The New Wolsey Theatre is welcoming young audiences this summer with free tickets for under-22s to see Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. This dynamic production is part of a packed season celebrating Ipswich’s local vibrant theatre scene, including showstopping musicals featuring the talented Suffolk companies Co-op Juniors, IODS, and The Gallery Players.
Following the success of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year, the New Wolsey Theatre Young Company returns to the main stage from 14–16 August with Twelfth Night – a fast-paced, anarchic take on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, performed by emerging local talent. Part of the theatre’s commitment to nurturing creative skills and opening up access to high-quality theatre, the production offers free tickets to anyone aged under 22, making it easier than ever for young people across Suffolk to experience live performance. With mistaken identities, mismatched love, and a man in yellow garters, Twelfth Night promises passion, poetry, and plenty of laughs – all brought to life by the next generation of Suffolk performers.
Fresh from sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and on tour, Shoddy Theatre Company returns with A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception from 27-28 June. This laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit features four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.
Following last summer’s sell-out run of Les Misérables – School Edition, Co-op Juniors Theatre Company returns from 25 July with RENT – School Edition, the exuberant and passionate award-winning musical about young artists in 1990s New York navigating love, loss and trying to create under the shadow of HIV/AIDS, in a story of resilience and hope.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of IODS Theatre Company, who return with the smash-hit musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert from 9-12 July (tickets sold out; returns only). Based on the cult classic movie, this show follows the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends in Sydney who agree to take their drag show across the Australian outback in – aboard a battered old bus nicknamed Priscilla!
The Gallery Players proudly celebrate their 40th anniversary with the regional premiere of The Great British Bake Off Musical from 23-26 July. Follow the musical journey of eight contestants as they whisk, knead, and sing their way through challenges, showstoppers, and a generous helping of drama in this feel-good theatrical treat.
Book online for the New Wolsey Theatre’s Summer 2025 Season, call the Box Office on 01473 295900 or book in person at the venue during opening hours.
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