan Children’s Books

Sat 23 & Sun 24 10.30am & 1.30pm

£14 - £10.50

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JUNE

Get Involved with

Sun 10 Jun

FREE Family Open Day to get the party started!

The biggest festival of work for children, families and schools in East Anglia. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s programme at www.onceuponafestival.co.uk

Wed 20 Jun

DANCE / THE NATIONALDANCE COMPANY OF IRELAND

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RHYTHM OF THE DANCE

This incredible live show creates a new era in Irish entertainment, featuring world champion dancers and a traditional Irish band, all part of the most talented, gifted cast who keep audiences wowed all over the world.

The show continues to evolve thanks to the constant striving for perfection by its producer; Rhythm of the Dance celebrates a renewed vigour in Irish culture, embracing traditional and current to the ancient Sean Nos dance style.

Internationally rated as one of the most popular and successful Irish Step Dance shows on tour, by critics, audiences, and millions of fans around the world.

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Wed 20 7.30pm

£30 - £10.50

DRAMA / THE CLASSIC THRILLER THEATRE COMPANY

When Inspector Tanner is called in to investigate a ruthless murder at Mark’s Priory, the grand ancestral home of the Lebanon family, he quickly discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. The household is controlled by the family physician, the footmen behave more like guests than servants and the secretary Isla is afraid for her life. As Tanner moves closer to the heart of the mystery he uncovers a shocking and closely guarded secret...

Building on the phenomenal decade long success of The Agatha Christie Company, which sold over two million tickets around the UK, comes a new thrilling chapter. Following this year’s acclaimed production of Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement in Stone, The Classic Thriller Company returns with a brand new adaption from the legendary “King of the detective thriller”, Edgar Wallace - the brains behind one of the most iconic films of all time, King Kong.

JULY / AUGUST Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

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Mon 30 Jul - Sat 4 Aug

Widely recognised as the most popular writer of the early 20th century, Edgar Wallace’s gripping page-turners are regarded as the bedrock of the modern thriller and The Case of the Frightened Lady remains one of his most celebrated works.

Adapted for film several times, this is your chance to catch this chilling, captivating and complex thriller live on stage...

TICKETS Mon 30 - Sat 4 7.30pm Wed 1 Mat 2pm Sat 4 Mat 3pm

£30 - £10.50

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COMMUNITY

Tue 23 - Sat 27 Jan

Sun 25 Feb

DANCE / BURY THEATRE WORKSHOP

Tue 13 - Sat 17 Mar

MUSICAL / THEATRETRAIN BURY ST EDMUNDS

MUSICAL / IRVING STAGE COMPANY

HERE WE ARE NOW

Students from TheatreTrain Bury St Edmunds are delighted to present Here We Are Now.

THE GOOD PERSON OF SZECHWAN

TICKETS Sun 25 6pm

by Bertolt Brecht

A jolly tale set in south-western China. The gods come to earth in search of a truly good person. They find only Shen Te, a goodhearted but penniless prostitute and make her a gift of money to set up her own business. But her goodness brings ruin and she must disguise herself as a man, Shui Ta, in order to muster sufficient ruthlessness to survive. What will become of her?

A fabulously colourful production and a parable for our times with a large ensemble cast, songs and masks… A theatre experience to remember!

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Sun 4 Mar

MUSICAL / THEATRETRAIN SUDBURY

£18 - £8

Based on Mel Brooks’ much loved Academy Award-winning film, The Producers is an hilarious musical comedy that has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony and three Olivier awards.

Impoverished by a string of flops, Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to pull off a showbiz scam by producing an all-singing, alldancing love letter to Hitler. They aim to produce the worst show ever and escape with millions, but fate has a shock in store.

ENTERTAIN US

Students from TheatreTrain Sudbury are delighted to present Entertain Us.

TICKETS

TICKETS

Tue 23 - Sat 27 7.30pm Sat 27 Mat 2.30pm

£14 - £8

THE PRODUCERS

Sun 4 6pm

£14 - £8

Tue 13 - Sat 17 7.30pm Sat 17 Mat 2.30pm

£22.50 - £10

Wed 27 - Sat 30 Jun

Wed 25 - Sat 28 Jul

DRAMA / BURY THEATRE WORKSHOP

MUSICAL / SUFFOLK YOUNG PEOPLES THEATRE

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

THE HOLLOW

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

DRAMA / BURY ST EDMUNDS AMATEUR OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY

BSEAODS saddle up for a classic Texan tale, where governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cosy bordello, The Chicken Ranch. This Tony award winning musical recounts the good times and the demise of a real life whorehouse, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas.

