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Tommy, 2017
We aim to combine our own productions, projects, collaborations with other partners and touring work, to create a programme of performances and creative learning projects of the highest quality, maximum diversity and greatest possible accessibility, within a sound and sustainable financial framework.
Key objectives:
Core Funders
The New Wolsey Theatre would like to thank our core funders for their on-going investment and support in enabling the New Wolsey Theatre’s continued economic, cultural and communal contribution to the region: Arts Council England, Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.
Sponsors
We would like to thank our current sponsors who all support us on a number of different levels across the wide range of work we undertake. Our sponsorships are tailored to meet your business needs but with a focus on supporting new theatre, nurturing new talent and allowing us to remain one of the most accessible theatre in the country.
To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities please call 01473 295915 or relationships@wolseytheatre.co.uk for further information.
Find out more about Larking Gowen from their website here.
Find out more about John Grose from their website here.
Find out more about Gipping from their website here.
Find out more about Castons from their website here.
Corporate Partners
The New Wolsey Theatre strives to be at the heart of the local community and a Corporate Partnership provides an exciting way for businesses to highlight their recognition of the New Wolsey Theatre’s community work. Through a variety of innovative brand enhancement opportunities, your business can work in partnership with us to help raise your profile whilst reaffirming your dedication to supporting our region.
Please contact 01473 295902 or relationship@wolseytheatre.co.uk for further information.
Media Partners
Project Funding
The New Wolsey Theatre would like to thank those who have contributed funding towards particular projects and initiatives, as follows:
Current projects include:
The Bradbury Platform: Bradbury Foundation
A platform especially designed for us to add more wheelchair accessible spaces in the first two rows of the main auditorium, creating more access to the theatre for everyone and ticket subsidy to support new audiences to use this facility
Capital Project 2016
Building Improvements.
Agent for Change
Roles in our workforce dedicated to developing D/deaf and disabled audiences
Youth Theatre Squared
A Youth theatre group for young people with additional needs.
Alfie Strange primary Schools Tour
The Scarfe Charitable Trust, The Ganzoni, Charitable Trust, The Steel Charitable Trust
List of Board Members
Sara Corcoran – Chair
Sara has over 25 years’ senior Human Resources and Organisational Development experience and played a leading role in some hugely exciting projects, such as the launch of the University of Suffolk (2016). She now focuses on leadership coaching and facilitation, and as co-founder of Thinking Outside Ltd, is drawing on the natural environment to deliver inspiring and impactful individual and organisational development. Sara is a qualified Executive Coach, a Fellow of the CIPD, a Board Trustee of the Association of University Administrators, a Governor of Writtle University College and Co-Chair of the OD in HE network. Her interests include reading, dancing, walking, theatre, watching rugby and travel. She is also the very proud mother of two incredible young men.
Ashley Bowdler
Ashley is a Chartered Manager, Founder and Director of Ibernet.org, a Marketing and Business support organisation working with blockchain technology and General Manager for net72 Marketing Agency. Ashley is a passionate sportsman and once an amateur theatrical who claims his acting days are behind him. He enjoys playing for and managing his village football team although not at the levels he had once played. Ashley supports the development for the town in which he was born and is passionate about the regeneration of Ipswich as a thriving Business and Arts hub. Ashley has enjoyed success within his role, which he believes comes from great teamwork, a desire to learn, and exploring new ideas. Ashley carries an infectious motivation into all projects.
Marc Bradbrook
Marc is a passionate supporter for the transition from fossil fuels to a clean future and wants to leave something positive behind for his kids and future generations.
Marc is Vice President of Business Development at Drax. Drax’s strategy is to become a global leader in negative emissions, by deploying its BECCS technology around the world to support the decarbonisation of energy systems and industry and the global drive to tackle climate change.
Outside of work Marc loves the NFL and has been a San Francisco 49ers fan since 1985.
