Open Season Is Unlocked For 2016

17 Jun 2016 News

The doors to the New Wolsey stages are unlocked for another year for OPEN SEASON 2016. From Tue 14 June to Sat 30 July, there is a range of musicals, new comedy, dramas and the chance to celebrate the creativity of children and young people from across Suffolk.

This week is the first week of performances – with schools across the country performing with the New Wolsey’s Creative Learning team in Heroes & Villains at the Jerwood DanceHouse from Tue 14 to Fri 17 June; Co-op Juniors are getting their skates on in Starlight Express at the Hush House in Bentwaters Park from Wed 15 to Sun 19 June, and new musical Guardian Angels the Musical featuring talented voices from the region is at the New Wolsey Studio from Thu 16 to Sun 19 June.

Still to come for the rest of the season:

From Wed 22 June to Sat 25 June, Horizon Theatre presents Bette & Joan. Once Grande dames of Hollywood, by 1962 arch-rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were in danger of becoming has-beens. Then an opportunity came along: to appear together in a new movie called ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Bette & Joan depicts the two stars, in adjacent dressing rooms, between takes on the set.

Kesgrave Amateur Theatre Society will present The Vicar of Dibley from Thu 30 June to Sat 2 July, adapted for the stage from the popular TV show, with loveable characters and endless laughter. Due to popular demand and three sold out evenings, tickets are now on sale for an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

For the first time this season, Charlie Pittman will present his new musical Bridge Over Oblivion, from Wed 6 to Thu 7 July, featuring a rock/pop score and a predominantly youth cast. The production explores the themes of love, music and mental health in 1960’s New York City. The run is now completely sold out, so call the Ticket Sales team today to be added to the waiting list for any returns.

From Wed 6 to Sat 9 July, Suzanne Hawkes will presented her brand new play Changing Faces, Hidden Lives, a dramatic focus on St Mary At The Quay on Ipswich’s Waterfront and mental wellbeing. The production is supported by Suffolk Mind and the Churches Conservations Trust. It will be performed at St Peters by the Waterfront on Wed 6 and Thu 7 July, and the New Wolsey Studio Fri 8 and Sat 8 July.

Escape the daily grind with Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 running from Wed 13 to Sat 16 July, presented by Appeal Theatre Group. Based on the hit 1980 movie, three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. This year the Appeal Theatre Group is proud to support Fresh Start, New Beginnings. The charity bringing guidance, support and hope to children and families affected by sexual abuse.

On Fri 15 & Sat 16 July, Unscene Suffolk – Ipswich’s resident theatre company of blind and partially sighted people – presents its fourth annual production A Zimmer of Hope – a light-hearted look at experiences and expectations of ageing, devised and written by the company who range in age from 30s to 80s. Unscene Suffolk is this year partnering with Suffolk Age UK to tie in with their campaign ‘There’s More to Me’, which aims to share the knowledge, history and experiences of older people.

This year Children Theatre Company will present on the New Wolsey Theatre stage Legally Blonde from Wed 20 to Sat 23 July. Based on the smash hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, this fabulously fun award-winning musical is big, bold and above all blonde! This hilarious and heart-warming show follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams – with chihuahua, Bruiser by her side every step of the way.

New to Open Season this year, Zahara Belly Dance presents a magical Middle Eastern dance with Under The Arabian Sky on Sat 23 July – suitable for all the family to enjoy. Once there was a land of camels, of silks, of fabulously wealthy palaces, Sultans and princes, Grand Viziers, guards with turbans and gleaming, polished scimitars, where women were scented, had kohl under their eyes and lounged on cushions or danced. Most importantly there was magic.

Gallery Players return this year with the cult rock musical Spring Awakening from Wed 27 to Sat 30 July. Based on Frank Wedekind’s ground-breaking and controversial play, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s brilliant rock score and searingly emotional book take the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt, and self-discovery into a new century. An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and rebellion, Spring Awakening fuses issues of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll into a story that packs a powerful emotional punch.

This year’s Big Ideas 8 on Sat 30 July sees the New Wolsey Young Company working with METIS to create a play in just 5 days. Our young theatre makers will be exploring film Noir music, investigating 1940’s hard-boiled detective novels, and playing with cinematic techniques to shape live performance. They will also be providing the line-up for our third annual Jam night on Sat 22 July – a night of contemporary culture from the artists of the future today.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Tickets Sales Team by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk