As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has curated a lineup of captivating events that promise to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. From the enchanting retelling of 'Aladdin' to the jazzy vibes of 'Swing That Music,' and from holiday cheer with 'Santa’s Red Nose Rescue' to the poetic musings of Luke Wright in 'Joy,' this season is brimming with artistic excellence. Each event offers a unique blend of storytelling, music, and performance, ensuring a memorable experience for every theatergoer.

Unforgettable Experiences Await at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Prepare to be captivated by an eclectic mix of performances at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. From thrilling adventures and iconic musical tributes to thought-provoking poetry and improvisational comedy, this season promises an array of engaging experiences. Highlights include a high-energy Queen tribute, an explorative poetic journey with Luke Wright, and a swing jazz extravaganza by Down for the Count. Let's delve into the unique offerings that await local and visiting audiences alike.

Unveiling Theatrical Wonders: A Journey Through Diverse Performances at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is set to host an array of captivating events this spring, ranging from heartfelt tributes to laugh-out-loud comedy nights. Highlights include the Dreams of Fleetwood Mac tribute show, the historically inspired 'A Tryal of Witches', the dynamic Art Themen Trio concert, and 'Sophia', a narrative exploring themes of identity and empowerment. These events showcase a blend of history, music, magic, and storytelling that promises to engage audiences of all ages and interests.

A Cultural Tapestry: March and April Events at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Dive into the world of storytelling, laughter, and musical delight at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. The upcoming events promise a rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and community engagement. From timeless tales like 'The Gruffalo' to the empowering journey of 'Sophia', and the comedic genius of 'Royally Funny Comedy Night', this season offers something for everyone. Join us as we explore each event, spotlighting the artists, the themes, and the experiences that promise to captivate audiences.

A Whirlwind of Culture and Creativity: Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds' Line-up

Dive into a world of diverse performances and creative explorations at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. From whimsical family adventures to thought-provoking narratives, the upcoming schedule promises a dynamic array of events. Whether it’s the madcap imagination in 'Cracking', the legendary storytelling of 'The Gruffalo', or the historical depth in 'Sophia', there’s something for everyone. Join us as we explore themes of imagination, history, laughter, and magic, brought to life by talented artists and performers.

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds: A Hub of Innovative Performance and Creative Exploration

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including “Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Oompa Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination.”

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

CLASSIC FEMME – “A Little Light Music” – They’re back! Local ladies’ vocal a capella quartet, Classic Femme, will sing a wide range of entertaining songs from Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole & family favourites from Newley & Bricusse’s ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’ and Raffi’s ‘Bananaphone’.

Lunchtime Concert: Classic Femme

An advertisement in the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette announces the time and place for a murder – and a roomful of locals witness the death of an unknown man. This classic puzzle from the Queen of Crime is set in a 1950s village, where no one is quite what they seem, and every clue leads up another blind alley. Fortunately, amateur sleuth Miss Marple is on hand to unravel the mystery and unmask the guilty.

A Murder is Announced

11 years of weekly, behind-closed-doors meetings, where the destiny of a nation is shaped.

Handbagged

Total Pop Party is the ULTIMATE pop concert experience! Dazzling dance routines and sensational singing! Jam-packed with sing-along moments and fun audience interaction… even with the parents!

Total Pop Party

Whole is a show about two people – one of them is on stage, the other isn’t. Emma has been looking for a way to fill the gaping hole her identical twin sister’s death has left behind. So, she thought she would make a show for them. Only it’s proving a little tricky because Emma doesn’t like doing things on her own.

Whole

Want to try out a new way of writing? Love creating music but haven’t added the words? Come along and learn how to develop your own song writing abilities in a supportive and encouraging space.

Songwriting Masterclass

Join us in a singing workshop here at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, taking you through singing exercises to get the most out your voice whilst helping you to perform songs you know and love.

Family Choir Workshop

Start your day off with a fun and energetic dance workshop, learning new routines, led by a highly-skilled dance practitioner.

