Transformed Ipswich Regent Theatre celebrates successful re-opening
Ipswich Borough Council is celebrating the re-opening of Ipswich Regent Theatre and welcoming audiences to enjoy this year’s festive panto, back on stage following the venue’s £3.45 million refurbishment.
The town’s beloved cultural landmark has undergone a transformation that blends modern upgrades to enhance audience experience and comfort with a respectful nod to its historic roots.
Originally built in 1929 as an Art Deco cine-variety theatre, the Regent has been a cornerstone of entertainment in East Anglia for nearly a century. Despite its grandeur, the theatre’s pre-existing layout posed significant challenges for both audiences and staff.
Major refurbishment and restoration works, funded through a Restoration Levy, addressed these long-standing issues head-on; including inadequate facilities, poor accessibility, and outdated front-of-house spaces.
The Regent Theatre closed in May 2025 to allow work to begin, with shows temporarily relocated to the Corn Exchange. Practical completion was achieved by mid-November and the building was handed back to the Ipswich theatres team on time at the end of November.
Key improvements include restoration of the exterior Art Deco frontage, the foyer space and ceiling and three new elegant bars, the redevelopment of the Circle Lounge, accessibility upgrades including a new lift access, a new toilet block and facilities, refurbished and improved ramped access, as well as a new staff office.
Councillor Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said:
“We’re thrilled that our ambitious plans for the Ipswich Regent Theatre have been so successfully delivered. This project has not only modernised facilities and improved accessibility but also restored the original Art Deco features that make the Regent such an iconic cultural asset.
“What’s been really special is seeing the passion of the architect and design teams, local contractors and builders - they’ve loved the theatre and the legacy they’re leaving behind.
“Together with our theatres team, the dedication of everyone involved in retaining the spirit of the Regent Theatre and its place in the heart of Ipswich has been inspiring. They are extremely proud to have delivered this prestigious project, and delighted with the feedback from theatregoers now experiencing the Regent’s new look and all its improved facilities.”
The restoration and design for the entire project was led by KLH Architects which included reinstating historic plasterwork and all decorative details. The design for upgrading the mechanical systems was produced by John Slater & Howard (JS&H) resulting in an improved level of comfort. The main contractor was Mixbrow Construction Ltd who meticulously planned and delivered all the redevelopment work to keep to the planned completion date.
Cooks and Son Ltd delivered an excellent restoration of the Crush Hall and foyer ceilings. Hudsons delivered the lighting to the canopy and The Great British Lighting Company recreated the light fittings to the foyer and Crush Hall area; including creating handcrafted replicas of the original 1920s fittings. New ventilation, upgraded data connection, plus a new fire alarm and intruder alarm system were installed by Ceetech Ltd. Videcom Ltd also installed a new CCTV system.
Stuart Edgar, Director of KLH Architects, said: “We are proud to have been involved in the restoration and refurbishment of a venue that is locally so well known and loved, with this venue being a place many of our staff have fond memories of. The building has offered many hidden historic features waiting for us to uncover and place on display again after half a century, bringing the building back to its best along with some modern improvements to the user experience.”
Michael Manning, Contracts Manager for Mixbrow Construction, said: “Mixbrow Construction is extremely pleased with the final outcome, with the project completed within the seven-month timeframe. The project showed a real collaborative approach from all stakeholders, the vast majority of the works were carried out by our local supply chain. The end product is an excellent example of the quality and effort put in by all concerned. Working on such a prestigious building was very rewarding and seeing the end result has been very satisfying.”
The theatre’s bar and hospitality areas have been completely refreshed, featuring a partnership with Adnams. Jenny Hanlon, CEO at Adnams, said: “The renovation of the Ipswich Regent has been a wonderful example of what local businesses can achieve when we work together.
“Installing the longest bar we’ve ever created was an exciting opportunity for Adnams, but what made it truly special was partnering with craftspeople whose stories are woven into the theatre’s history, including the same plastering firm who worked on the original ceiling a century ago.
“We’re proud to play our part in bringing such an iconic venue back to life, and we look forward to visiting in the future for great entertainment and a glass of Adnams too, of course.”
Councillor Riley added: “The 2025 festive panto Cinderella has been the perfect production for celebrating the curtains coming up once again at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, and we’ve already broken the box office record. At each performance from Opening Night onwards, it’s been incredible to see everyone enjoy the new front-of-house facilities and then be enthralled and entertained by the talented cast on stage.
“The energy in the theatre is magical, and we’re delighted to be welcoming audiences back into our beautiful venue - sharing the laughter, joining in the fun and making each night truly unforgettable!”
Cinderella runs until 31 December – details of performance times and ticket availability at: https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/cinderella-christmas-panto/