A host of different shows, acts, plays and entertainment on offer throughout the Spring at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

The Spring season at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has a host of differing shows, acts and entertainment on offer with the highlight set to be “Richard, My Richard” in the middle of April.

It is running from April 11 to 27 with the playhouse converted into a theatre in-the-round giving audiences a whole new experience.

With an explosion of tarmac, Leicester City Car Park erupts and Richard III crashes from his lost tomb to meet the character who has ruined his reputation: History.

Richard believes he has risen from the grave to heaven with an unstained conscience and the awkward task falls to History to tell the Undead King that all is not as he imagines.

As Richard challenges, History admits he has his own doubts. He is often revered as the bearer of truth. Yet, his perspective is skewed. History overlooks people and stories.

Owen Calvert-Lyons, the artistic director at the theatre, said: “We are proud to be producing the world premier of acclaimed author Philippa Gregory’s first play ‘Richard, My Richard’. For this exciting theatrical event, we will transform Theatre Royal into ‘the round’, providing audiences with a unique experience of our beautiful auditorium.”

There’s an assortment of musical and comedy acts also planned to take to the stage along with shows for families and children along with lunchtime concerts.

The full list is here:

Bloom Festival – 25^th Mar – 6 Apr

A theatre festival celebrating the power and creativity that comes from participating in theatre. Bloom Festival combines “Pay What You Can” performances from the theatre’s Youth Theatre, Young Company and offers free workshops from industry professionals for the community to get involved in. 

Hunt – 27 – 28  March

Performed by Theatre Royal’s Junior Youth Theatre.

Kaspar The Wild & Second Person Narrative – 2 – 6 Apr

Performed by Theatre Royal’s Senior Youth Theatre. 

Drama

A Ghost Of A Smile – 1 Feb

Presented by Gavin Robertson

Two of Charles Dickens’ creepy tales – with a comic twist. Tales with a tingle, but also a giggle. Two yarns to chill and charm: a traveller encounters a ghostly chair and, in a deserted Edinburgh carriageworks, a tipsy reveller is spirited away by, well… spirit.

Romeo and Juliet – 13 – 17 Feb

Presented by new Wolsey Theatre

This 80-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy is perfect for Shakespeare fans from New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. 

A Family Business – 27 Feb

Presented by China Plate Theatre

Part of Theatre Club

An artistic drama looking into the threat of nuclear weapons, their keepers and how we can live next to them but feel so detached from their meaning and their threat.

Macbeth – 29 Feb

Presented by Out Of Chaos

Experience all the intensity and intrigue of “Macbeth” with more than 20 characters brilliantly and boldly brought to life by just two actors.

Boy On The Roof – 6 Mar

Presented by Vamos Theatre Company

Part of Theatre Club

Created through Community Conversations across the UK, gathering people’s experiences of ADHD, loneliness, aging, hearing loss, connection and community, Vamos Theatre’s “Boy on the Roof” is the story of an unlikely friendship, where acceptance, understanding and love find their way to centre stage. Two neighbours, a hyper-active teenager and a 91-year-old widow, have more in common than they realise and grow a friendship like no other.  

The Hound Of The Baskervilles – 21 Mar

Presented by Crime and Comedy Theatre Company

With Colin Baker, Terry Molloy and Dee Sadler comes this classic tale presented as a radio tale live on stage. Holmes and Watson journey to isolated Baskerville Hall, the line between reality and the legend becomes blurred. Death, doom and myth surround them – what is the secret of the butler in the night, whose is the mysterious lantern that shines in the darkness, and what hellish apparition stalks Dartmoor with murderous intent?

Comedy

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical – 11 Feb

Presented by Something For The Weekend

With 14 years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, “The Showstoppers” have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. A brand-new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. 

FRIEND: The One With Gunther – 1 Mar

Presented by Seabright Productions

An award-winning show: one man, one hour, 10 seasons. The entire 236 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, “FRIENDS”, retold through the eyes of Gunther, “Central Perk’s” very own “seventh Friend”.

The Canterbury Tales – 5 Mar

Presented by Half Cut Theatre

All good stories start down the pub and this one is no different. A mismatched group of travellers with tales to tell ready themselves for a gruelling journey. Can Harry, behind the bar at The Tabard Inn, keep control? What secrets is the wife of Bath about to spill? Are we ready for Tim Pardoner’s latest get-rich-quick scheme? And will anybody actually make it to Canterbury? Based on The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. 

Houdini’s Greatest Escape – 8 – 9 Mar

Presented by New Old Friends Theatre Company

From an award-winning company, comes this hilarious, witty comedy. Harry Houdini is the world’s greatest entertainer. Just as his death-defying escapology stunts have him and his wife Bess on the cusp of a career-defining performance, he finds himself framed for murder. Can Harry and Bess escape the plot and clear their names? 

