Wolsey writers Meet. Write. Share. Wolsey Writers is a creative writing group based at New Wolsey Theatre since 2015. Our community includes novelists, scriptwriters, poets, storytellers, children’s literature, comedy, and nonfiction. We welcome writing in any genre. We welcome writers from diverse backgrounds. We welcome all levels of experience and aspirations of every size - from haiku to blockbuster trilogy. Led by Katie Ward, an award-winning author from Suffolk, every session includes tips to improve your creative practice, focused writing time, peer support and inspiration. ‘I come away from Wolsey Writers wanting to go home and write. That’s how I feel.’ ‘You have boosted my ability to ‘just write’ beyond my expectations and it is helping me push my current novel forward.’ ‘Humble, informative and inspirational - that is surely the success and key to Wolsey Writers.’ Suitable for adults, and young people age 16+ with a commitment to creative writing. Check socials for updates, including our next theme: Instagram @wolseywriters; Twitter/X @WolseyWriters; Facebook @katiewardwriter. Throughout 2026 Wolsey Writers will meet on the first Saturday of the month (except in April when it is on the second Saturday 11th and in August where there is not a session) in the upstairs bar. Doors open 10am for 10:30am start (ends 12pm). Tickets are pay what you feel.

Get ready as we bring you the ultimate 80s night out! You’ve made it through the wilderness, somehow, you’ve made it through and now we’re never gonna give you up! Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK - 80s Live! We will make you feel shiny and new as we travel back in time to one of the most iconic eras of music for the night out you have been dreaming of - put your hands together and get into the groove as our live band Electric Dreams perform over two dozen chart topping anthems from Wham!, The Weather Girls, Culture Club, Rick Astley, Madonna, Duran Duran, Soft Cell, The Human League, A-Ha, Tears for Fears and more. We will be heading down the Atlanta Highway, so bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug! The ultimate 80s night out, so come dressed to impress as we spin you around and around for a night to remember. Blending pop and soft rock, the show includes Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, The Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me?, Relax, Never Gonna Give You Up, It’s Raining Men, Rio. . . the list goes on. With our sensational cast and live band, this is just what the doctor ordered. This is 80s Live!

A powerful drama exploring the devastating impact of county lines, inspired by a true story Erik’s life has fallen apart since his dad died. As he turns away from school and friends, his bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd, and he’s quickly sucked into a terrifying new world of drug dealing and violence. Crossing the Line is a powerful drama, inspired by a true story. Based on Tia Fisher’s award-winning novel and devised with input from young people in Great Yarmouth, it explores the devastating impact of county lines and the strength that can be found in the face of it. Based on the novel by Tia Fisher Adapted for the stage by Helena McBurney Directed by Katie Thompson.

An evening of classic comedy, poetry and beautiful piano music - three great shows in one! Following his Sony album reaching No 1 in the Classical charts, Alistair McGowan combined his talents as master impressionist and comedian with his new-found talents as a classical pianist. Last year he published a book of poetry, Not What We were Expecting. Expect the comedy and impressions for which Alistair is known and loved, poignant and clever poetry, and piano gems by composers such as Debussy, Satie, Mompou, Bryce Dessau, Scriabin and Amy Beach, to name but a few. Beautiful music, beautiful words, and a large dose of Alistair’s trademark comedy!

An exciting musical retelling of a fairytale classic with a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic Get your dessert spoons ready for a tale of perseverance, princes, palace balls, glass slippers and, um, ice cream? Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble ice cream maker with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire businesswoman with her own ice cream empire? In this new musical for families and children, join Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, as they share her rags to riches tale, and confront their own desires, hopes, and the magic that lies within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream. Perfect for children and families alike, this exciting musical retelling of a fairytale classic promises a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic that will capture your heart and tickle your taste buds. Written and composed by David Gibb

A brand-new story about the globally renowned tale of Radio Caroline. ‘A radio station for young people! Why do we need that?’ Caroline dreams of something more than stacking shelves at the local greengrocers. Her days are routine, but her nights come alive, walking the pier, sharing laughs with her best friend Mary, and spinning records with Robbie, her music-mad boyfriend who’s big on charm but short on direction. But a music revolution is coming, and Robbie lands a shock gig with Radio Caroline - the pirate radio station blasting pop, soul and rock ’n’ roll from a ship off the Essex coast - and suddenly everything changes. Caroline is swept into a tidal wave of music, mayhem and a movement that would shake up British culture forever. She’s not a DJ. She’s not a rock star. But in the middle of Britain’s radio revolution, Caroline might just steal the show. Set to a soundtrack of iconic hits from the 60’s, Caroline is a vibrant, heart-warming and rebellious new musical about love, ambition and discovering your own voice. Caroline: A New Musical is the first production by the East Anglian Touring Consortium, which is a group of East Anglian theatres and production companies that have teamed up to tackle the challenges of mid-scale touring. The consortium is proud to pilot a touring model, with a focus on new writing and the development of local talent, to tackle the issue. As well as the New Wolsey, the theatres and production companies involved are Eastern Angles Theatre Company, HighTide, Landmark Theatres, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Norwich Theatre, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

