The Ipswich Regent Theatre has once again been crowned best Arts, Culture and Theatre venue for the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire region in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025, making it the winner for two years in a row.
These awards celebrate independent lifestyle businesses across 35 counties, inviting people to nominate and vote for their favourite local shops, hospitality, start-ups and services through the Muddy Stilettos website. Over half a million votes were cast during eight weeks of nominations running until 14 April.
This year, the Ipswich Regent Theatre was up against Fen Ditton Gallery (Cambridge), Gainsborough House (Sudbury), The Abbeygate Cinema (Bury St Edmunds), and Thorington Theatre (Woodbridge) for the award in the Suffolk & Cambs category
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, says:
“We’re over the moon to be a Muddy Award winner once again - thank you to everyone who voted for us!
“We knew we had to beat some tough opponents across the region, but as the biggest theatre in the East of England, we’re delighted to have achieved this accolade.
“Bringing home this award two years in a row is not just an honour, it's a testament to the incredible dedication, passion and hard work of the entire team of staff who make everything happen, both front of house and behind the scenes.
“This well-deserved recognition arrives at a particularly exciting moment for us, as we prepare to close the doors at the Regent Theatre and make a start on our extensive venue redevelopment project.
“In the meantime, the show must go on and it certainly will at the Corn Exchange, where we've got a brilliant line-up of shows and live entertainment for the summer and autumn seasons.”
As a Regional Muddy Stilettos Award Winner, the Ipswich Regent Theatre automatically goes through to the National Finals for judging of the ‘Best of the Best’ in each category, before the National Winners of 2025 are announced on 25 June.
Details of all the Suffolk and Cambs winners and finalists in 21 award categories can be found at: https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/