Getting Here


We’ve included directions for those driving to the theatre below. If you’re using public transport we recommend visiting www.travelineeastanglia.co.uk which has up to date information and journey planning for the Eastern region by all methods of public transport.

From London, Chelmsford and Colchester (A12 northbound)

Take the A12 to Ipswich. At the roundabout where the A12 and the A14 intersect take the second exit onto the A1214. Go straight over the next roundabout (Tesco is on you left) and continue on London Road through several sets of traffic lights.

You will eventually see Sainsbury’s on your left at a set of traffic lights – continue straight, go straight through 2 more sets of traffic lights onto Handford Road. At the Handford Rd. – Civic Drive roundabout, take the third exit onto Civic Drive, then the first left onto Elm Street, then immediately left onto Black Horse Lane and left again at the T-Junction with St Matthews Service Street. The pay & display car parks are on the left.

From Southwold, Aldeburgh and Woodbridge (A12 southbound)


Take Woodbridge Road (A1214) into Ipswich, turn left on Argyle Street, take a right onto St Helen’s Street, continue straight on Crown Street to the roundabout, take the first exit (which takes you past the theatre), then the second exit off the next roundabout (Handford Rd.) and an almost immediate left onto Elm Street, then left again onto Black Horse Lane and again at the T-Junction with St Matthews Service Street. The pay & display car parks are on the left.

From Felixstowe (A14 westbound)


Take the A1156 into Ipswich from the A14. Continue straight on Bishop’s Hill and on Fore Hamlet. Bear left on A1156 and continue straight on Fore Street. Take a left onto Salthouse Street, bear right onto key Street, continue straight on College Street, left onto Bridge Street, bear left onto Grey Friars Road, right onto Franciscan Way, continue straight on Princes Street and bear left onto Civic Drive.

At the roundabout (Handford Rd.) take the fourth exit and an almost immediate left onto Elm Street, then left again onto Black Horse Lane and again at the T-Junction with St Matthews Service Street. The pay & display car parks are on the left.

Parking


There are multiple car parking options around the New Wolsey Theatre. Here is some information regarding the ones closest to our doors.

Spiral Car Park Newly Re-opened with 24 hour access



The Spiral Car Park is an underground car park, the entrance to which is located outside the front of the theatre.

It’s now open 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week, giving you a greater choice of where to park during your visit to the New Wolsey Theatre. At just £2 after 6pm for the entire evening, it is pay on exit either through the Your Parking Space app or at one of the kiosks in the car park. Please note the Spiral Car Park is cashless.

Please read the terms and conditions before parking.

An aerial photograph of the front of the New Wolsey Theatre and the entrance to the Spiral Car Park, both lit up as it gets darker outside.
Photograph by Will Green Photography.

Wolsey Car Park

The Wolsey Car Park is the open-air car park beside the theatre. It is run by Napier Parking* and you can pay in person using either cash, contactless card or a parking app (for example RingGo) upon arrival.

The prices are:

£2.50 for the evening arriving after 6pm
(Valid until 6am the following morning)

Please follow the instructions on the signage to activate the evening rate through using the yellow button, this tariff is only valid in the Wolsey Car Park Pay and Display parking area.

We would like to extend our thanks to Napier Parking for making this service possible

*The Wolsey Car Park is privately run by Napier Parking, and not affiliated with the New Wolsey Theatre.

Booking Tickets


Finding the best tickets for your next show is now easier than ever.

Booking online

With each show on the website, you’ll find a full list of performances, each with availability and pricing. Simply press the button on the performance you’d like to see and you’ll enter the checkout process where you can choose your exact seats for the performance. You can book online 24/7.

Get your seats before they go!

Get your seats before they go!

 

Booking over the phone

Call the Ticket Desk on 01473 295900 to talk to one of our friendly people from Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 8.00pm. We’ll stop taking calls at 6.00pm when there’s no evening shows but you’ll be able to leave a message for us to call you back. If there’s a show on a Bank Holiday or Sunday we’ll be able to take calls from 2 hours before the performance.

BUT! Before you do, it would be really handy if you could have the following info ready:

  • The performance date and time, number of tickets you require
  • Your preferred price band
  • Any requirements
  • The credit or debit card with which you’ll be paying

We are also happy to receive TextRelay calls.

 

Booking in person

The Ticket Desk is the first thing you’ll see when entering The New Wolsey Theatre.

It’s open Monday – Saturday, 10.00am – 8.00pm (but closed Saturdays during August).

When there is no performance, we close at 3.00pm – you can still telephone us until 6.00pm on those days.

On Sundays and Bank Holidays, we open two hours before the scheduled show start time.

We have a low level service counter and a hearing loop at the Box Office.

 

Booking by email

Drop a note to tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk of the show and performance you’re thinking of seeing, and we’ll go from there.

