Matinee Performances

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Party with us like it’s 2021 as we launch our autumn programme outside in Theatre Square. With limited guest numbers and social distancing measures in place, you can be confident that we’ve thought of everything so you can relax and enjoy an evening of stunning music from around the world. We’ve created a new outdoor performance space that we’re calling ‘The Bowl’ (it’s where the fountain used to be) and we’re filling it with musical delights, including:

* Faith I Branko – Stephen Fry says they are ‘quite remarkable musicians’.

* Indira Roman and Aji Pa Ti – A hit for 3 years running at Glastonbury, one of the top tropical bands in the UK with a blend of Cuban and Salsa vibes.

* Gandini – Juggling, great music, fruit. What’s not to like?

We’ll be revealing this year’s Christmas panto, our half-term family shows, and a host of exciting autumn events, including the new football musical "Never Lost At Home", Pete Rowe’s long awaited sequel to "Our Blue Heaven".

This will also be your first chance to try our new café bar. The transformation has been going on inside as well as outside – come and have a drink and a bite to eat while you check out what we’ve done with the place. The evening menu will include hot supper food and snacks.

We’re staying Covid-safe by keeping guest numbers strictly limited. This event is free, and you can bring your family and friends – just let us know how many will be in your party by registering below. There’ll be plenty of space for everyone, to help you stay socially distanced from other groups.

If circumstances change and you can’t make it, please be a good guest and let us know so we can offer your place/s to someone else.

There will be some seating provided but feel free to bring your own foldable chairs. Blankets might be a great idea too, so you can enjoy the music even after the sun has gone down. You are asked not to bring your own food and drink as our café bar will be open.

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A compilation of some of everyone’s favourite musical theatre songs, performed by an incredible local cast who could never play those characters in the original shows – simply because they don’t fit the brief. Imagine Chicago's "Cell Block Tango" performed by 6 men, or if the ‘Revolting Children’ in Matilda were a fair bit older than children, or maybe even Grease's "Summer Loving" but with male 'Pink Ladies' and female 'T-Birds'........ Limelight Performers are thrilled to be taking to the New Wolsey stage with a small selection of highlights from the full production (coming later this year!). We’re ripping up the casting rule book, for what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining production full of fantastic music and probably a few laughs too!

All events as part of our ‘Swich programme will be carried out in accordance with the current government guidelines on Covid-19 on the date of the event.

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Come and sit at our golden tables and get ready to play DISCO TEA PARTY - the interactive gameshow sensation that’s sweeping the nation. Join your host plus-sized icon Fatt Butcher for a whirlwind show of competition, prize, and cake (ooh, fancy), and get up on your feet and join the dancing queens for an unforgettable disco.
Featuring performances from some of the UK’s leading drag & cabaret artists, with an all-disco soundtrack - this is an interactive boogie wonderland for all the family.
It’s Hi-de-Hi meets Boogie Nights meets Phoenix Nights.
Suitables for ages 5 & up.
Performance features loud music throughout, and some audience participation.

Watching this event from the sidelines is free, but to really get into the party spirit, grab a place at the table by booking a free spot below. There’ll be plenty of space for everyone, to help you stay socially distanced from other groups.

If circumstances change and you can’t make it, please be a good guest and let us know so we can offer your place/s to someone else.

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10am – 12pm – Ages 11 -16yrs

Welcome to the Carnival! Join Ipswich School of Dancing to explore the different rhythms of the Latin American Samba, as seen on Strictly Come Dancing! Shimmy and shake your way through the day to some super carnival sounds.

Dress: Wear anything you’re comfortable and can move easily in. If you have Latin shoes bring them or wear jazz shoes/soft trainers.

No experience necessary.

At the end of the workshop there will be the chance to share what you have created with a mini Carnival Celebration! We encourage parents and carers to join us in Theatre Square at midday for all the fun! (celebration should last approx. 15mins).

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

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10am – 12pm – Ages 9 -13yrs

Work with a professional artist to create a flock of fantastical paper Dream Carnival Birds.

For the past year, our homes have been our nests but now we can start to explore our new sense of freedom and stretch our wings together in creative making and expression.
Join us to celebrate your hopes and dreams for the future and transfer them onto handmade feathers to decorate your dream bird.
This workshop will use eco-conscious materials to be environmentally conscious for all wildlife.

At the end of the workshop there will be the chance to share what you have created with a mini Carnival Celebration! We encourage parents and carers to join us in Theatre Square at midday for all the fun! (celebration should last approx. 15mins).

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

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11am – 12pm – ages 7 – 9yrs

Create your own carnival masks and rain makers with Rock Paper Scissors! This inclusive and creative workshop will build confidence and curiosity through creative play, enable children to get stuck in with arts and crafts and develop their own ideas.
Rock Paper Scissors are proud to work with repurposed and recycled materials where possible.

