Autumn season line up at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

There’s a host of music, comedy, drama and children’s shows lined up for the Autumn season at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

Included in the eclectic mix of talent appearing on stage will be the annual pantomime “The Legend of Robin Hood” along with a host of acts and artists.

Artistic director, Owen Calvert-Lyons, said: “We have 32 productions this season and I’m absolutely delighted that we are, once again, able to support the touring companies whose careers were so blighted by the pandemic and bring the best of these to our Suffolk stage.”

Here’s a list of the shows lined up:

Theatre Royal In-House Community Production: “The Secret Garden”

Fri 19 Aug – Sat 3 Sept

The autumn season means a return of Theatre Royal’s community production – a show created in-house where professional actors work alongside local young people encouraging them to gain experience, confidence and helping them to hone their acting and performing skills. This year there is a brand-new adaptation of “The Secret Garden” by Nicola Werenowska. The production is based on the original book by Francis Hodgson Burnett.

Mary Lennox arrives at Missellthwaite Manor, a house on the edge of a moor, a house with 100 rooms, nearly all shut up and with their doors locked, a house full of secrets. Her uncle, Mr Craven, keeps himself shut up in the West Wing, a man with his own secrets to keep. Mary hates this place. Until she meets Martha, Dickon and old Ben Weatherstaff, who teach her about the moors, the creatures who live there, and about a garden, a garden that remains locked. Mary starts to settle into life in her new home, until one night she hears the sound of a child crying. Does Missellthwaite Manor have one more secret to tell?

Theatre Royal In-House Pantomime: “The Legend of Robin Hood”

Fri 25 November 2022 – Sat 14 Jan 2023

The Legend of Robin Hood sees the impoverished people of Nottingham struggle as the Sherriff of Nottingham relentlessly raises taxes. Robin of Loxley can’t stand this much longer as he steals from the rich to give to the poor and with his merry crew: no-nonsense Maid Marion, loud-mouthed Little Joan and young Rob, surely they can make this city a little fairer for everyone? 

The Last Night Of The Proms – Sun 18 Sept

From the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band comes this extraordinarily popular event which includes all of the classics – “Rule Britannia”, “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Auld Lang Syne” amongst many more.

Belle Voci – Thurs 3 Nov

This astonishing duo have had quite the journey from the live finals of ITV’s “The Voice” to supporting Alfie Boe OBE as well as a detour to the FA Cup Finals and various award ceremonies.

Carols From Cambridge – Tue 6 Dec

Set in the beautiful surroundings of St. Mary’s Church on Honey Hill is the annual carol concert. The wonderful choristers of the Selwyn College Chapel Choir sing festive favourites to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Drama

“Sherlock Holmes – The Valley of Fear” – Tue 27 Sept – Sat 1 Oct

Crammed full of adventure, mystery and, of course, one or two rather brilliant deductions, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s thrilling, final Sherlock Holmes novel is brought to life in this spectacular new stage adaptation by Blackeyed Theatre.

“The Canterville Ghost” – Fri 7 – Sat 8 Oct

Tall Stories presents Oscar Wilde’s spine-chilling ghost story.  A comedian, a magician, a psychic and their charismatic compere tell the story of Sir Simon de Canterville who disappeared mysteriously 300 years ago after being accused of murder.

“Shakers” – Mon 10 – Wed 12 Oct

The high street might be struggling to get back to normal but the Shakers bar is under new management and they are determined to make it the place to be seen as the hospitality industry looks to a new future.  Misogyny is rife – in the home, the workplace and on the streets. The customers are getting more leery, the hours longer but the pay hasn’t changed. Waitresses Adele, Nicky and Mel juggle home, work, school and everything in between – how long can it be maintained?  Funny, physical and fizzing with wit, Shakers puts women’s lives front and centre as everyone returns to going out out.

New Drama

“These Hills are Ours” – Tue 20 Sept

Do you ever want to run away from it all? Dan and Boff run a series of routes through the city and find themselves looking out across the noise and business from a quiet peak. But what are they really running from? “These Hills are Ours” is the story of what they found on those journeys, about escaping it all by running to wild places. A story about exploration and freedom. A love story to running and adventure.  Dan and Boff will be encouraging audience members to join them the following morning for a group run.

“The Last Motel” – Fri 23 Sept

Instead of Spain or Greece, Abalone has used his holiday to commit armed robbery and now has a woman stuffed into the boot of his car. Join him at “The Last Motel” as he plans what to do with his hostage. A psychological thriller written by the award-winning Jeremy Fletcher. 