Dance Masterclass for Young People

Want to take your first steps towards writing a play but aren’t sure where to start? Feel like trying a new skill? Maybe you’ve written before but want to learn a new approach to storytelling?

Playwriting Masterclass for Adults

Allow your toddler to explore the world around them through the power of stories. Here at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds join us to delve into new worlds as we explore the beauty of storytelling.

Morning Storytime

Join our Artistic Director and CEO, Owen Calvert-Lyons, as he gives an insight into his process and techniques when directing Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds productions.

Directing Masterclass for Adults

Want to dive into the world of improvisation? This workshop for 10-17 year olds will explore the wonderful world of improvisation through practical activities, helping participants to trust their instincts and build on their skills as physical-led performers.

Improv Masterclass for Young People

Ever wanted to be a zombie? How about an action hero? Just like getting messy? Learn how to create your own cuts, bruises and gory special effects makeup looks in this 2hr workshop.

Stage & Film Makeup Masterclass

Want to dive into the world of improvisation? This workshop will explore the wonderful world of improvisation through practical activities, helping participants to trust their instincts and build on their skills as physical-led performers.

Improv Masterclass for Adults

Led by our enthusiastic team of Tour Guides, travel around our vibrant 200-year-old theatre! Explore all aspects of the theatre from Front of House to the Behind the Scenes learning all about the last remaining working regency playhouse in the country. Join our tour guide as they tell you all about the historic building and the stories that they have to tell about those who have treaded our famous boards!

Family Theatre Tour

A rip-roaring children’s adventure. It’s Indiana Jones meets Alice in Wonderland. . . with added silliness. Ginger Jones is a girl with a vivid imagination. Her stories are as wild as the hair on her head. So when her school enters a storytelling competition, there is no doubt as to whom they should turn for inspiration. . . except that Ginger Jones has lost her imagination! Join her best friend Stan West as he describes the extreme tale of their adventures during the summer holidays. Featuring talking camels, sultans and a possible ruby or two.

Ginger Jones And The Sultan’s Eye & Wellington 24

Dive into a world of imagination and play with our SEN (Special Educational Needs) Creative Play Workshop. This workshop is specially designed to celebrate diversity and cater to varying abilities and needs. We will immerse ourselves in the magic of creative play with hands-on activities. You will discover the power of expressive arts in enhancing communication and self-expression.

SENsory Creative Play 6-12

SENsory Creative Play 13-18

Want to learn how to create a character through puppetry? This two-hour workshop will teach you the basics of puppetry, so that you can bring your imagination to life.

Introduction to Puppetry

Celebrating George Michael,Featuring the acclaimed Steve Mitchell, this production focuses on a more mature and seasoned style that George brought us with performances such as the 1996 “MTV UNPLUGGED” from the Three Mills studio in London.

Celebrating George Michael

Star of The Greatest Magician™, and the BBC’s most broadcast magician of the last decade – the award-winning James Phelan – debuts this breath-taking new magic show. Most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, and described as ‘Joel Dommett meets Derren Brown’ – The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible. With ‘heartwarming story-telling’ (The Standard) and unparalleled ‘mind-blowing magic’ (Herald) – you’ll find yourself swept into a wonderful world of amazement, laughter and mystery.

The Dreamer: Live

A razor witted comedic maestro”” (Oxford Mail), combines stand-up comedy with a love of philosophy, history and the natural world. He is the “”very talented”” (Chortle) host of the award winning Jericho Comedy and Stand-up Philosophy London

Royally Funny Comedy Night – April

Sophia’s father was the last Maharajah of Punjab, dethroned by the British as a child and exiled to England. The family made a home in Elveden in Suffolk, until bankruptcy and a new mistress swayed the dispossessed Maharajah to make a secret new life abroad and plot to take back his kingdom. Back in England, the young Princess faces years of loss and mourning before embarking on a life-changing journey to her family’s homeland in India. Returning with a bold new sense of bravery, Sophia uses her status to become a beacon for the fight for women’s suffrage and Indian independence.

Sophia

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

The Gruffalo

When the world goes mad, do we inevitably go mad too? When Shôn playfully cracks an egg on his mother’s head, he has no idea real-life internet trolls will appear on his doorstep.

