NW Red

Our Mission

Our mission is to create, develop and produce a vital and dynamic programme of theatre, and other live performances and projects, for all the people of Suffolk and surrounding areas.

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:

  • To create a theatre that is welcoming, inclusive and open to all sections of the community.
  • To create a theatre which has a high profile, and is a vital component of the public and cultural life of the region.
  • To create work that both satisfies and challenges the theatre’s audiences.
  • To offer opportunities to develop theatre and performance skills, particularly to young people and other social and cultural groups who are currently under represented.
  • To create educational opportunities for learners within the theatre’s programme which enliven and extend their studies.
  • To combine with other partners, as sponsors, co-producers or funders to enhance and extend the quality and scope of our productions and other activities.
  • To develop new artists, new work and new ways of working.
  • To develop a national profile for the theatre as a centre of excellence and a source of innovation.
  • To develop business acumen to ensure and enhance both the efficient running and financial viability of the organisation.

 

Our People

David Phillips

Head of Production & Facilities

01473 295906
Email David

Sally Jones

Theatre Manager

01473 295948
Email Sally

Sarah Holmes

Chief Executive

01473 295913
Email Sarah

Peter Rowe

Artistic Director

01473 295935
Email Peter

Sue Lawther-Brown

Head of Communications

01473 295925
Email Sue

David Watson

Head of Operations

01473 295912
Email David

Tony Casement

Head of Creative Communities

01473 295930
Email Tony

Peter Hazelwood

Technical Manager

01473 295906
Email Peter

Lucy Parker

HR & Administration Manager

01473 295940
Email Lucy

Sian Thomas

Creative Communities Producer

01473 295930
Email Sian

Rachel Fitzgerald

Creative Communities Manager

01473 295930
Email Rachel

Klyde Robinson

Finance Manager

01473 295916
Email Klyde

Suzanne Simpson

Finance Officer

01473 295921
Email Suzanne

Terri Winwood

Finance Officer

01473 295922
Email Terri

Daniel Emmens

Sales Manager

01473 295923
Email Daniel

Katharine Allerton

Marketing Officer

01473 295920
Email Katharine

Ellis Northrop

Assistant Relationship Manager (Maternity Cover)

01473 295915
Email Ellis

Jamie Beddard

Agent for Change - Artistic


Email Jamie

Neil Daines

Facilities Manager

01473 295905
Email Neil

Our Funders

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 295902 or development@wolseytheatre.co.uk for further information.

 

The logo for Larking Gowen.

 

          

 