The Time Machine – 12 – 16 Mar

Presented by Original Theatre Company

H G Wells’ deadly serious masterpiece will never be the same again as this hapless highly skilled group of actors embark on a journey of a lifetime. Will Dave persuade the others to stick to the script he’s worked so hard on? Will Michael be able to explain time travel without the help of excessive props? Will Amy get to sing her Cher tribute? And ultimately … will they be able to defeat the space-time paradox – or at least get through the second half?

Stand-Up

Matt Forde: Inside No. 10 – 2  Feb

Host of hit political podcast “The Political Party” Matt Forde explores the dark comedy horror that is British politics, ahead of the next election. Plus silly voices.

Mark Watson: Search – 9 Feb

Mark Watson’s 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the “Taskmaster” star and multiple award-winner returns to Theatre Royal.

Tom Davis: Underdog – 24 Feb

Embarking on his biggest tour to date, Tom will be exploring life as the longshot. From leaving school with no qualifications to years working on building sites, all the way to the difficult road to fatherhood, acting in blockbuster films and yet still being told he’s punching by a waiter.

Royally Funny Comedy Night – 28 Feb

Theatre Royal’s very own comedy club features a great line-up of comedians from across the UK touring circuit alongside up-and-coming comics.

Reginald D Hunter: The Man Who Could See Through S**t – 22 Mar

Join Reginald D. Hunter for an hour of exploring this phenomenon in this progressive work in a pre-next-variant world.

Entertainment

The Greatest Magician – 27 Jan

A dazzling new magic show – presented by the magician famous for jamming the BBC switchboards after he correctly predicted the lottery and who just happens to be Paul Daniel’s nephew.. This five-star-rated magic show will leave you aching from laughter and dizzy in disbelief as you’re transported to a jaw-dropping world of light-hearted hilarity, wonderment and mystery.

Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee – 7 Feb

Part of Theatre Club

Over 25 years, Essex-born Luke Wright has built up a reputation for being one of Britain’s most popular live poets. This year, thwarted in his attempts to hold a street party and unable to shift the over-ordered commemorative plates, Wright does what a poet does best, and takes a deep dive into himself.

Family Shows

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book – 20 – 21 Feb

Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring. Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight … featuring beautiful and mesmerising puppets.

The Three Little Pigs – 22 – 23 Feb

There’s a wolf coming … but for now, “The Three Little Pigs” have tricked him onto a bus. On the run and with the need to build a strong shelter, three problem-solving pigs call on you to save their bacon. Be blown away by the unique physical acting style with raucous puppets.

Alice In Wonderland – 10 Mar

From multi-award-nominated Immersion Theatre – the team behind last year’s smash hit “The Jungle Book” comes their biggest, funniest and most spectacular family musical to date: “Alice in Wonderland”. Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a colourful, topsy-turvy adventure and meet a host of outlandish characters including Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire cat and of course, the Mad-as a bat-Hatter.

Music

Radio Gaga – 26 Jan

The ultimate celebration of one of the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage – Queen. Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage, celebrating the magic, fun and showmanship of the band’s touring days.

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac – 28 Jan

Hear this high-calibre, professional and polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who have come together to recreate the sound, look and feel of the legendary band. All seven members play live for the ultimate sound and atmosphere.

A Century Of Swing – 3 Feb

Down for the Count returns to Theatre Royal following the success of their 2023 performance. The band will be performing a new selection of the best swing music, tracing the origins of the style from 1920s America through to the genre’s heyday in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Hear songs from the likes of Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, and vocal classics from singers such as Nat “King” Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.

The Beautiful and The Damned – 8 Feb

With a live string section, is Opera at its best. Follow four characters through a lucid, dramatic, intriguing story featuring opera classics woven throughout including “O mio Babbino Caro” and more.

Rock For Heroes – 23 Mar

Featuring a seven-piece band, with world class musicians and phenomenal singers, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Prince, Meat Loaf, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more!

Lunchtime Concerts sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors

Tickets include refreshments after the show

The Edmund Octet – 7 Feb

Electric Alchemy – 13 Mar

Serendipity Woodwind Trio – 17 Apr

Special Events

Rosemary Ashe: Adorable Dora and Call Me Merman – 3 Mar

West End star and Laurence Olivier Award nominated actress, Rosemary Ashe, known for her performances in “Les Miserables”, “Mary Poppins”, and for the creation of the role Carlotta in the original cast of “The Phantom of The Opera”, brings an exclusive double bill to Theatre Royal with her iconic tributes for Dora Bryan and Ethel Merman. Expect an evening full of fun, music, anecdotes and laughter as she pays tribute to national treasure Dora Bryan and musical comedy icon Ethel Merman’s biggest shows.

Golf Day – 18 Apr

Make up a team of four for a relaxed day of golf at Thetford Golf Club with special guests. Enjoy coffee and a bacon roll on arrival and fish and chips in the clubhouse after your round (included in the price).

Front Row Fashion Show – 28 Apr

Local fashion businesses showcase their Spring/Summer collections as models sashay down the runway.