Vickie Brazier
Vickie has lived in Ipswich all her life and has a background in law, qualifying as a Chartered Fellow Legal Executive and is an Associate at Taylor Haldane Barlex Solicitors in Ipswich, working in the area of Family Law, specialising in Child Care Law. Vickie works in the community, attending organisations that support young parents, providing legal advice and attending educational settings, promoting the legal profession to young people. Outside of work, Vickie enjoys reading, the theatre, socialising with family and friends and trying to get to the gym! Vickie has been interested in drama from an early age and once sought to pursue a career as an actor, undertaking work experience on the show Le Misérables at the Palace Theatre, London. Vickie likes to fundraise for various charities. In October 2022, Vickie engaged in a firewalking event raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice. Vickie also likes to attend quiz nights.
Cathy Frost
Cathy is the owner of an independent high street shop. Her business, Loveone, a gift and homeware store can be found on St Peters Street in Ipswich. Cathy established the shop in 2007, and is a champion for the high street and small business, recognising the importance of a vibrant town centre and the role that communities play in this.
Cathy is a one of the directors for the The Saints Community Interest Company. A group that delivers the St.Peter’s Street markets twice a year. This market supports artisans and crafters from the local area and has helped to cement The Saints in Ipswich as a vibrant independent shopping area.
Cathy has lived in Ipswich for over 30 years and has been a supporter of the New Wolsey since it reopened 22 years ago. Cathy believes the cultural offer in Ipswich is particularly strong with many exciting groups reaching audiences both locally and far and wide. Cathy is keen to work with the theatre to ensure the New Wolsey continues this strong tradition, extends into new communities and realises the potential of the new Spiral building, NW2.
Alice Hardaker
As Development Director at the University of Suffolk Alice leads the Alumni Relations and Development team, fostering relationships with the University’s communities, donors, friends, graduates, honorary graduates and other stakeholders. Before this Alice was Head of Fundraising at Essex Wildlife Trust where she built and lead a portfolio of income streams including corporate development and partnerships, grants and trusts, gifts in Wills, individual philanthropy and membership. For several years she was General Manager at multi-award-winning London fringe theatre Southwark Playhouse, seeing its successful relocation into larger premises and leading on financial and operational management. She also led the in-house team across marketing, press and publicity, education and outreach, production, visitor experience and sales. Alice grew up in Suffolk and has been very lucky to work for organisations that support creativity, placemaking, education and our green spaces – all causes that are close to her heart. The skills and hobbies she wishes she kept up include yoga, music, languages and surfing. Alice has an MA in English Literature from the University of Leeds and has also studied at Trinity College, Dublin and University of California, San Diego. She is a qualified Nutritional Therapist.
Matt Harrison
Matt is a Director and Theatre Maker from North Yorkshire.
His first professional acting job was in Ipswich, where the New Wolsey’s Creative Communities Department showed him theatre’s potential for social change. This experience gave him both a love for the town and highlighted the vital importance of a great, local producing house.
Matt trained at East 15 Acting School and on the National Theatre Directors course. He’s a previous National Theatre New Works Department Resident Director and a JMK Award Finalist. Matt has directed work at venues including Southwark Playhouse, Northern Stage, The New Diorama, Ambassadors and Criterion Theatres, collaborating with artists including Emma Rice and Kathy Burke. He has worked extensively with emerging actors at a selection of Drama Schools, Young Companies and the National Youth Theatre.
Laura Herbert
Laura grew up in Ipswich and has lived in the local area for several years. She has always loved reading and storytelling: she studied English at the University of Bristol and was involved in student theatre whilst there. Laura joined Birketts LLP in 2018 as a trainee solicitor in the charities team and continued her training in the employment and employee incentive teams. She qualified solicitor in 2020 and now specialises in employment law providing commercial and strategic advice to employers and employees, focusing on finding pragmatic solutions and helping clients with their engagement and culture.
Before becoming a solicitor, Laura spent long periods abroad: she worked as a chalet cook in the Alps across two years; she worked alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on an international protection scheme for Myanmarese refugees and she spent time in the Calais camp, mostly putting her cooking skills to use in the kitchens. In her spare time, Laura volunteers with the Suffolk law advice centre. She is a keen sportswoman has held various roles on the Ipswich hockey club’s committee, including as their ladies’ club captain. Through a friend who is a hot air ballooning pilot, Laura has been involved in the GB hot air ballooning community and has represented the country at national championships as a crew member.