The story follows the town’s Sheriff as he fights to keep the brothel’s doors open, while a loud-mouthed political opportunist focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.

This is an amateur production by special arrangement with Samuel French Limited.

Also visiting are Edward (in love with Henrietta) and Midge (who loves Edward). Veronica successfully rekindles the affair with Dr Cristow but is unable to persuade him to divorce his wife.

She unwisely states that if she cannot have him then no one shall. Very soon someone is dead.

Nearly everyone has a motive and opportunity.

Enter Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny to solve the crime…

TICKETS

TICKETS

Tue 1 - Sat 5 7.30pm Sat 5 Mat 2.30pm

A jolly gathering explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr Cristow is in trouble when his mistress Henrietta, ex-mistress Veronica and wife Gerda arrive simultaneously.

£20 - £10

Wed 27 - Sat 30 7.30pm Sat 30 Mat 2.30pm

Following the resounding success of their 2017 production Made in Dagenham, Suffolk Young People’s Theatre returns in 2018 with its fully staged version of the hit West End and Broadway Musical, Footloose.

COMMUNITY Box Office www.theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Tue 1 - Sat 5 May

Based on the 1984 film of the same name and including some of the biggest hits of the day, Footloose comes “bursting to life with music, romance and dance.” Delivered by the most talented young performers Suffolk has to offer and accompanied by a professional band, this powerful rock musical is “…the best kind of blast from the past!” “You’ll have a hard time staying in your seat!”

TICKETS

£18 - £8

Wed 25 - Sat 28 7.30pm Sat 28 Mat 2.30pm

£16 - £8.50

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TOURS AT THEATRE ROYAL

HIRING THE THEATRE

As the last surviving Regency theatre in the country and one of the most beautiful, intimate and historic theatres in the world, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has plenty of hidden areas for you to explore!

Come for a tour and discover how it has evolved over the last 200 years.

Tours take approximately 75 mins and take place at 11am on Wed, Thu and Sat (subject to availability). ÂŁ7.50 per person National Trust Members FREE (Membership card required) To book a tour call Box Office on 01284 769505 or to organise a group tour contact Lucy Williamson on events@theatreroyal.org.

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Whether it’s a family party, christening, birthday, business conference, meeting or wedding, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds provides a spectacular backdrop for your special event.

Catering for bespoke events, our dedicated team will work with you throughout the planning process and provide an attentive service to ensure that you and your guests feel really special.

We have unique spaces in our Regency auditorium and contemporary Greene Room bar for special events.

To book Theatre Royal or for further information email, Lucy Williamson on events@theatreroyal.org

PROGRAMME EDUCATION AT

THEATRE ROYAL Our Education programme is packed with opportunities for schools to engage with the theatre and immerse their students and teachers in projects tailored to the curriculum.

We offer bespoke enrichment programmes to schools where students have the opportunity to learn from experienced drama facilitators and other industry professionals. There is also the opportunity for teachers to join us for an evening of theatre and the chance to meet and chat with other local schools.

Programmes we currently offer are: • New writing development workshops • Pantomime workshops • The Dickens Takeover Project • The Shakespeare Takeover Project • Teachers Forum Evenings • Once Upon a Festival Alongside the main projects, our season brochure is full of visiting companies and in house productions that are supplemented with an education resource or even schematic lesson plans.

For further information on the work available to your school, please contact Hayley Murrow on hayley@theatreroyal.org

THEATRE ROYAL YOUTH!

SUMMER SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS WORKSHOPS YOUTH THEATRE YOUNG ASSOCIATES

AGED 8-22 Young people are the life-blood of a great theatre. Every member of Theatre Royal Youth! has the opportunity to get involved and work with experienced theatre professionals.

The young people can express themselves in a friendly environment whilst developing key drama and life skills.

From weekly youth theatre, holiday workshops, main house productions to a year’s placement under our Young Associate programme (18+), there are a variety of ways in which you can become a part of Theatre Royal.

Connecting highly-proficient professional artists and the local community through creative workshops and projects designed to help people engage with the arts and the theatre. The Associate Artists work with a range of people, from those within the homeless community to survivors of domestic abuse. The programme focuses around the development of artistic selfexpression and theatre-making skills. Theatre Royal is currently working with • Bury Drop In • Focus 12 • Women’s Refuge, Bury St Edmunds • The Wisdom Club • The Befriending Group • Papatango Playwriting Project

EDUCATION, YOUTH THEATRE & ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

For more information contact Karen Simpson on karen@theatreroyal.org

If you are interested in any of our projects or schemes, get in touch with David Whitney on david@theatreroyal.org.