An epic family drama takes us to the very boundaries of love and devotion in the age of climate catastrophe When Alice returns from a gruelling Antarctic odyssey, she finds that everything has changed. There’s been a flood, a funeral and a new romance. At 1:30am, her daughter Alba is sleeping. Her mother, Eve, has never been more awake. And Alice? Maybe the cracks she discovered in the Antarctic ice have followed her home. Written by Bruntwood Prize winner and Bindweed author, Martha Loader.

Featuring classic music from the jazz greats, ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook’ is a glimpse into this unique world and its incredible history. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club return to the New Wolsey Theatre with a stunning new collection of music, narration and projected archive images and footage, celebrating Ronnie Scott’s ‘Soho Songbook’. Since it’s humble beginnings as a basement music bar where musicians would jam, through to the internationally acclaimed music venue it is today, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has showcased the music of some of the world’s greatest and most influential Artists. Hosting landmark performances from the likes of Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Michael Bublé - and not forgetting surprise appearances by the likes of Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder and Prince! Featuring classic music from the jazz greats - and in particular the legendary vocalists - who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s, alongside narration and projected archive images and rare footage from the club, ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook’ is a glimpse into this unique world and its incredible history. Hosted and performed by the award-winning Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, led by the Club’s Musical Director, this is a unique evening celebrating the music and history of Ronnie Scott’s and is a must for any music fan.

A brand-new play inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Fatima and Salima are the closest, coolest, hijabi step-sisters in all of Bradford and they will win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition, there is no doubt about it... ...Except their parents have started whispering in the kitchen about living apart... And only the greatest super plan ever concocted will help them achieve their dreams. Don’t miss this brand-new play by acclaimed Bradford playwright Asif Khan inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Layna, Maysa and Amaya, and their hero Sky Brown.

A stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups Take Flight is a stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups. The story follows a musical mother bird as their baby hatches, grows and explores, navigating the challenges of hunger, sleep and play. Culminating in a beautiful aerial moment, the mother bird supports her baby to leave the nest & take flight. This multi-sensory, interactive show ignites the imagination and curiosity of babies who are then invited into the space with the performers to explore the baby safe set and props, including having a swing in the silks. We worked with development psychologist Dr Valentina Sclafani from Lincoln University to ensure the content is positive for babies in terms of neurological & motor skills development & encourages a strong bond between babies and their grown ups.

A hilarious rollarcoaster ride through all 37 of the Bard's plays! The worldwide comic phenomenon returns with this updated and reinvented rollercoaster ride through all 37 of the Bard’s plays. Grab your tickets now for a wild and irreverent show that leaves its audiences breathless with laughter. After nine years in London’s West End, two TV specials, and performances in over 20 countries, the Reduced Shakespeare Company are reinventing this classic comic masterpiece for a new generation of audiences.

Three actors play 40 characters in this mythical farce through Ancient Greece, the Underworld and back Please be aware that the 7pm shows on Wed 6 May and 7:30pm show on Fri 8 May are adults-only performances (strictly 18+). Kings of Comedy Le Navet Bete are back! For lovers of Fawlty Towers, Bottom and The Play That Goes Wrong, Oh Zeus! is a riotous, all-out hilarious ride through Greek mythology. When the stability of Olympus is threatened by the marriage of Zeus’ daughter Hebe to a mere mortal, the King of the Gods hatches a plan to derail the wedding. Three actors play 40 characters in this mythical farce through Ancient Greece, the Underworld and back. Expect sensational physical comedy, outrageous jokes, fast paced chaos, and more togas than you can smash a plate at. From one of the UK’s most-loved comedy theatre companies and creators of Dracula: The Bloody Truth, King Arthur and Treasure Island, “you are promised a non-stop evening of entertainment from a company who have a bottomless pit of talent at their disposal”. “It’s a quick fire, totally off the wall, delightfully funny and lighthearted, quirky show which delighted a near full house at the Wolsey Theatre” - Suffolk on Stage on King Arthur, April 2024.

