Ipswich Regent Theatre, East Anglia’s largest theatre and a cultural landmark since 1929, has completed a £3.45 million front-of-house redevelopment.
While preserving and enhancing the building’s historic character and Art Deco charm, the project has improved comfort, accessibility, sustainability, and visitor experience for the more than 190,000 theatregoers that the venue welcomes each year.
The transformation includes:
- Exterior upgrades: A refreshed Art Deco-inspired façade and canopy, with reinstated 1929-style lighting.
- Interior improvements: Restoration of the grand foyer, new bars for faster service, dedicated merchandise areas, and refurbished Crush Hall and Circle Lounge with elegant plasterwork and modern furnishings.
- Accessibility enhancements: A new accessible entrance, lift to the Circle Lounge, accessible WC, and a changing places facility.
- Expanded facilities: A single-storey extension tripling ladies’ toilets, upgraded gents, and improved fire escape routes.
- Sustainability measures: Water-efficient fittings, improved insulation, and modern heating and cooling systems.
- Additional features: A Wall of Fame celebrating past performers, and upgraded office space.
To mark this milestone, the Theatre team has filled a time capsule filled with historic items, including a USB memory stick with 620 archive images and newspaper articles, spanning the 96 years since the building became a theatre. The capsule also contains printed copies of some of the most significant memorabilia.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said:
“In the summer, we asked the public to share ideas, from memories and stories to photos or objects, that represented what the Regent Theatre meant to them and the wider community.
“This was a special opportunity to capture the spirit of the Ipswich Regent Theatre and its place in the heart of Ipswich through the years. Thank you to everyone who gave suggestions for meaningful items that reflected their personal memories.
“One of the keepsakes we’ve included is a copy of the original brochure from the opening night in 1929. Another is a newspaper from 4 November 1959, marking the Regent’s 30th birthday – both wonderful pieces of history that remind us just how loved this venue has been for generations.”
The time capsule has now been sealed and placed in pride of place. When reopened in the future, it will give generations to come a glimpse into the theatre’s vibrant history and its importance within the community.
The Ipswich Regent Theatre’s grand reopening is on Friday 12 December when the festive pantomime Cinderella takes to the stage. Audiences can expect a magical production of this rags-to-riches tale packed with music, laughter, and festive fun. Rising local star Lucy Roper is Cinderella alongside Lee Brennan (911) as Prince Charming, Noel Sullivan (Hear’Say) as Dandini, Francine Lewis as the Fairy Godmother and Mike “Squeaky” McClean as Buttons, alongside a talented ensemble.
Ahead of this, the Theatre team is inviting Ipswich residents and visitors to open days this weekend, from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, to view all the improvements in advance of the official reopening.
The Regent’s access members have been invited to come and have a look at the new and improved facilities on Sunday from 4pm until 5pm, when they will be shown around by staff and have an opportunity to ask any questions.
Councillor Riley added:
“This redevelopment is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates the Regent’s rich history while meeting the needs of today’s audiences. We’re excited to deliver a theatre experience that Ipswich can be proud of for generations to come.”
2025 Christmas pantomime information
This year’s Christmas Pantomime, Cinderella, will be performed at the Ipswich Regent Theatre daily (excluding Christmas Day) from Friday 12 December until Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Tickets start from £17.
Accessible, relaxed, and adult performances are available.
Book online at: https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella-christmas-panto/