Theatre Royal Announces it's Autumn Season

Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, Owen Calvert-Lyons celebrates the variety in the Autumn programme, “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 this iconic venue, “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

Directed by Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, Owen Calvert-Lyons, the much-loved Theatre Royal pantomime plays to 25,000 audiences each year and was nominated for four UK Pantomime Awards last year.

This year the pantomime is Snow White. After the untimely death of his wife, the King of Buryland quickly married 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.

Each year Theatre Royal presents a series of special events to raise much-needed funds for the theatre’s community and education programmes. This year is no exception:

Terry Waite CBE and John McCarthy CBE in Conversation – Tuesday 14 November

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 – Tuesday 5 December

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.

These events are fundraising events in support of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, charity number 242977.

Faith Healer – Tue 3 – Saturday 7 October

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 – Thursday 12 October

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 – Friday 13 October

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 – Tuesday 31 October – Saturday 4 November

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 – Sunday 12 November

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+

Theatre Royal Comedy Club – Wednesday 11 October

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+

On What A Night! – Saturday 14 October

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 – Thursday 26 January

In this ultimate tribute to rock band Queen, all the famous hits are played out on stage in wondrous fashion with full costumes.

Dreams of Fleetwood Mac – Sunday 28 January

This fantastic homage to Fleetwood Mac takes you straight back to the 70’s playing all your favourite songs from the bands repertoire.

I Believe in Unicorns – Wednesday 25 October

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 – Friday 27 October

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

The Greatest Magician – Saturday 27 January

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 – Saturday 28 October

Three classic episodes of this hilarious radio comedy-show played out on stage. From the producers of Round The Horne. Age Guidance 12+

Oliver! – Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 October

Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart's classic musical based on Charles Dickens' novel. Performed by Bury St Edmunds Operatic Dramatic Society.

Disney’s Frozen Jr. – Monday 23 – Tuesday 24 October

A sparkling musical featuring ‘Let It Go’ and other favourite songs from the original film. Performed by The Voice Squad.

Sweeney Todd – Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 November

Barbering, meat pies and revenge featuring in this well-loved Sondheim musical – a recipe of anger, greed, revenge love and humour. Performed by Irving Stage Company.

Theatre Royal's regular lunchtime concerts, sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors are just £10 per ticket and include refreshments after the performance in the Greene Room Bar and include:

The Chris Ingham Trio – Wednesday 18 October - Jazz, Piano, Bass, Drums

Stowmarket Concert Band – Wednesday 8 November - Brass band, Folk, Blues, Pop

Theatre Royal have been proudly offering LÉA from award-winning Maison Bleue since Autumn 2022! These meals are freshly prepared on the day, use no preservatives and come from the Bury St Edmunds brand LÉA, sister brand to modern French restaurant Maison Bleue, a Theatre Royal Sponsor.

A range of starters, mains and desserts are available to eat before performances in Theatre Royal’s Greene Room Bar and must be booked ahead of performances. Dishes include olive tapenade and crackers, smoked chicken salad and salted butterscotch & chocolate mousse with a varied seasonal menu! Perfect with a glass of wine to elevate your experience at Theatre Royal.

Priority sale opens at 10am on Monday 19 June General sale 10am Mon 26 June.

Booking Information:

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

Audience members with access needs or those requiring assistance should contact booking@theatreroyal.org to make their booking to ensure their needs are catered for.

The Box Office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm on 01284 769505