Kimberly Hurd
Kimberly has a background in Commercial Property and has a degree in Business Management and Marketing as well as an MBA from the University of Suffolk. She has worked in Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as in the U.S.A on international management consultancy projects and believes that experiencing alternative corporate cultures and climates is priceless. She has a particular interest in brand strategy and workplace diversity and inclusion. Kimberly is heavily involved in community outreach in the Ipswich area and volunteers with charities such as The ARK and 4RCETraining where she mentors young people. Kimberly has grown up in Ipswich but has spent a few years living in Jamaica and the U.S.A and thoroughly enjoys learning and experiencing alternative cultures – both socially and economically. During her downtime she enjoys exploring parks with her daughter, practising yoga and can be found in a local cafe with her head stuck in a good book.
Sarah Sheppard
Sarah has lived in Ipswich and the surrounding area all her life. She has been a frequent visitor to The New Wolsey Theatre, taking in many shows a year. She enjoys the diversity of shows put on by The New Wolsey Theatre – from comedy to musicals and plays to pantomime.
Sarah’s professional skills help to support The New Wolsey Theatre and the benefits the Theatre brings to Ipswich and the surrounding area. A CIMA qualified account with over 24 years’ experience, Sarah currently works for The Sigma Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust in Clacton. The Trust is responsible for running 8 Secondary and 4 Primary Schools, all based in the Colchester and Tendring areas of North Essex. Prior to her current role, Sarah has also worked in the NHS, accountancy practice and the corporate world.
Outside of her working life, Sarah is a keen walker and is an active member of Ipswich Outdoor Group. She serves on their Committee as Treasurer. Many of her weekends are spent walking in the local area. Sarah also enjoys travelling further afield, hiking in the hills of the Peak District, the Lake District and beyond.
Sophie Woolley
Sophie is a writer and performer and director of Augmented Productions (Augmented tour 2020). Sophie is currently working as an actor in a TV drama, and writing for The Unicorn Theatre. She has also recently written for EastEnders and Casualty.
As an actor, writer and theatre maker, she’s worked with Told by an Idiot (Augmented, Associate Company), and toured extensively in the UK and Europe. She’s worked with the Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre (When to Run & Writers Attachment Programme), Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, Birmingham Rep, Salisbury Playhouse, Theatre Royal Plymouth. She has also collaborated with Andile Vellem and Unmute in South Africa.
Sophie’s plays include When to Run, Fight Face, Bee Detective, Augmented. Sophie is Deaf and is an advocate and maker of creatively accessible theatre. All her plays are accessible using creative captioning. Training includes Channel 4 Screenwriting Course, BBC Writersroom Writers’ Access Group, Clore Leadership Fellowship, BBC Radio Sparks.
Charlotte Wormstone
Charlotte moved to Suffolk in 2013 and works for Birketts LLP as a property litigator. She has been involved with the arts from an early age; studying ballet from the age of 2, being part of a youth theatre from the age of 13, studying English and Drama and performing at the Edinburgh Festival whilst at university. Having always felt at home in a theatre, being appointed to the Board of Directors for the New Wolsey Theatre was an extension of Charlotte’s previous theatrical experience and an added dimension to her involvement with the New Wolsey Theatre, as both an audience member and a performer. Charlotte is excited to be able to play a small but active part in the enthusiastic and dynamic team that runs the Theatre and who consistently bring exceptional arts experiences to Ipswich and Suffolk as a whole.
The range of jobs within the theatre industry is varied and vast, from Technicians to Front of House Assistants and Marketing Officers to Creative Learning Practitioners, there are many different positions which need to be filled to keep the theatre running. We employ full-time, part-time and casual staff in most departments, as well as freelance creative teams for our in-house productions.
Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Do you have a self-contained property or a spare room in Ipswich that you would like to rent to actors, creatives and technicians that work with us here at the New Wolsey Theatre?
We’re looking for people who are interested in joining our Short Term Accommodation List to offer accommodation to the brilliant actors and creatives working at the theatre throughout the year. This accommodation should be affordable, accessible, inclusive, LGBTQIA+ welcoming, and anti-racist.
We’re especially interested in hearing from homeowners and renters who are part of the global majority or LGBTQIA+ community and can provide artists with spaces where they can be physically, mentally, culturally, and environmentally safe.
