Spring Season at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal

As the curtains rise on Theatre Royal's much-anticipated Spring Season 2025, audiences are in for a treat as captivating performances and engaging narratives unfold on their historic stage.

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds in-house production, A Tryal of Witches, has a very local connection, exploring the Bury St Edmunds witch trials. At Moyse's Hall Museum you can explore witchcraft and folklore at their new Superstition: Strange Wonders and Curiosities Exhibition from 15th February to 6th April 2025. Created by the team at Theatre Royal and a host of talented theatre professionals, A Tryal of Witches is steeped in dark history and is the perfect show for anyone who enjoys captivating drama.

Sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors, this season promises a delightful blend of entertainment, artistic theatre, and thought-provoking storytelling that will leave audiences spellbound. From intriguing dramas like Handbagged, to witty comedies and family shows, the Spring Season is meticulously curated to offer an unforgettable visit.

Book tickets to a Theatre Royal performance from just £12 and experience live performances from talented performers, playwrights, and artists from across the UK.

Spring season is on sale now online and via the Box Office at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

Artistic Director Owen Calvert-Lyons has something for everyone: “This Spring, we are delighted to stage A Tryal of Witches, a new play about the Bury St Edmunds witch trials. This play has been in development for two years and explores this dark chapter in our town’s history. The play is written by Suffolk playwright and singer-songwriter Tallulah Brown and features hauntingly beautiful music from her band TRILLS.

"We are also very excited to be part of the National Theatre’s touring programme, which will bring Moira Buffini’s Oliver-Award-winning Handbagged, about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. Our season concludes with BLOOM Festival, our participation festival which includes two fantastic plays from our Youth Theatre groups followed by a whole host of Pay-What-You-Can workshops for both adults and young people.” Owen Calvert-Lyons, Artistic Director.

Emma Suckling, head of Development: “Our generous sponsors mean so much to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and without them and our audiences, members and patrons' continued support, we wouldn’t be able to provide the town with fantastic programmes such as this, our Spring Season, sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.”

A Tryal of Witches 7 – 22 March

A Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Production,

Sponsored by Chassis-Cab DAF

Written by Tallulah Brown with original music from TRILLS

It’s 1645 in rural East Anglia and Matthew Hopkins, infamous Witchfinder General, is roaming from village to village in the stifling summer heat. He broadcasts his message detailing the prevalence of witches and the power of the devil all while searching out the next ‘witches’ to be prosecuted.

As the bloody battles of the civil war draw ever closer, farmers’ crops fail and a man drops dead in the alehouse, the villagers need something to blame. Witches. But this is not a trial of witches, this is a trial of women.

The trial in Bury St Edmunds was the first time women were convicted using ‘spectral evidence’ – the belief that witches could be in two places at one time. A Tryal of Witches asks ‘What led to one of the most shocking witch trials in British history?’ and explores the lives Suffolk villagers as the witch rumours ebb and flow around the county.

Get two-for-one tickets with the code TREAT241. Only available on Band D tickets

CRACKING - 26 March

From the ‘Legend of the Edinburgh Festival’ comes a new dark comedy drama. Part stand-up, part theatre, CRACKING is a funny, touching and thought-provoking solo performance, sewing together fact and fiction.

Sophia - 1 April

Exiled to England, the last Maharajah in Punjab and his family came to live in a home in Elveden, Suffolk. Until bankruptcy and a new mistress, swayed the Maharajah to make a new life abroad and plot to take back his kingdom.

Whole - 17 April

Emma’s been looking for ways to fill the gaping hole in her life after losing her twin sister. An intimate journey looking into grief while exploring sibling joy, female rage and the healing power of a creative mission.

Handbagged - 22 – 26 April

Sponsored by Ashtons Legal

Written by Moira Buffini: a clever, funny and charming political comedy, imagining the untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour as the gloves come off and personalities clash.

Is That A Whip In Your Hand? - 31 January

Think Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider as one big spoof! With cliché coming at you from left, right and centre, this is a unique comic show from a company that always sells-out!

King Arthur - 11-15 Feb

A comedy for the whole family: Camelot is in trouble and King Arthur knows he’s got to turn things around or this period of history will be recorded as really rather dull… but when three hapless squires approach him to help, a legend is born.

Buffy Revamped - 27 February

This fast-paced show brings you all 144 episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike. Created by Brendan Murphy who recently brought us FRIEND (The One With Gunther).

