Frank Skinner and Ruby Wax … just two of the acts set to appear at Theatre Royal

Comedians Frank Skinner and Ruby Wax are the stand out acts set to appear at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds in the coming months.

But there’s a host of eclectic shows and performances set to the theatre which also includes the new Bury St Edmunds Comedy Festival with eight acts running from February 1 to March 1.

Here’s a selection of highlights of shows that are currently on sale which are being sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.

“Richard, My Richard” – April 11 to 27

Part of Theatre Club – 7.30pm on April 11

A Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and Shakespeare North Playhouse co-production in association with Daniel Schumann. Theatre Royal will be converted into a theatre in-the-round giving the audience a whole new experience of theatre.

Best-selling novelist Philippa Gregory’s (“The Other Boleyn Girl”, “The White Queen”) “Richard My Richard” is a passionate, tender portrait of man in his time, surrounded by the women who determine his fate. Often funny, often poignant, underpinned by the facts of the past, Richard’s secrets may have died with him, but here he rises up to tell us the story, his story, History.

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 – the record keeper who doesn’t always have his mind on the task.

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.

Frank Skinner: “30 Years of Dirt” – February 2

Comic legend Frank Skinner brings his critically acclaimed new show “30 Years of Dirt” to following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Romeo and Juliet – February 13 to 17

This pacy and inventive 80-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy is perfect for Shakespeare fans featuring all levels of emotion. 

FRIEND: The One With Gunther – March 1

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”.

Mark Watson: Search – February 9

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.

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book – February 20 and 21

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.

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

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 the 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.

The Time Machine – March 12 to 16

H G Wells’ deadly serious masterpiece will never be the same again as this 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?

The Return of the ITFC Legends – April 21

An unmissable evening for Ipswich Town Football Club fans young and old and hosted by Bryan Hamilton. He will be joined by some of ITFC’s best-loved players for a lively evening full of stories and anecdotes about the club that they love. A unique insight into the club and the fascinating world that is football. Bryan will be appearing with John Wark and Russell Osman. This is a fundraising event in support of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

Front Row Fashion Show – April 28

Local stores and brands showcase their summer collections in this fun and fabulous fashion show. Tickets include a pre-show drinks reception – the fashion show will be followed by an after-party in the Greene Room Bar. The Suffolk Barnardo’s Helpers Group (BHG) in Bury St Edmunds have been fundraising in the area for over 30 years, hosting many exciting events. Now, teaming up with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and local fashion businesses, they will raise further funds for both Theatre Royal and the children of Suffolk; supporting the local community.

Alasdair Beckett-King: Nevermore – May 3

Out of the swirling maelstrom, he steps, his sword of jokes, his shield of whimsy and his armour made of a third amusing thing. Cursed to return on tour. Multi-award-winning stand-up Alasdair Beckett-King unravels life’s shallowest mysteries. A true renaissance man, Alasdair is 500 years old. As seen on “Mock the Week” and the internet.

Rosie Holt: That’s Politainment – May 4

The worse the political career, the more lucrative the subsequent entertainment opportunities. Matt Hancock may have slaughtered millions but now he’s making a killing. So can Rosie Holt’s viral hit MP follow “politainers” Dorries, Farage and Rees-Mogg and leap from the pages of Hansard to Heat? Following a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe season, Rosie (an acclaimed comedian, actor and satirist) takes this brand-new show on the road, to tightrope the thin line between politics and entertainment.

Ruby Wax:” I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was” – September 20

After a complete sell-out first run in 2023, Ruby Wax’s rawest, darkest, funniest and most compelling stage show yet announces brand new dates for 2024, thanks to enormous demand.

She said: “The original idea behind this show was based on the extreme journeys that I wanted to take in order to find an antidote to living a frazzled life. Along the way I wanted to find meaning, peace, happiness – the stuff we’re all chasing. However, after some transcendent experiences, I ended up in a mental institution. Obviously, I didn’t find what I was looking for.”

Aladdin – November 22 to January 12

Welcome to Abanazer International, the finest hotel in all of Arabia. Bags too heavy? Call for Aladdin, the bell boy. Clothes need a clean? Visit Washy in the laundry. Want to meet the owner? Don’t! Abanazer is vile and vain and secretly longs to rule the land. If only he could find a way to make his every wish come true. Join Aladdin and his friends at Christmas, as they try to defeat the hotelier from hell.

Booking is quick and easy online at www.theatreroyal.org 

The Box Office is available to help with any queries by emailing booking@theatreroyal.org