Cracking

THE ART THEMEN ORGAN TRIO starring the exciting, inventive, multi-award-winning jazz saxophonist, Art Themen (Saxophone), one of the best on the British jazz scene for over five decades, celebrating his 85th birthday and a forthcoming new album, with Pete Whittaker (Organ) & George Double (Drums). “One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians….

Lunchtime Concert: The Art Themen Trio

East Anglia, 1645, a hot and stifling Summer. The air is thick with paranoia and superstition.

A Tryal of Witches

Sweeney Entertainments presents DREAMS OF FM Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show One of the UK’s top, and some say most authentic, Fleetwood Mac Tribute Shows.

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac

Featuring three distinctive dance pieces: The Call, The Light and The Wave, Roshni explores the highs and lows of life today and provides hope in an ever-changing world.

Roshni

What would you do if you moved to a strange new city? All your friends are far away, your new house smells weird, and it rains all the time?! Kit takes matters into his own hands, when one night, while drawing to pass the time, the swirls and whirls on his page giggle into a life of their own, and a very unusual adventure unfolds! Join Soap Soup Theatre on their most riotous, colourful adventure of all – where a bedroom becomes a forest, a school turns into a solar system and the drawings in your bag have a life of their own!

Minny Stynker

The star of BBC Radio 4‘s Dead Ringers, BBC One‘s The Impressions Show and Channel 4’s Partygate takes his brand new show on the road following a completely sold out and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival. Join Jon for an evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and beyond in his trademark style.

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome

SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS, solo cello – from relaxing sarabande to fiery ‘cello gymnastics’ by J S Bach and Gaspar Cassadó, performed by highly talented advanced Royal Academy of Music student, from Ipswich, recognised for his prodigious talent at age 11 to study at Guildhall School of Music & Purcell School.

Lunchtime Concert: Sebastian Williams

Camelot is in trouble. King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten, and be known as nothing more than a rather dull time in British history. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy… a legend is born.

King Arthur

Join the UK’s hardest swinging band Down for the Count All-Stars for “one hellova celebration of vintage music” (TimeOut London) – it’s time to Swing That Music! Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene”, Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour. You’ll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, and vocal classics from singers such as Nat ‘King’ Cole, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, all presented with Down for the Count’s own unmistakable witticisms. Down for the Count recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band perform each song in their own unmistakeable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the band’s top class instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible humour and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting more.

Swing That Music

Olivier Award winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show 2016
Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” ★★★★★ Telegraph) Luke Wright returns with a new set poems that get to grips with the idea of JOY. Is it possible, as a 42 year old to feel pure unbridled happiness, and what does it look like?

Luke Wright: Joy

Have your finest hour, or two! As we bring you Radio GAGA.
Be part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you’ve been dreaming of! The ultimate celebration of one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage Queen. Break free with us and shake all over like a jellyfish as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage, celebrating the magic, fun & showmanship of the bands touring days. Playing all your favourite hits including, Don’t Stop Me Now, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Another One Bites the Dust, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

Radio Gaga

Indiana Jones meets National Treasure meets The Treasure of The Sierra Madre meets Lara Croft…. you get the idea…

Is That a Whip in Your Hand?

Festive favourites conducted by Sarah MacDonald.

Carols from Cambridge

Step inside Santa’s living room as he prepares for the biggest night of the year, Christmas Eve! But just as Santa is wrapping the final presents and packing up the sleigh, there’s a problem… One of his reindeer is feeling poorly and without them, the magical sleigh can’t take to the skies! Help Santa and the reindeer to take to the skies to deliver the presents on time!

Santa’s Red Nose Rescue

Clare Presland, Mezzo Soprano, and her pianist, will perform live as you dine – an intimate evening, with very limited capacity, which is bound to delight.

Dinner in the Vaults at The Angel Hotel with Clare Presland

Welcome to Abanazer International, the finest hotel in all of Arabia.