At the end of the workshop there will be the chance to share what you have created with a mini Carnival Celebration! We encourage parents and carers to join us in Theatre Square at midday for all the fun! (celebration should last approx. 15mins).

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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3pm – 4.30pm – ages 12-15yrs

Join our professional production team to try your hand at lighting, sound, stage effects, digital live stream operation and more… Find out what it takes to get a show up and running and discover the tricks of the trade!

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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10am - Ages 3-4 yrs

Join our Storymaker for some tremendous tales and exciting adventures! We’ll be bringing a selection of stories to life throughout the morning – just bring your imaginations! This session is delivered with British Sign Language and is suitable for everyone.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Families will be seated as family bubbles, up to 4 people per bubble. You only need to book 1 ticket per family bubble.

This session will take place in the New Wolsey Theatre upstairs Lounge.

NOTE: You only need to book tickets for children.

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10am – 12.30pm – ages 12-16yrs

Join the innovative team from CLIP to get creative with sound and explore how to make electronic music. You’ll begin by experimenting with circuit bending, the art of taking apart old musical toys and playing with the circuits themselves to create new music! Then you’ll combine this with the newest musical apps (using our collection of iPads), to bend, twist and morph sound into exciting electronic music. Zero equipment or previous experience is required.

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

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10am – 11am - For family bubbles

An exciting workshop introducing families to the art form of puppetry. Learn how to make your own puppet, out of materials that can be found around the house. Join the What Happened to You? company as they teach you the tricks of the trade and hints and tips on how to ‘think like a puppeteer’!

This workshop is for family bubbles. Recommended age for children participating is 5yrs+. Only one ticket required per family bubble, a family bubble is up to 6 people. At least one adult must be present per family bubble.

You can catch a performance of What Happened to You? on Saturday 24th July or Sunday 25th July, follow the link below to find out more.

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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11am – Ages 5-6yrs

Join our Storymaker for some tremendous tales and exciting adventures! We’ll be bringing a selection of stories to life throughout the morning – just bring your imaginations! This session is delivered with British Sign Language and is suitable for everyone.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Families will be seated as family bubbles, up to 4 people per bubble. You only need to book 1 ticket per family bubble.

This session will take place in the New Wolsey Theatre upstairs Lounge.

NOTE: You only need to book tickets for children.

Full performance details

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12.30pm – 2pm – ages 7-11yrs

Join our professional production team to try your hand at lighting, sound, stage effects, digital live stream operation and more… Find out what it takes to get a show up and running and discover the tricks of the trade!

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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2.30pm – 5pm – For Family Bubbles

Join LimboTech to create exciting inventions, brand new characters, and imaginative stories in this hands-on and highly creative workshop which fuses creativity and electricity. You’ll get to use wires, circuits and arts & crafts to make your ideas come to life!

This workshop is for family bubbles, up to a maximum of 4 people per bubble. Recommended age for children participating is 7yrs+. One adult must be present per family bubble. Only 1 ticket is required per bubble.

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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3pm-5pm, ages 14-16

Join playwright and poet James McDermott to explore the theme of identity through spoken word. Delve into seminal spoken word poems, take part in group discussions and discover the tools and techniques to help you create a piece of spoken word exploring themes surrounding identity, including gender, sexuality, race and disability.

James McDermott's spoken word poetry collection 'Manatomy' is published by Burning Eye. Stephen Fry called the collection 'simply magnificent'. James's forthcoming poetry pamphlets include 'Nudes' (Red Ceilings Press) and 'Erased' (Polari Press). James was shortlisted for Outspoken London's Poetry Performance Poetry Prize 2020.

Workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.

All of our workshops and activity will be delivered in line with the latest government guidance on covid-secure working.

Full performance details

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Step out of the hurly burly of Theatre Square and join us in the auditorium to contemplate the nighttime and cosmos with your own set of headphones.

Are you tired yet?
Keep reading...

In Spring 2021, during Lockdown 3, 84 young people aged between 7-27 and from across 7 different youth theatre groups, took part in digital youth theatre workshops to explore the theme of Dark Sky Reserves.

Dark Sky Reserves are protected spaces in the night sky, free of artificial light pollution, designed to allow human beings to enjoy, reflect upon and explore our nocturnal environment.

Our participants creatively explored themes including the night-time, dreams, sleep and the cosmos, and worked with professional playwright and poet, James McDermott.

What does it feel like to fall
Why do little girls have to smell like flowers
How do you realise the importance of now

This audio play reflects the many voices and experiences of the young people who took part in this project.

Now close your eyes.
We hope you enjoy.

Suitable for ages 7+. This is an audio play that will be experienced on individual sets of headphones.

