The launch of a new season for Ipswich’s Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange means a spring and summer full of top shows – six West End musicals, dance, comedy and opera and even Masterchef and Peppa Pig.
The high energy, high kicking and glamorous Watermill Theatre production of CRAZY FOR YOU starts the musical ball rolling in February, with an all-star cast of Strictly’s Tom Chambers, showbiz favourite Claire Sweeney and renowned actress Charlotte Wakefield.
Another Strictly sensation, Danny Mac, joins West End super star Ria Jones in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, which is coming to Ipswich in March.
This is followed in April by SON OF A PREACHER MAN, a brand new musical tale of three loves and the groovy little place it all began. Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, the show stars TV stars Michelle Gayle and Alice Barlow and features classic hits from Dusty Springfield.
The Broadway and West End smash BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL brings all kind of wonderful to the Regent in April. You will love the conveyor belt of hit songs from this extraordinary singer and song-writer.
April will continue to thrill with FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL and Willy Russell’s BLOOD BROTHERS.
Lovers of top comedy have a lot to choose from when it comes to getting an evening full of laughs. DANNY BAKER, SARAH MILLICAN, JASON MANFORD, DARA O’BRIAIN, BILL BAILEY and JIM DAVIDSON are just some of the masters of mirth included in the new brochure.
If it’s laughs you’re after, Joe Pasquale, Sarah Earnshaw and Susie Blake star in a brand new stage adaptation of everyone’s favourite 70s classic TV comedy, SOME MOTHERS DO ‘AVE ‘EM in June.
Lovers of good opera will be pleased that Ellen Kent is bringing Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA, the love story that gripped Paris, in January, and Puccini’s tear-jerker MADAMA BUTTERFLY in March. Both have arias to break your heart!
And THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA offer SNOW MAIDEN, CINDERELLA and NUTCRACKER in February.
Kids won’t feel left out – there is the Regent’s fabulous Easter panto, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, in April, while the ageless PEPPA PIG will keep the entertainment coming for two days in May.
Over at the Corn Exchange, TRIANON MUSIC GROUP is providing TWELFTH NIGHT REVELS on 6th January in the Grand Hall. Be prepared to meet Kings and the Lord of Misrule during a musically-packed tour. Prof Chris Green takes the baton for a fantastic night.
GREGG WALLACE – GREGG ON FOOD is a tasty date with the Masterchef presenter in January. Delight in an evening of anecdotes and culinary expertise.
Comedy star ED BYRNE brings his SPOILER ALERT tour to the Corn Exchange in February and he is followed by an amazing evening with adventurer ANT MIDDLETON in March.
The same month sees Dr Ben Garrod present SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS? That’s bound to keep families on the edge of their seats.
Dance fans will like an AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE AND OTI MABUSE – the Strictly pros delivering an evening of Latin and ballroom with high intensity in April.
Ipswich Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Bryony Rudkin said: “We’ve got the biggest names and the biggest shows at East Anglia’s biggest theatre and more going on at the Corn Exchange. There is something for everyone, whatever their age and tastes, and I think we can say with confidence that 2018 is going to be even better than what has gone before.”
Two top venues, lots of top shows. Details can be found on www.ipswichregent.com