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

NWT Board

List of Board Members

 
Cathy Frost
Cathy is currently the Ipswich Vision Coordinator. The Ipswich Vision is a collaboration between the eight major stakeholders in the town, whose aim is to ‘turn the town around’, to facilitate the regeneration of Ipswich and realise its full potential.  She also runs her own business, Loveone, a small independent shop 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 25 years and has been a supporter of the New Wolsey since it reopened almost 20 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.  
Sophie Woolley
Sophie is a writer and performer. Her company, Augmented Productions is an associate of Told by an Idiot. In 2019 Sophie was a theatre fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme and also took part in the BBC Writersroom Access Group.  As well as writing and often performing her own stageplays (When to Run, Fight Face, Bee Detective), Sophie also works in radio and TV. Sophie’s solo show, Augmented, about her experience of becoming a deaf cyborg, tours theatres in 2020.  
Ashley Bowdler
Ashley is a Chartered Manager and Senior Business Operations/HR Manager for Burland Technology Solutions in Suffolk. Ashley has worked closely with the Board of Directors at Burland over the last 5 years using his management experience from several sectors to support Burland's growth plans. By providing this support, Ashley contributed to the success and recognition of the company which include two Queens awards within the last 5 years. 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.  
Sara Corcoran
Sara joined the University of Suffolk (then University Campus Suffolk), as Director of Human Resources in August 2012, having previously held senior HR posts in higher education and the NHS in London, Essex, Kent and Cornwall.  Aside from the thrill and excitement of live performance, she loves the way that theatre can challenge and educate us, help us to reflect on our experiences and broaden our perspectives.  She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and of the Association of University Administrators, where she is also a Board Trustee.  She is a keen dancer, a novice runner and a very reluctant camper!  
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.  
Richard Lister (Chairman)
Richard was previously Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk, formerly University Campus Suffolk. Richard has a particular interest in relationships with the community and improving aspiration, achievement and social mobility in Suffolk. Richard previously worked at Brunel, Hull and Essex Universities and was seconded to develop Essex's Southend Campus before joining University Campus Suffolk in 2006. In addition to being on the Board of the New Wolsey Theatre, Richard is also Pro-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk and Chair of the Ipswich Opportunity Area.
Louise Rogers
Louise is the Founder and Managing Director of Contador Accountancy Services providing professional and friendly accountancy support for companies, charities and self-employed business owners.  Louise was awarded her practicing Certificate from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in September 2014. Prior to developing her own accountancy business, Louise worked for Ensors Chartered Accountants for 16 years.  During this time, Louise worked with a large portfolio of clients including a number of charities, both large and small, in a variety of sectors including several in the arts sector.  During this time Louise was also awarded with the Diploma in Charity Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. When Louise is not devoting time to developing her practice, Louise has a variety of interests from music to sport whether playing or watching.  She plays a lot of tennis for both Club and Suffolk teams and now enjoys golf, though not at the same level!  She is also on the committee of the Framlingham Tennis Tournament and carries out fundraising events for Marie Curie.
David Hutchinson
David trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and also trained in writing at the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. David is the Chief Executive Officer of Selladoor Worldwide, formerly Sell A Door Theatre Company, co-founded in 2009. David is also Managing Director for I AM Marketing, Pulse Artist Management, Desktidy Design and Prime Pantomimes. Producing credits include: Little Miss Sunshine (Arcola Theatre, London and UK tour); Amelie The Musical (UK tour); Elmer The Patchwork Elephant (UK tour), 9 to 5 The Musical (Savoy Theatre, London); Rock of Ages (UK tour); Fame (UK tour); Madagascar The Musical (UK tour); Of Mice and Men (UK tour); Kindertransport (UK tour); The Producers (international tour); Jersey Boys (International Tour), Flashdance The Musical (UK Tour), Spamalot (UK Tour), Big Fish The Musical (London, The Other Palace),  Footloose: The Musical (UK Tour 2017); Guess How Much I Love You (UK Tour, UAE & Asia Tour); Footloose: The Musical (UK Tour); Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour); James and the Giant Peach (UK and Middle Eastern Tour); The Broons (UK Tour); American Idiot (UK Tour & West End); Hand to God (West End); Seussical (UK, UAE and Singapore); Avenue Q (UK tour).
Sarah Collins
Sarah is the founder and Director of ONE B D Ltd, a project management and business development company. She studied Architecture at The University of Greenwich and later Project Management. Sarah started her work in architecture after university enjoying many years at The Charter Partnership in Ipswich before taking on a new and exciting role as Head of Estates and Strategy at University of Suffolk in 2007. Her career has given her significant experience in large construction projects and company strategy projects, and she is passionate about ensuring project outcomes are the best for all users. In her role as part of the Board, Sarah supports structural/construction projects the NWT embarks on or has involvement with.
Sarah lives in Felixstowe with her husband and two young daughters, one of which is heavily into acting and musical theatre, something she feels is important and hugely helps her confidence and experiences.
Andy Yacoub
Andy is currently the CEO of an independent health and social care watchdog called Healthwatch Suffolk. He has lived in Ipswich with his family since 2001 and in that time supported a wide range of art and other cultural charities, projects and enterprises. His love of the arts is matched by his passion for equality and social inclusion. He has in the past run a drug and alcohol rehab treatment centre, worked in local government for 12 years, and the police service in London for 18 years before that; having pioneered ground breaking changes in equality in his last 8 years in the Met. Andy is also a Parent Governor at Northgate High School in Ipswich. Andy has often used theatre and other art forms to carry messages for positive change in work settings, because of its meaningful, intellectual and emotional impact through all our senses. This is a prime reason why he feels privileged to help The New Wolsey Theatre realise its vision of opening the world of theatre to an ever increasing diverse population, both in Ipswich and beyond; a meeting of ethical values you might say.
Charlotte Wormstone
Charlotte joined Birketts in May 2013 and is a Senior Associate in their Property Litigation Team. Charlotte trained and practised for five years in the City with two of the leading real estate dispute teams. Her experience spans both high value commercial and residential real property having acted for both landlords and tenants in a wide range of contentious issues. Charlotte regularly advises on lease renewals, forfeiture, repossessions, break clauses, consents and dilapidations. She also has experience of dealing with leasehold enfranchisement and mixed use issues. Most recently Charlotte has acted for joint fixed charge receivers, administrators and mortgagees in relation to a broad variety of insolvency related property matters. She is a member of the Property Litigation Association. Charlotte is based in their Ipswich office.

Working For Us

The image shows a diverse group of people, smiling in front of a light grey wall.

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.

 

Current vacancies are available to view here.

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering? The New Wolsey Theatre currently enlists volunteers in the following roles within the organisation:

 

Front of House Ushers

Our Front of House Ushers help us deliver a fantastic theatre experience by delivering the highest standards of customer care and safety whilst enjoying the exciting atmosphere of our theatre. Our ushering team consists of all age ranges and people from all areas of our local community. Ideally we ask that those wanting to volunteer are 18 years of age and over, available one or two nights a week and, if possible, daytime matinees, be willing to work as part of a team and have a keen interest in the arts and their local theatre.

The main duties of Ushers include checking tickets, selling ice creams, clearing and cleaning the auditorium at the end of the show and providing friendly and helpful customer service. The part the ushers play in the evacuation procedure is the most important aspect of the role, for which training will be provided along with training on customer care. Shifts tend to last between 3 and 4 hours depending on the length of the show.

 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please register your interest by completing this form.

 

Unsure if volunteering is for you?

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.’

Contact Us

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

 

Looking for something in particular?

Get In Touch

Tickets +44 (0) 1473 295900
Email tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk

The New Wolsey Theatre
Civic Drive
Ipswich, Suffolk
IP1 2AS

VAT No: 765325812
Charity No: 1082016

© 2022 New Wolsey Theatre