Full performance details

A few more details ...

Step out of the hurly burly of Theatre Square and join us in the auditorium to contemplate the nighttime and cosmos with your own set of headphones.

Are you tired yet?
Keep reading...

In Spring 2021, during Lockdown 3, 84 young people aged between 7-27 and from across 7 different youth theatre groups, took part in digital youth theatre workshops to explore the theme of Dark Sky Reserves.

Dark Sky Reserves are protected spaces in the night sky, free of artificial light pollution, designed to allow human beings to enjoy, reflect upon and explore our nocturnal environment.

Our participants creatively explored themes including the night-time, dreams, sleep and the cosmos, and worked with professional playwright and poet, James McDermott.

What does it feel like to fall
Why do little girls have to smell like flowers
How do you realise the importance of now

This audio play reflects the many voices and experiences of the young people who took part in this project.

Now close your eyes.
We hope you enjoy.

Suitable for ages 7+. This is an audio play that will be experienced on individual sets of headphones.

Full performance details

A few more details ...

Step out of the hurly burly of Theatre Square and join us in the auditorium to contemplate the nighttime and cosmos with your own set of headphones.

Are you tired yet?
Keep reading...

In Spring 2021, during Lockdown 3, 84 young people aged between 7-27 and from across 7 different youth theatre groups, took part in digital youth theatre workshops to explore the theme of Dark Sky Reserves.

Dark Sky Reserves are protected spaces in the night sky, free of artificial light pollution, designed to allow human beings to enjoy, reflect upon and explore our nocturnal environment.

Our participants creatively explored themes including the night-time, dreams, sleep and the cosmos, and worked with professional playwright and poet, James McDermott.

What does it feel like to fall
Why do little girls have to smell like flowers
How do you realise the importance of now

This audio play reflects the many voices and experiences of the young people who took part in this project.

Now close your eyes.
We hope you enjoy.

Suitable for ages 7+. This is an audio play that will be experienced on individual sets of headphones.

Full performance details

A few more details ...

Step out of the hurly burly of Theatre Square and join us in the auditorium to contemplate the nighttime and cosmos with your own set of headphones.

Are you tired yet?
Keep reading...

In Spring 2021, during Lockdown 3, 84 young people aged between 7-27 and from across 7 different youth theatre groups, took part in digital youth theatre workshops to explore the theme of Dark Sky Reserves.

Dark Sky Reserves are protected spaces in the night sky, free of artificial light pollution, designed to allow human beings to enjoy, reflect upon and explore our nocturnal environment.

Our participants creatively explored themes including the night-time, dreams, sleep and the cosmos, and worked with professional playwright and poet, James McDermott.

What does it feel like to fall
Why do little girls have to smell like flowers
How do you realise the importance of now

This audio play reflects the many voices and experiences of the young people who took part in this project.

Now close your eyes.
We hope you enjoy.

Suitable for ages 7+. This is an audio play that will be experienced on individual sets of headphones.

Full performance details

A few more details ...

Step out of the hurly burly of Theatre Square and join us in the auditorium to contemplate the nighttime and cosmos with your own set of headphones.

Are you tired yet?
Keep reading...

In Spring 2021, during Lockdown 3, 84 young people aged between 7-27 and from across 7 different youth theatre groups, took part in digital youth theatre workshops to explore the theme of Dark Sky Reserves.

Dark Sky Reserves are protected spaces in the night sky, free of artificial light pollution, designed to allow human beings to enjoy, reflect upon and explore our nocturnal environment.

Our participants creatively explored themes including the night-time, dreams, sleep and the cosmos, and worked with professional playwright and poet, James McDermott.

What does it feel like to fall
Why do little girls have to smell like flowers
How do you realise the importance of now

This audio play reflects the many voices and experiences of the young people who took part in this project.

Now close your eyes.
We hope you enjoy.

Suitable for ages 7+. This is an audio play that will be experienced on individual sets of headphones.

Full performance details

A few more details ...

A bonkers and surreal game show featuring local history and lost traditions. Watch two local teams go head to head (from a safe distance) as they dance, sing and welcome in the future. With a live band, techno Morris dancing, a wrestling straw bear and a singing standing stone; join Seamas Carey as he celebrates communal joy and asks what happens, when such a thing is lost?

Expect large quantities of audience interaction, bizarre rituals and collective effervescence. Original production funded by Arts Council England, Feast and Cornwall Museum Partnership, with support from Wild Works.

We’re staying Covid-safe by keeping guest numbers strictly limited. This event is free, and you can bring your family and friends – just let us know how many will be in your party by registering below. There’ll be plenty of space for everyone, to help you stay socially distanced from other groups.

If circumstances change and you can’t make it, please be a good guest and let us know so we can offer your place/s to someone else.

Full performance details