 

A few more things you should know

Our ticket prices are subject to change as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.

To ensure the best experience for our audiences and actors some seats are not offered for sale until seats towards the front of the theatre are sold. If you have any specific access requirements please do contact a Ticket Sales Assistant.

We don’t charge booking fees but we are a registered charity so if you do fancy leaving us a small donation instead we would be very grateful.

If you would like us to post your tickets we’ll ask for £1.00 to cover costs of an envelope, stamp, and stroll to the post box.

Tickets booked five days or fewer before the performance will be held for you to collect on the door. If you need to exchange or reprint tickets, you will be asked to collect them in person from the Ticket Desk.

Reserved tickets (those awaiting payment) will be held for up to five days.

If calling outside office hours or during peak times, you can leave your booking order on the answering machine or just ask us to call you back – don’t forget to leave us your details!

Seating & Price Bands


Our cosy 400 seat auditorium offers a clear view of the stage from all seats. However, depending on the style of production some seats offer a view that works better with the design of show or style of performance. We split our auditorium into four price bands to offer a range of prices based on where we feel the optimum viewing experience will be. Our ticket prices are subject to change as the theatre fills, by booking early you can sure to secure the best seats at the best price.

You often ask us why the front two rows of the theatre are such a bargain. The reason? We love having the front of the auditorium full for every show and we believe there should be accessible priced tickets for all.

To ensure the best experience for our audiences and actors some seats are not offered for sale until seats towards the front of the theatre are sold. If you have any specific access requirements please do contact a Ticket Sales Assistant.

If you want to see what the view will be like from our seats, why not explore the auditorium on our Google Tour.

Extra Events


Theatre Tours

The New Wolsey Theatre is opening its stage door to offer a brilliant and rare opportunity for you to go behind the scenes.

Our engaging, knowledgeable tour guides will lead you through the theatre to the dressing rooms, the green room, the lighting box, the trap doors, onto the stage and beyond!

If you and your party are interested in a backstage tour, please contact the Relationships Team on Relationships@wolseytheatre.co.uk and we’ll see what we can do.

 

Post-Show Talks

Some shows have an opportunity for discussion with the cast and/or creatives after the show. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the production.

Check on the individual show pages to see which performances include a post-show talk.

View upcoming shows >> 

 

Visit Ipswich


The New Wolsey Theatre is located in the heart of Ipswich, an exciting town where life centres around the water: shops, restaurants and bars line the waterfront, and the architecture echoes a maritime history. We are proud to be members of We Are Ipswich, a collaborative arts and cultural group based in Ipswich, be sure to visit their website for more exciting things to see and do in Ipswich.


What's HOT Around Ipswich

To help you get the most from your visit, may we recommend:


DanceEast | Entertainment

DanceEast brings world class dance to the East of England, presenting a diverse programme of performances to widen audience experience.

Visit the Website

King Street Cinema | Entertainment

A community-based two screen cinema situated in the Corn Exchange in King Street, Ipswich specialising in independent and world cinema.

Visit the Website

Pentahotel Ipswich | Hotel & Restaurant

Pentahotel Ipswich is the perfect base for a relaxing stay, as well as being a great launch pad for exploring loads of many local attractions.

Visit the Website

Lattice Lodge Guest House | Accommodation

Lattice Lodge is a large Edwardian Property built in 1908 as a doctors surgery, it’s been completely renovated throughout and extended in keeping with the original style.

Visit the Website

FAQ


All those questions you wanted to ask… If we don’t cover it below, we may have already answered your question on another page but, if you want a quick answer give us a call on 01473 295900 or, if we’re online, speak to us on live chat.

We’re adding to this list as the website develops, so if there’s a question you think should be covered, please e-mail webmaster@wolseytheatre.co.uk. If you have a time sensitive request please contact tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk.

Thank you to the Eastern Enterprise Hub also for the interview videos below with our Chief Executive Sarah Holmes.

 

 

 

 

Do I Need To Dress Up?

Yes, you do need to wear clothes (especially in chilly weather) but we’re really not fussed what you wear. If you’re out for a special night then dress up but if a onesie is your thing we won’t judge. Promise.

What Happens If I’m Late?

These things happen. We’ll get you to your seat at the earliest opportunity, sometimes this won’t be until the interval. At the main theatre, we’ll pop the show on a TV screen in the bar so you don’t miss any of the action.

How Do I Get A Mention During Panto?

There’s a secret list that our Ticket Sales Assistants keep under lock and key. If you want access, give them a call on 01473 295900. Make sure you’ve booked your tickets first though!

Do You Hire Out Costumes?

Because of our limited costume storage space we don’t have the opportunity to run a costume hire. We would suggest contacting local companies such as the Co-op Juniors or Angels for your costume requirements.