Aladdin

Experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker. Brought to life with lavish costumes and glittering sets by Ballet Theatre UK.

The Nutcracker

Test your taste buds at this immersive wine-tasting experience. Our team of charismatic ‘wine experts’ will challenge your senses and knowledge as they present a series of wines, leaving you to figure out who’s bluffing as you quaff along.

Whose Wine is it Anyway?

A welcome return for superlative harpist, Gabriella Dall’Olio, Professor of Harp at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire.  Gabriella brings us a glorious programme of serene and virtuosic harp music including film music by Nino Rota (composer of ‘The Godfather’), American jazz harp by Pearl Chertok and the magical ‘Humming Bird’ by John Marson.

Lunchtime Concert: The Glorious Harp

This classic romantic comedy, with its wonderful score, brings to life the vibrant world of 1950s New York. With characters including charismatic gambler Sky Masterson, Sister Sarah Brown of the Save a Soul Mission, chancer Nathan Detroit and his long-time fiancee, showgirl Miss Adelaide, Guys and Dolls is a legend of the Broadway stage – with a recent revival in London proving its enduring popularity.

Guys and Dolls

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, British-Iranian author, was on holiday in Iran in 2016 visiting her parents with her then 22-month-old daughter when she was arrested at Tehran airport and held on national security charges.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe & Richard Ratcliffe in Conversation with Sir Terry Waite CBE

Love theatre or writing and want to learn how to create your own play? Whether you’re a budding performer, director, or theatre lover – this is for you!

Quick-Fire Play Workshop

This breath-taking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.

There’s A Monster in Your Show

OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Oh What A Night!

Join us for an evening of music, song, poetry, dance and art by Black performing and fine artists from the region. There will be a selection of stalls in the Greene Room bar including Afro Centric, BSE4Bl and BME Suffolk.

Sounds of Colour

As night turns into day over the ice-cold waters off the coast of Iceland, a young fisherman finds his boat sinking. With his hopes of survival quickly drifting away, we witness his journey through the hopes, fears, and regrets of his unresolved life.

The Deep

The Tryal, from the first volume of Joanna Baillie’s larger Series of Plays on the Passions (1798-1812/1836), is a comedy on the absurdity of love. It features two young women, Agnes and Mariane, who secretly trade places. Portionless Mariane acts the part of her wealthy cousin in a bid to torment suitors interested in Agnes only for her wealth. In turn, Agnes pretends not only to be poor but also an increasingly obnoxious shrew, in hopes of ascertaining the authenticity one Mr Harwood’s attentions.

Staged Reading of The Tryal (1798)

Students in Year 6 have been delving into the world of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Through taking part in workshops, led by our Creative Learning Team,  they have been creating their own response to a professional production of Twelfth Night which they have watched at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

Shakespearience Response to Twelfth Night

Following the sell-out success of last year’s tour, HighTide brings you four brand-new ghost stories in More…Ghost Stories by Candlelight.

More… Ghost Stories by Candlelight

Theatre Royal is a vibrant 200-year-old theatre located in the beautiful Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds. Come and join us for a unique tour as we head back in time to discover the trials and triumphs of the last remaining working Regency playhouse in the country.

Theatre Tour 2024

In Peter & Deb’s words: Suffolk-born Peter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when he was 50 and given a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. Now approaching 60, Peter continues to live well and to embrace life with positivity. Previously the owner of a thriving timber business, Peter was forced to give up work shortly after his diagnosis. Following a period of deep depression, which included two suicide attempts, Peter determined that he would live well with this life changing diagnosis. He now fills his days by cycling and giving presentations and talks about living well with dementia. Peter has raised thousands of pounds for dementia charities through his cycling challenges – including a 300-mile challenge on his penny farthing and it was this challenge which prompted Deb to write the book, “Slow Puncture”. Peter’s most recent challenge was to cycle 100 miles in one day on his penny farthing, a feat which he completed with aplomb and cramp! Peter is married to Teresa, and they have one daughter.

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

13 - 17 May, 2025

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Apr 30, 2025

Lunchtime Concert: Classic Femme

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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds