Theatre celebrates the start of its 200th anniversary celebrations
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds kicked off its 200thanniversary celebrations last night in front of over 300 friends, supporters and guests.
Built in 1819 and designed by William Wilkins it has stood the test of time and only opened for a few weeks in the year but now over 75,000 people of all ages and backgrounds attend for performances, tours, or community and education projects.
Karen Simpson, the artistic director, said: “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate our past, but even more importantly, look forward to the future. The work we do this year will become part of Theatre Royal’s legacy for the future, whether it be producing a brand new play or working with school children from across the region to create a permanent installation for future generations to enjoy.”
The theatre has had a varied and chequered career.
Bury St Edmunds brewers Greene King used it as a beer store in the first half of the 1900s to preserve it from being knocked down and in the 1960s it was restored as a theatre.
Renovation work took place between 2015 and 2017 to restore its Regency origins and the theatre has a variety of events planned for the anniversary year.
Apart from the regular shows and performances they include a school mural teaming up with Rojo Art to work with primary schools in Great Whelnetham, Great Barton, Hartest, Barrow, Risby and All Saints to create a mosaic on the brick wall in the theatre’s garden; a special anniversary brew called Trapdoor from Greene King; a “Theatre Star Trail”, similar to the Wolf Trail in the town in 2015 and last year’s World War 1 Trail, where 25 stars will be dotted round the town with each one featuring a star that has appeared at the theatre; and a 200 for 200 sponsored walk following the historic route taken by Norwich Circuit of Players some 200 years ago.
A Heritage Tour is also planned along with an historic exhibition about the theatre in the Peter Hall Room and on Sunday, October 13, there will be an anniversary gala to mark the 200th birthday which is on Friday, October 11. The evening will include comedy, music and drama featuring a star-studded cast.
Tickets for shows and tours are available in person at the Box Office, by phone on 01284 769505, or online at www.theatreroyal.org
Interactive tours will start in April, to find out more and register to take part in the 200 for 200 walk visit www.200for200.org