Fundraising shows at Theatre Royal featuring Irving Stage Company

The magic of Broadway and the West End comes to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds next month for two evenings of musical theatre performed by the Irving Stage Company that will raise valuable funds to support the work of both the theatre and Irving.

“A Night at the Musicals with Irving Stage Company” includes numbers from “My Fair Lady”, “Me and My Girl”, “Chess”, “Cabaret” and “Chicago” and in tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, songs from “Sweeney Todd”, “Follies”, “A Little Night Music” and “Company”.

Proceeds from the shows, which also includes a raffle for a fantastic selection of prizes, will support the work of Theatre Royal, and Irving, which was founded 63 years ago in 1959.

Sian Couture, artistic cirector of Irving Stage Company said: “Being able to perform at this magical theatre is one of the greatest joys for all of us involved in Irving. The theatre is a vital part of our community in so many ways and offers such opportunities for people of all ages. Everyone knows how challenging the past two and half years has been for the arts, especially amateur and professional companies involved in live performance. We are delighted to be taking part in these very special shows to support both Irving and our theatre, as well as paying tribute to all the composers and lyricists who have created these wonderful songs.”

Emma Suckling, head of development at Theatre Royal, added: “We are delighted to be presenting another fundraising event with Irving Stage Company. Fundraising events such as this one are vital for the ongoing stability of Theatre Royal. Theatre Royal is a registered charity and we are heavily reliant upon private support. 18% of our income is raised through fundraising – that is support through individual giving schemes (our patrons, friends and donor friends), sponsorship and fundraising events.

“On top of this annual requirement for core funding, we also raise money to support our work in the community, including our work with children and young people. We believe everyone, at all stages of their lives, regardless of background or personal circumstance, should have equal opportunity to engage in extraordinary cultural experiences”.

Irving draws members from across Suffolk, who take part in plays and musicals both on stage and behind the scenes as part of the creative, technical and backstage teams.

Their next productions include the legendary Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” from November 8 to 12, at Theatre Royal, and in 2023 Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. 

“A Night at the Musicals” is taking place on Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2, at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £10.50 and include a pre-show drink in the Greene Room Bar.