Being a Host can be very rewarding. As well as earning money, Hosts will benefit from a connection to the flourishing and exciting arts scene in Ipswich, as well as supporting the NWT in being a really great place to work. Hosts will meet a variety of people, and will enjoy special ticket discounts on shows their Guests are working on or appearing in.
This is what one of our Hosts has said about their experience:
“I enjoy the variety of people I have come and stay. I also hope having some where nice to stay when away from their homes makes a difference to them. On a whole it is a pleasure and it’s mostly non-intrusive. Playing a small part in the Ipswich arts scene is a pleasure and I get to meet people from all over the UK with differing backgrounds doing different roles in the theatre. It’s eye-opening and very interesting, I would highly recommend to others to become a Host.”
So if you have a spare bedroom or self-contained space, or have an Airbnb you manage, or maybe you know someone who travels a lot or has more bedrooms than they need, please get in touch with us to start a conversation about joining our Short Term Accommodation List.
Contact Sam Bates, Theatre Administrator, at admin@wolseytheatre.co.uk or on 01473 295 914.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions you might find useful when deciding whether to become a Host. You can also download our Code of Conduct here for more detailed information.
Offering short term accommodation for visiting or touring actors and creatives is an important part of the theatre and arts industry. Often individuals can be on tour for months, visiting a different venue each week. Rather than staying in a hotel, a lot of venues offer short-term accommodation (often referred to as ‘Digs’) to provide a ‘home from home’ experience for Guests.
The Short Term Accommodation List (also known as a ‘digs list’) is a list of places where visiting actors and freelance creative staff can stay during their time working at the New Wolsey Theatre.
It is usually a spare room within your house or a self-contained space that you rent out for the duration of the person’s time working at the theatre. The duration of stay varies, and an actor or creative freelancer may request to stay with you for anything from one or two nights up to four months. You can, of course, choose not to accept any bookings which aren’t convenient for you.
The price is also up to you, but as a guide, our current short term accommodation ranges from £25-£85 a night or £100- £150 a week. Due to current subsistence rates set by UK Theatre we recommend £25-£35 per night and £100-£140 per week as this is what the majority of Guests will be able to afford.
Guests may be working anti-social hours, working late into the evenings. It is important for Guests to feel comfortable and at home in a space they can relax in after a long day. It is important for Guests to be able to prepare meals, do laundry and get a good night’s sleep as they would at home. Each individual will of course be different- some Guests may want to talk and socialise with a Host, as it can be lonely working away from home, whereas others may prefer to have quiet space, to relax, read, watch television or even continue working. Sometimes Guests may come and go. For example on days off they might chose to travel home to see family and friends- this could be for a weekend or a couple of days- so it is important to agree rules and rates ahead of time.
Guests will be coming from a variety of different backgrounds from across the UK and the globe. Guests may be culturally diverse, from the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled and/ or from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. They could be new to working in theatre, or experienced. If there is any intolerance to any of these differences, or if you are not happy or comfortable inviting in Guests from a variety of diverse backgrounds then please do not apply to be a Host. NWT is committed to offering the people who work at the theatre a positive and comfortable experience no matter who they are. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
The Basic Requirements
A spare room, apartment or house – At the very least, Guests need their own room. Some prefer self-contained properties, so we ask Hosts to state what type of accommodation they offer clearly.
Comfortable bed – 20-year-old mattresses may be fine for friends and family but not for paying Guests. Beds should be reasonably new and supportive – especially as most theatre jobs are quite physical. Bedding and towels should be provided by the Host.
Privacy – Most Guests expect the room they rent to be their private space for the duration of their stay. Hosts should not access or attempt to access any private spaces unless there is an objective emergency, or after a Guest has given explicit permission and the Guest has a clear understanding of what the interactions will be and when.
Storage – We ask Hosts to provide a drawer or two and somewhere to hang clothes in their bedroom. If the use of the kitchen is also provided, then we ask for the provision of space in the fridge and cupboards to store food.
Cleanliness –We require all Hosts to provide clean sheets and bedding, a freshly dusted and vacuumed room and clean bathroom and kitchen areas (where applicable).
