Venues unite to bring spirit of Christmas to Ipswich
‘We Are Ipswich’, an independent collective of nationally acclaimed arts and heritage organisations, is bringing the festive spirit to Suffolk as the local group joins forces to launch Ipswich Entertains for Christmas – a campaign showcasing this year’s spectacular line-up of high-quality entertainment for all ages.
From enchanting performances to magical experiences, this plays a key role in Ipswich Central’s wider ‘Your Very Suffolk Christmas’ campaign and promises an unforgettable Christmas season in Ipswich.
Douglas Rintoul, Chair of ‘We Are Ipswich’, said: "This is a great moment for Ipswich’s cultural organisations. During this magical time of year, we often work quietly and independently, crafting exceptional experiences for our communities that have also earned us national recognition. For the first time, we are coming together to celebrate not just the festive season, but the creativity, energy, and passion that makes Ipswich the cultural capital of Suffolk. We’re uniting to showcase everything that makes this town a vibrant, must-visit destination - especially at Christmas."
Featuring 8 venues and 237 performances, events include:
SLEEPING BEAUTY
New Wolsey Theatre, Nov 22 to Jan 18
Get ready for a rockin’ reawakening of Sleeping Beauty as Ipswich’s award-winning ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ Pantomime hits the stage with a fiery energy! This year’s panto is a dazzling explosion of live rock and pop music, wildly unforgettable characters, and non-stop laughter that'll keep audiences of all ages spellbound. With performances that include Audio Description, BSL Interpretation, Captioning, Relaxed/Dementia-friendly options, Touch Tours and Livestream, this show truly has something magical for everyone.
More details here.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Eastern Angles Centre, Nov 28 to Jan 5
Seckford Theatre, Jan 8 to 11
Filling the auditorium with music and merriment in a unique staging that immerses the audience in this classic festive tale. Escape into a world of joy, anarchy and magic for a story of community and kindness triumphing over greed and selfishness. Complete with original music, puppetry and a Fezziwig party you won’t forget. Presented by Eastern Angles.
More details here.
PINOCCHIO
The Avenue Theatre, Dec 13 to Jan 5
When Gepetto, a poor carpenter, finds a piece of wood that can talk, he carves it into a puppet and is overjoyed when it miraculously comes alive. Pinocchio sets off to school but is easily led astray by temptation. In a madcap chain of disasters, he meets a host of extraordinary characters and learns to dance and sing, but will he ever learn the qualities he needs to make him into a real boy? Presented by Red Rose Chain.
More details here.
THE LITTLE PRINCE
DanceEast, Dec 13 to 15
Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Luca Silvestrini’s The Little Prince, is an enchanting story of love and friendship for children and adults. Find out how he leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups!
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Ipswich Regent Theatre, Dec 17 to 31
Starring TV and Dance Sensation, Louie Spence as Spirit of the Beans, EastEnders legend Michael Greco as Fleshcreep, TikTok and West End Star Abbie Budden as Jill, and - back by popular demand - comedian Mike McClean. With laughter, music, and plenty of surprises, this family-friendly production promises to be a joyous celebration of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in the extraordinary.
More details here.
The ‘We Are Ipswich’ members include: Brighten the Corners/Out Loud Music, Colchester and Ipswich Museums, DanceEast, Eastern Angles Theatre Company, Gecko, Suffolk Archives, Ipswich Theatres, King Street Cinema, New Wolsey Theatre, Red Rose Chain, SPILL Festival + Think Tank, and Suffolk Libraries.
The full line-up of cultural events can be found on the group’s website.