What’s on at the Theatre in Suffolk this summer?
By Ollie Pearson
From contemporary performances to comedies, Suffolk’s theatres are serving up some seriously great entertainment this summer. To help get guests to our Barges and Barns for rent in Suffolk inspired, we’ve put together a short guide to some of the must-see theatre productions and events in our fine county this summer.
At the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds
The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is one of the oldest working theatres in the UK, and it has a fantastic lineup of performances this summer. These include:
What the Butler Saw: Billed as a “manic farce and masterclass in fearless comic writing.” this play promises that “no institution, political view or tradition is safe, as the playwright focuses his wicked sense of humour on a range of targets”
Dorothy, Back in Oz: It would be remiss of us not to promote this distinctly Suffolkian production. In the words of the Theatre Royal team themselves: “After a huge storm hits Stowmarket, Dorothy finds herself transported back to the magical land of Oz, with only her trusty talking chicken, Billina, for company. But all is not well. The yellow brick road has been smashed and the Emerald City lies in ruins. The Gnome King now sits on the throne and he happens to be wearing a rather fabulous pair of slippers. Dorothy will meet new friends along the way who help her to overcome the Gnome King and restore hope to the people of Oz.”
At the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich is known for its dynamic and inclusive productions. This summer, the theatre continues to push boundaries with an exciting lineup.
Richard Herring: Can I Have my Ball Back?: Brought to audiences by acclaimed stand up comedian, this new production is the first that Herring has put on in over six years and promises to be every bit as laugh-out-loud funny as his other works.
Bindweed: Written by Ipswich local Martha Loader, Bindweed is a hard-hitting drama that has received fond reviews for tackling some heady topics with humour and insight.
At Southwold Arts Centre
The Southwold Arts Centre has earned a strong reputation for being a creative hub in the charming seaside town of Southwold. This summer, it hosts a variety of performances that cater to different tastes.
Elephant: We tried to make this production sound more intriguing than the team behind it, but they’ve really done it best by describing how, “in a house balanced on an eroding cliff in North Norfolk, Manny gets a surprise visit from his estranged sister, Jessie. Inexplicably, she’s brought along a petty criminal, Lee Farrier, trussed in a sack. As a rising tide eats away at the foundations, a local girl, Cally, arrives, prompting all four to admit what’s really brought them together, the lies they’ve told, and the strangely redemptive power that might just be buried beneath their feet.”
Ultimately, Suffolk’s theatres are bustling with activity this summer, offering a rich tapestry of performances that cater to all tastes. This is, after all, only a small taster of what’s on offer. To make sure that you’re not missing out on any of it, be sure to take a look at the availability of our Barges and Barns for rent in Suffolk, today.
