New Wolsey Theatre

The New Wolsey Theatre is a producing theatre with a café and bar in the centre of Ipswich, Suffolk. It replaced the town’s former repertory theatre and was designed by Roderick Ham. Built between 1977 and 1979, the theatre opened in 1979 under the Wolsey Theatre Company. After financial difficulties closed it in 1999, the New Wolsey Theatre Company reopened it in 2001 as a registered charity. Today it is nationally recognised for the quality and diversity of its productions. The theatre is known for staging world premieres and landmark revivals of musicals. Recent productions include *Kinky Boots*, *Footloose* and an annual rock ’n’ roll pantomime. It has collaborated with companies such as Graeae Theatre and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. The New Wolsey is a founder member of Ramps On The Moon, promoting access for deaf and disabled artists. In 2017 it won the UK Theatre Award for the Promotion of Diversity. Visitors find a 400-seat auditorium and a café-bar for refreshments. The theatre presents a mix of drama, comedy and musicals throughout the year. Its actor-musician productions are a distinctive feature. The building also hosts community events and educational activities. Surrounding streets offer cafés and shops, making it easy to spend time in the area.