“Time and Tide” – Tue 4 – Wed 5 Oct

Written by local scriptwriter and performance poet James McDermott, “Time and Tide” is an LGBT centric comic drama. May runs a crumbling caff on the end of Cromer Pier, Ken is running out of customers thanks to Costa and Nemo is desperate to tread the boards in London.

“I, Amdram” – Thurs 6 Oct

A story of return, reconciliation, and rehearsals with mum. Hannah Maxwell grew up in a world steeped in amateur dramatics and heads back to her hometown (Welwyn Garden City) taking a whistle-stop tour of 90 years of musical theatre heritage in the process. She still remembers every line of the Welwyn Thalians’ 2010 production of “My Fair Lady”, but nine years in London as a “learned urban lesbian” have left her struggling to find her place.

Music

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac – Sun 9 Oct

This fantastic homage to Fleetwood Mac takes you straight back to the 70’s playing all your favourite songs from the bands repertoire.

Radio GaGa – Thurs 27 Oct

In this ultimate tribute to rock band Queen, all the famous hits are played out on stage in wonderous fashion with full costumes. 

On What A Night – Sat 5 Nov

Oh What A Night! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons combining infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia.

Comedy

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical – Thurs 8 – Fri 9 Sept

Direct from the West End is this spontaneous musical comedy. Created entirely from audience suggestions, songs are created on the spot with hilarious effects. 

The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes – Thurs 22 Sept

Created from the weirdest things about your hometown, these quick wits create songs, scenes and characters based around audience suggestions. 

Theatre Royal Comedy – Sat 24 Sept & Fri 28 Oct

In partnership with Comedy Market, Theatre Royal’s very own comedy club featuring a great line up of comedians from the UK touring circuit alongside up-and-coming comics. 

Mark Thomas: Black and White – Wed 21 Sept

After lockdown and isolations, this show is about being in a room together an toppling international capitalism. 

Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It – Sat 15 Oct

We’ve all had some pondering to do about the fragility of life but don’t worry, Mark Watson has it covered. 

The Greatest Magician – Mon 10 – Wed 12 Oct

An evening of wonders – a dazzling new magic show presented by the magician most famous for jamming the BBC switchboards after he correctly predicted the lottery.  This astonishing, enigmatic, five-star rated magic show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.  

Family Shows

Total Pop Party – Sat 29 Oct

This group of fabulous singers take you from Ed Sheeran to Little Mix and Ariana Grande with an optional pre-dance show to learn the dance routines.  

Marty and The Party – Tue 25 Oct

A beautiful show aimed at 2-6 year olds with lots of dancing and bopping. Marty hasn’t found his groove yet but is heading to the best party ever, how will he fit in? A fun tale of discovery. 

Rise and Fall – Wed 26 Oct

A balloon filled performance teaches children about holding on and letting go as balloons bounce and fly in this captivating performance.

Ballet

Dream – Thurs 13 Oct, 7:30pm – Fri 14 Oct

A vibrant and fresh full-length ballet from Ballet Cymru based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream full of whimsy, magic and lovers.

Beauty and The Beast – Sun 13 – Tue 15 Nov

From Ballet Theatre UK, one of the most enchanting love stories of all time. 

Local Amateur Companies

The Lightning Thief – Wed 3 – Sat 6 Aug

From Suffolk Young People’s Theatre comes this well-loved tale based on the books by Joe Tracz in a musical style. The half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson discovers powers he can’t control and a future he doesn’t want, but when Zeus’ lightning bolt is stolen, Percy becomes the main suspect and begins a mission to find it and prove his innocence. Featuring a thrilling rock score.

Hello, Dolly! – Tues 8 – Sat 12 Nov

From Irving Stage Company comes this popular musical comedy set in 1890’s New York. Lively dance numbers and foot-tapping tunes throughout with songs like ‘Put On Your Sunday Clothes’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet Retold – Mon 19 Sep

A remarkable solo performance from Debs Newbold will catapult you straight to Verona in this poignant, emotional re-imagining of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

Lunchtime Concerts

Regular lunchtime concerts, sponsored by Ellisons Solictors are just £8.50 per ticket and include refreshments after the performance.

The Clarinet Solo Project – Wed 28 Sep

Marianne Olyver, John Human & Steve Linton – Wed 19 Oct

Classic Femme – Remembering the Golden Age of Song – Wed 9 Nov