Access – Since the nature of Theatre often involves working unsociable hours, we kindly ask Hosts to provide Guests with a set of keys (or equivalent) to let themselves in and out of the property at will. Some Hosts request a security deposit for this and this should be mentioned in the accommodation description if required.
Proof of payment – Hosts should provide a receipt to Guests on payment.
Code of Conduct – All Hosts and Guests are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct.
The Most Popular Accommodation Also Has:
Great value – We ask Hosts to look at similar accommodation in their area and price their rooms accordingly. Many rooms are listed for under £100 per week – giving Guests money left from their touring allowance buy food, etc.
Proximity to the Theatre – Accommodation within walking distance to the theatre tend to receive the most bookings.
Great WiFi – Fast, unlimited wireless broadband is invaluable to Guests.
Private bathrooms or en suites – Being able to offer Guests that little bit more private space can make the difference between a good and a great stay.
Access to Kitchen Facilities – Not all Guests will require this, but most will. People often like to cook properly – not just heat up ready-meals. Ideally they would need allocated shelves in a cupboard and fridge for food. Use of a washing machine is also often a must-have. Most short term accommodation would provide tea and coffee but expect Guests to bring their own food and toiletries
Blackout blinds/curtains – Working unsociable hours in the theatre is common, a little extra sleep in the morning is good preparation for the following night’s performance. Blackout blinds and curtains help, especially in the summer months.
Calm and quiet – Can you ensure peace and quiet for your Guests to get a good night’s sleep and allow them a lie in after a late night?
Winter Warmth – Guests who work in theatre maybe around a lot during the day and out most of the evenings, some flexibility with the heating especially during the winter months can make all the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable experience.
Understanding Hosts (and Guests) – Some Guests love to stay up all night ‘chatting theatre’ and some prefer to keep themselves to themselves. Being sensitive to the needs of each other makes for the best Hosting experiences.
Good communication – Hosts who quickly respond to booking requests and communicate clearly with their Guests seem to achieve the best results.
Accurate listings – Hosts who have an up-to-date calendar, good quality photos and accurate descriptions are letting their Guests know what to expect.
Parking – Is a bonus if possible, but often not necessary.
Top tip, try out your accommodation – Spend a night sleeping in the accommodation you offer. Did you get a good night’s sleep? It’s a good way to ascertain whether or not your accommodation is Guest worthy.
What can I expect from my Guests and the theatre?
What you can expect from your Guests:
What you can expect from the New Wolsey Theatre:
Download more information about our Short Term Accommodation – Word document
Download more information about our Short Term Accommodation – PDF
Interested in volunteering? The New Wolsey Theatre currently enlists volunteers in the following roles within the organisation:
Volunteering with us as an usher is a great way to get involved in your local theatre and provide the same warm welcome that you’re used to on your visits to us.
As a volunteer usher you’ll be involved in:
Shifts generally last between 3-4 hours depending on the show. You must be aged 16 and over to join us and all we ask is that you’re committed to helping out your local theatre. There will be the opportunity to receive free tickets, attend guest nights and other events as a thanks for your support.
We are currently not recruiting for volunteer ushers but keep checking back on this page and on our social media channels where we’ll post when we’re next on the look out for people to join our brilliant pool.
This is what some of our current volunteers have to say:
‘You can’t market atmosphere and goodwill. A great team of people, love every minute of it.’
‘It is a real privilege to be part of such a vibrant and hardworking team as the wonderful Wolsey Theatre.’
‘We enjoy, we care and we just like what we do – it’s fun!’
‘I enjoy being a member if Friday Club because it is very social and John makes it enjoyable for us all by making a great coffee.’
‘It is a great way of being involved with the local community and making the New Wolsey Theatre a success.’
If you have any general enquiries please use the details below. If we’re online, please feel free to start a live chat in the bottom right hand corner of this page and we’ll do our best to direct your question to the right department.
The Ticket Sales Team can be contacted on 01473 295 900 or email tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk. The team also act as our switchboard and can direct you to the most appropriate department for your question.
Our Administration Team can be reached at info@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Phone 01473 295900
Email tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk
The New Wolsey Theatre
Civic Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk
IP1 2AS
VAT No: 765325812
Charity No: 1082016
© 2023 New Wolsey Theatre
