Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is thrilled to announce their reopening after 12 months of closure due to Coronavirus with a Spring/Summer 2021 season sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors.
The theatre will celebrate this much-anticipated milestone with a sparkling new version of one of the world’s great adventure stories, Around the World in Eighty Days, directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director, Owen Calvert-Lyons, sponsored by Chassis Cab and opening on Friday 21 May. Audiences will follow dashing Victorian adventurer Phileas Fogg in this fast-paced comedy as he embarks on a journey across the globe, aiming to complete the feat in record time. A cast of three will play over twenty characters in this epic tale of adventure.
CEO and Artistic Director, Owen Calvert-Lyons is excited to welcome audiences into the theatre for the first time since he took up his post in June last year. ‘When I was fortunate enough to join Theatre Royal last summer I never anticipated that it would be almost a year before I would be putting productions on to the stage. Yet here we are, after the most unbelievable year, preparing for reopening. Theatre Royal has at its heart a loyal and supportive audience who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us during the darkest of recent months and I cannot wait to throw open the doors and invite them in.’
The opening celebrations will continue with two special events. On Sunday 23 May, a rare chance to join acclaimed actors Robert & Philip Glenister for a brilliantly entertaining evening in conversation about life, love, filming and theatre.
Then on Sunday 30 May award-winning, internationally acclaimed, Coloratura Soprano, Christina Johnston will present an intimate evening of uplifting and iconic operatic and classical pieces accompanied by pianist Geoff Lavery.
Three further special fundraising events will follow. June 20th will see one of the foremost journalists and political experts in the UK, John Sergeant, joined by his friend Terry Waite CBE, English humanitarian and author, for a fascinating and fun evening of conversation. And on July 1 we welcome the hugely talented actor, humourist, writer and general raconteur Christopher Biggins on stage with one of his best mates, Birds of a Feather star, Lesley Joseph. To round off the season, The Daily Telegraph’s cartoonist Matt Pritchett MBE whose cartoons provide a consistently original take on the big news stories of the day will treat us to an insight into his world.
Owen has put together a programme which reflects the theatre’s commitment to the local community. ’Now, more than ever, it is important that we support the talent that Suffolk has to offer which is why we are proud to have so many productions which feature local people performing on our stage: Irving Stage Company and their musical production of Company; Bury St Edmunds Operatic & Dramatic Society and their production of Sherlock Holmes’ most spine-chilling mystery, The Hound of the Baskervilles; CTC Foundation College and their Class of 20/21 Graduate Showcase and Suffolk Young People’s Theatre who will transport us to the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss in the musical extravaganza – Seussical The Musical. And in June, Theatre Royal will host its first ever Digital Festival a celebration of Citizen Artists in our region.’
In line with Government guidelines the first few weeks of opening will be with socially distanced seating and a range of Covid-safe measures designed to give customers confidence in returning. Owen’s priority is to make audiences feel comfortable ‘we’ve worked really hard over the last few months getting the theatre ready for audiences to return. Bubble Seating in the auditorium, one-way systems and dedicated entrances will give audience members lots of space. An upgraded air-handling system, deep cleans and effective sanitisation will help to keep the virus at bay. All being well, we hope to return to a full auditorium from 22 June, if restrictions allow. It’s still 2 months until we open so any changes or updates to restrictions will be adhered to but at the moment we are looking forward to a safe return.’
Prior to welcoming audiences back to the theatre in person, the theatre’s stage will play host to a live streamed performance, in partnership with Original Theatre Company, of Being Mr Wickham. Written and performed by Adrian Lukis, who starred in the renowned BBC TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, and will now return to the role of Mr Wickham and set the record straight. What really happened with Darcy? What did he feel about Lizze? The three live streamed performances will be followed by a Q&A with Adrian Lukis himself.
The Spring/Summer 2021 programme also features some shows rescheduled from last year – comedian Greg Byron, Oddsocks Production of Comedy of Errors, fast-paced improv with Austentatious and comedy drama in the form of Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular sponsored by Ashtons Legal.
Towards the end of the Summer Owen will be joined by Creative Learning Manager Hayley Murrow as they co-direct the always-popular Summer School production which, this year, will be Holes by Louis Sachar. This multi-million bestselling novel is adapted for the stage by the author himself in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption and will see a cast of young people on stage alongside professional actors.
At the same time as this wonderful programme of events, this year’s pantomime, Cinderella will also go back on sale having been rescheduled from last year so absolutely loads of things to fill your diary with!
BOOKING INFORMATION
As the theatre recovers from the effects of 12 months of closure the staff team, and particularly Box Office continue to work reduced hours so for the moment the Box Office cannot accept incoming telephone calls and booking will be predominantly online at theatreroyal.org.
The Box Office is available to help with any queries by emailing booking@theatreroyal.org.
Audience members with access needs or those requiring assistance please contact booking@theatreroyal.org.
Priority booking for members opens 10am Wednesday 24 March 2021
General sale 10am Friday 26 March 2021
The full Spring/Summer 2021 digital brochure can be viewed here www.theatreroyal.org/our-brochures.
