New Wolsey Theatre

The New Wolsey Theatre brings plays, musicals and its annual rock ’n’ roll pantomime to Civic Drive in Ipswich. Its 400-seat auditorium wraps around a stage that extends into the audience, keeping the action close. The theatre creates its own productions and welcomes visiting companies, while its café and bar offer somewhere to meet before a show. Youth theatre, school activities and community projects also give local people opportunities to take part themselves.

The original Wolsey Theatre opened in 1979, continuing the town’s tradition of locally produced theatre. After closing in 1999, it reopened in 2001 under the New Wolsey Theatre Company, a registered charity. Since then, productions have included *Once*, *Made in Dagenham* and *The Who’s Tommy*. Today, that work continues alongside captioned, audio-described and relaxed performances, helping more people enjoy a trip to the theatre.