Stand-Up

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome - 16 February (Limited tickets remaining)

The star of BBC Radio 4‘s Dead Ringers, BBC One‘s The Impressions Show and Channel 4’s Partygate takes his brand new show on the road following a completely sold out and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival. Join Jon for an evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and beyond in his trademark style.

Zoe Lyons: Werewolf - 22 February

The host of BBC’s ‘Lightning’, a regular on ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘QI’, and ‘Mock The Week’ – and a survivor of ‘Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins’ and ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ on Dave – Zoe is one of the country’s best-loved comedians.

Matt Forde: The End of an Era - 26 February

Finally, the UK has a new government. That can only mean one thing: new people to take the piss out of.

Leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (British Scandal, Spitting Image, The Last Leg) makes this his personal mission.

Royally Funny Comedy Night - 2 April

Featuring Stephen DiPlacito, Alex Farrow, Ollie Fox and Kate Barron.

Luke Wright: JOY - 5 February

Returning after his smash-hit tour, Silver Jubilee, Luke bring his witty, wistful and comic poetry back to Bury St Edmunds with JOY.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical - 6-7 February

With fourteen 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.

Roshni - 25 February

An intimate crafting of Kathak dance and live global music, inspired by the stories of everyday people.

The Dreamer - Live - 3 April

An enigmatic, dazzling, five-star rated show from James Phelan, who just happens to be Paul Daniel’s nephew.

Irving Stage Company - A Murder Is Announced - 29 April – 3 May

An Advertisement in the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette announces the time and place for a murder… Miss Marple is on hand to unravel the mystery and unmask the guilty killer!

Get 3 tickets for £40 or 4 tickets for £55. Available on The Very Hungry Caterpillar, There’s a Monster In Your Show and The Magic of Science. Applies automatically in basket, tickets must be for the same performance.

Minny Stynker - 19 February

What would you do if you moved to a strange new city? All your friends are far away, your new house smells weird, and it rains all the time?! Kit takes matters into his own hands, when one night, while drawing to pass the time, the swirls and whirls on his page giggle into a life of their own, and a very unusual adventure unfolds! Join Soap Soup Theatre on their most riotous, colourful adventure of all – where a bedroom becomes a forest, a school turns into a solar system and the drawings in your bag have a life of their own!

Nick Sharratt’s All New Picture Book Draw-Along - 20 February

Join much-loved children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt in a family-friendly, fun-filled drawalong for all ages.

The Gruffalo - 20-30 March

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book, The Grufallo, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science - 15 April

Mark Thompson’s award winning Spectacular Science Show. You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show
promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

Total Pop Party - 19 April

Total Pop Party is the ULTIMATE pop concert experience! Dazzling dance routines and sensational singing! Jam-packed with sing-along moments and fun audience interaction… even with the parents!
Come and join Ruby, Ivy, Amber & Skye and celebrate the modern-day pop legends! The girls are ready to party with you all to your absolute favourite hits! Featuring songs by Little Mix, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and many more! Witness all the latest TikTok dances come to life right before your very eyes and join in with all the moves!

Radio Gaga - 1 February

Be part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you’ve been dreaming of! The ultimate celebration of one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage Queen. Break free with us and shake all over like a jellyfish as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage, celebrating the magic, fun & showmanship of the bands touring days. Playing all your favourite hits including, Don’t Stop Me Now, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Another One Bites the Dust, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

Swing That Music - 8 February

Join the UK’s hardest swinging band Down for the Count All-Stars for “one hellova celebration of vintage music” (TimeOut London) – it’s time to Swing That Music! Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene”, Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.

Dreams of FM Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show - 28 February

Sweeney Entertainments presents DREAMS OF FM Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show One of the UK’s top, and some say most authentic, Fleetwood Mac Tribute Shows.

‘Run in the Shadow’ are a 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 itself. All seven professional members play live and unadulterated, dedicated to delivering a show as close to the real thing as possible!

Celebrating George Michael - 4 April

Celebrating George Michael,Featuring the acclaimed Steve Mitchell, this production focuses on a more mature and seasoned style that George brought us with performances such as the 1996 “MTV UNPLUGGED” from the Three Mills studio in London.
As well as all of George’s best and well-known hits, Steve and his hand-picked band also perform some of Wham classics making it a very special show for all George Michael fans.

We’re also pleased to announce that Dave West who played bass with George and Andrew on the very first recordings of Wham Rap and Careless Whisper, will also be joining Steve and the band on the dates.

Lunchtime Concerts

Sebastian Williams - 12 February

The Art Themen Trio - 12 March

Classic Femme - 30 April

Lunchtime Concerts sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.

Tickets include refreshments after the show.