“THE STANDARD IS EXTREMELY HIGH AND ENJOYMENT OBVIOUSLY FELT BY ALL. BURY ST EDMUNDS IS LUCKY TO HAVE THIS!” JUNGLE BOOK AUDIENCE MEMBER 37

SUPPORTERS

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

THEATRE ROYAL PATRONS AND MAJOR DONORS

WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING, COMPANIES, INIVIDUALS AND CHARITABLE TRUSTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORT THEATRE ROYAL THROUGH THEIR SPONSORSHIP

We warmly encourage you to use our sponsors’ services

Education Partners

Suzanne and Robert Alston, Jennifer and Nicholas Antill, David and Gillian Blackmore, Derek and Valerie Blake, Stephen and Stephanie Bourne, Marie Brown and in memory of Tony, William and Lynn Cardale, Sir Geoffrey and Lady Cass, Gordan Cawthorne MBE and Judith Cawthorne, Richard Chaplin, Prof.Michael Chisholm, Sian Couture, Rosie and Mike Cubbin, Yvonne Curtis, The Croft Family, Georgina Croft, Rev.David Crofts, Patrick and Heide Daniels, Simon Dean, Nicki Dixon, Ian and Alison Duncan, Dr Catherine Dunnett, Kerry Ellis, Vivien Gainsborough Foot, Richard and Anne Freeman, Sarah George, Jayne Gittus, Hugh and Jen Godfrey, Richard and Anne Greenfield, Barbara Greenwood, Bryan Hamilton, Kit Hesketh Harvey, Nigel Havers, Stuart and Melanie Henderson, Ruthie Henshall, David and Gillian Hodge, John Meers and Jo Holden, Eric and Hazel Humphreys, Andrew and Nicola Hunter, Peter Jackson CBE and Ann Jackson, Stephen and Victoria Jenkins, Malcolm Johnson, Sally Johnston, Dillie Keane, Penny Kelly, Tim Kenny, Jim and Carol Keohane, Anthony Landsberg, Barry Lingwood, Maureen Lipman CBE, Brian and Emma Littlefair, Gina Long MBE and Andrew Long, Karl and Annette Ludvigsen, Fiona Mahony, Adrian Mann, Peter and Julie Merrick, Mike and Judy Spenser-Morris, Dr Martin Moss, David and Pauline Mulley, Marguerite Nice, David Overman, Jeffrey Parker, Michael Parkinson MBE, Nicolas Pearson OBE and Fiona Pearson, Fiona Philipps, Heather Phillips, Carol Poole, Clare Presland, Penny Price, Libby Purves, Roger and Thelma Quince, Julia Read, Mike and Kate Redmond, John and Carol Riddick, Jo St Clair Roberts, Susan Roberts, Jamie Robertson, Nick Robinson, Paul Romaine, Judith and Mike Shallow DL, Graham Showell, Charles and Suzanne Simpson, Lawford Smith, Prof.Richard and Dr Margaret Smith, Martin and Karen Soons, Simon Spence QC, The Stamper Family, Sha Starr, Margaret Statham, Christian and Susan Stenderup, June Stocker, Steven and Kimonie Stroud, David Taylor, Nick and Rosemary Thomson, Ann Toft, Keith and Penny Turner, Philip and Tessa Underwood, Fiona Underwood, Fiona Unwin, Dame Harriet Walter, The Very Revd Dr Frances Ward, Amanda Wearing and Malcolm Leith, Ann Welford, Sarah Wenban CBE and Peter Wenban, Linda West, Timothy West CBE, George Agnew and Ady White, Lillian Willett, Deborah Williams, Jean Williams, Theatre Royal Friends Committee.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS

Theatre Royal would like to express its heartfelt thanks to all of our valued volunteers – we couldn’t open without them!

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LIFE PATRONS / Colin Blumenua, Sir Peter Hall CBE, Sir Jermey Isaacs, Sir David Rowland, Judith Shallow, Timothy West CBE

The Alfred Williams Charitable Trust, Bury Town Council, Lavenham Theatre Group, The Rural Youth Trust, The St Edmunds Trust, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Community Chest, The Williams Charitable Trust, West Suffolk National Trust Association, Woodford and District Centre National Trust.

Registered charity number 242977