Line up for Autumn Season at Theatre Royal announced

The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has revealed its Autumn 2023 season with a host acts and guests due to appear on stage along with opera, comedy, drama, musical acts and the annual pantomime.

The playhouse produces three of its own shows each year. In the Spring of this year audiences were delighted with their production of Lucy Kirkwood’s “The Children” which featured Imogen Stubbs. Coming up in August they have “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and their Autumn showcase is the much-loved and award-nominated pantomime, which this year is “Snow White”.

Artistic director, Owen Calvert-Lyons, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to bring the best of live touring theatre to the stage in our town. This season I’ve chosen a well-loved classic, ‘Frankenstein’, from the brilliant Tilted Wig Productions, ‘Splinter’ – a poignant play about dementia – by local writer Martha Loader and one of my favourites from The Edinburgh Fringe – ‘The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings’. This is a beautiful piece of art featuring puppetry and projection.

“I encourage everyone to take a look at our programme and try something new. If you’ve never been to the theatre before or haven’t visited for a while you might be surprised by what we have to offer.”

Robin Jackson from Autumn Season sponsor, Churchgates values the relationship with the venue and said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Autumn Season again this year. The theatre is such a valuable asset in our community; with its rich and diverse programme there really is something for everyone.”

Pantomime – Snow White
Fri 24 Nov – Sun 14 Jan
Gala Performance Sun 3 Dec
Family Saver Performances (under 21’s just £12) Thu 30 Nov 7pm, Sun 10 Dec 6pm and Wed 10 Jan 7pm

After the untimely death of his wife, the King of Buryland quickly marries her lady-in-waiting, Lucretia. The day after their royal wedding, the King was found dead and Lady Lucretia became Queen until the princess, Snow White, comes of age. On the morning of Snow White’s 21st birthday, with the help of her accomplice Grumble, Lucretia attempts to murder the young princess. Unable to go through with his orders, Grumble sends Snow White into Bradfield Woods where she meets a troupe of disaffected and delinquent scouts. With the help of the fabulous Palace cleaner, Dusty Crevice, they form an unlikely team for an assault on the castle, to win back the crown and place the true heir on the throne.

Special Events

Terry Waite CBE and John McCarthy CBE in Conversation – Tue 14 Nov
Terry and John were held hostage together in Lebanon. It’s been 32 years since their release and they taking to the stage to talk about their joint experiences.

Carols from Cambridge – Tue 5 Dec
Set in the beautiful surroundings of St. Mary’s Church on Honey Hill is Theatre Royal’s annual carol concert. The wonderful choristers of the Selwyn College Chapel Choir sing festive favourites to get you in the mood for Christmas. Sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.

Drama

Faith Healer – Tue 3 – Sat 7 Oct
From award-winning Irish playwright Brian Friel and presented by London Classic Theatre., Faith Healer was one of The Independent’s 40 best plays of all time. It’s 1960 and Frank Hardy has the gift of healing. A man offering salvation to the afflicted from dingy village halls. A group of monologues tell us the stories of the intriguing characters. Age Guidance 14+

Splinter – Thurs 12 Oct
Maggie forgets things but forgets that too … a diagnosis of early onset dementia. A story of love and memory and what happens when you start to lose both. By East Anglian playwright Martha Loader. Age Guidance 14+

Ghost Stories by Candlelight – Fri 13 Oct
In association with Suffolk production company High Tide to present Ghost Stories by Candlelight. Sea mist rolls in. Another village vanishes and footsteps approach. Haunting tales and folk music from the “witch counties” of East Anglia. Age Guidance 14+

Frankenstein – Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov
1943 and while Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past. One has a terrifying story to tell. A new thriller presented by Tilted Wig Productions inspired by the classic gothic novel. Age Guidance 12+

A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings – Sun 12 Nov
Inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s darkly comic tale with beautiful intricate puppetry, music and live video projection. Two storytellers find something remarkable in their garden: an angel? An Alien? Promotion: Take Your Seats – Limited free tickets available on a buy- one-get-one-free basis with code TYS23. Age Guidance 8+

Stand-Up Comedy

Theatre Royal Comedy Club – Wed 11 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. 18+

Music

On What A Night! – Sat 14 Oct
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.

Radio GaGa – Thurs 26 Jan
In this ultimate tribute to rock band Queen, all the famous hits are played out on stage in wonderous fashion with full costumes.

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac – Sun 28 Jan
This fantastic homage to Fleetwood Mac takes you straight back to the 70’s playing all your favourite songs from the bands repertoire.

Family Favourites

I Believe in Unicorns – Wed 25 Oct
An enchanting, interactive show based on the book by Michael Morpurgo. Tomas hates reading at school but his world turns upside down when he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. Age Guidance 6-106

Olaf Falafel’s Super Stupid Show – Fri 27 Oct
Join comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel for an hour of truth-telling cheese, fishing, bumbags and silly drawing. Family-friendly frivolity. Age Guidance 3+

Local Amateur Companies

Oliver! – Tue 17 – Sat 21 Oct

Disney’s Frozen Jr. – Mon 23 – Tue 24 Oct

Sweeney Todd – Tue 7 – Sat 11 Nov

Magic and Entertainment

The Greatest Magician – Sat 27 Jan
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. Age Guidance 12+

Hancock’s Half Hour – Sat 28 Oct
Three classic episodes of this hilarious radio comedy-show played out on stage. From the producers of Round The Horne. Age Guidance 12+

Lunchtime Concerts Sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors

Our regular lunchtime concerts, sponsored by Ellisons Solictors are just £10 per ticket and include refreshments after the performance in the Greene Room Bar.

The Chris Ingham Trio – Wed 18 Oct Jazz, Piano, Bass, Drums

Stowmarket Concert Band – Wed 8 Nov Brass band, Folk, Blues, Pop