Double the sketch, double the funny and double the silly - fun for children and adults! Fresh from their first award winning family friendly sketch show, Rachel and Ruby are back. It’s double the funny, double the silly, double the sketch and it’s fun for children, their adults, and any ghosts or pigeons that wander in. Winners of Best Kids’ Show, 2023 Leicester Comedy Festival / UK Kids’ Comedy Festival. As seen at The Southbank Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Girl Guides UK, and more!

The New Bluesville Night returns with some of the very best Blues music for a sensational evening. Following their two sell-out success in 2024 and 2025 at the New Wolsey Theatre, and in the footsteps of the original Bluesville Club of Ipswich, we’re thrilled to announce the return of some of the very best Blues music for a sensational evening. The Bluesville Club was originally set up in Suffolk, during the 1960s, and was one of the most popular nights in the town for decades. We’re delighted to bring back the Blues to centre stage again with an awesome night of live music and fun.

Booking an Audio Described performance? Add a Pre-show Touch Tour! The Touch Tour for Caroline is on Wed 29 April starting at 6:00pm. Please meet at the Box Office. Please only book in as many places as are needed as numbers are limited for these events. For many blind, partially sighted or visually impaired theatregoers, a touch tour is an essential part of the theatre experience. Having access to the stage and set before a performance is a way of firming up the descriptive information they may have already received and provides them with extra detail to allow them to engage with the production. Customers will explore the space, and may like to handle selected props, costumes and furniture.

Journey around our theatre and gain exclusive insights into how our fabulous productions develop from basic concepts into the dazzling performances you see on stage! You'll have the chance to: Learn more about our technical teams and exactly what they do to make a show run smoothly. Take a trip under our stage to demonstrate how our trap doors work during our Rock 'n' Roll panto. Get right above the stage in what are called the 'flys' - where all of our stage lights and other technical equipment are rigged for shows. Take a peek at the sound desk, where our Sound Operators work tirelessly to mix all the sounds of a show together! Take a look at the early makings of a show, including seeing costume design sketches and tiny scale 'model boxes' of what a show will look like before the real thing is made. With the chance to also learn about our vibrant history and extensive programme of additional work we do within the community, this is the perfect tour to find out about everything New Wolsey Theatre! The tour will last approximately 75 minutes. The tour route includes stairs, spiral staircases and some narrow areas. If you would like to attend a tour and you are a wheelchair user or have any specific access requirements, please give us a call ahead of booking to discuss how we can make the tour as accessible as possible for you. A discounted price is available for Members. If you have a membership with us your ticket will automatically be discounted when you add a full price ticket to your basket. Full Price: £10 Disabled: £10 with assisting companion tickets free of charge Members: £7.50 Under 18’s: £5

The spectacular, hilarious, highly explosive science stunt show Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Expect enormous bottoms, edible fireworks, burp machines and the world’s loudest fart in this riotous science spectacular. On the surface it’s a rollercoaster of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences, but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science. The show is the brainchild of Stefan Gates, high-octane presenter of 20 TV series (five for CBBC), award-winning author of 13 books (including Rude Science) and internationally renowned producer of world-class science stage shows.

New stand-up tour show from Mike Wozniak in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that. As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.

The resident Impro troupe from the most famous comedy club in the world, The Comedy Store Players have been delighting audiences for over 30 years. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the original stars of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ strutting their stuff on tour. Expect lightning-quick reactions and world-class silliness! There’ll be improvised songs and games and, of course, the audience is always at the helm, leading the show with its suggestions. Guinness World Records has officially confirmed The Comedy Store Players is the world’s longest-running comedy show with the same cast.

Get ready for a festive season filled with glitter, guitars and good times as we return to where it all began... Cinderella is back! We’re stepping back into our sparkly shoes and revisiting the very first show that started it all in 2001. Expect the full New Wolsey magic: big belly laughs, bold characters and a cast who don’t just perform the story - they are the band, bringing the house down with unbelievable live music. Whether you’ve been coming since the beginning or you’re joining the party for the first time, Cinderella promises a festive night out packed with high-energy Rock ’n’ Roll hits played live on stage, as well as all your favourite panto jokes and joyful chaos!

Following a sold-out London run and a critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe, Sami Abu-Wardeh is touring his “defiantly goofy” (The Guardian ★★★★) call for mass civil disobedience. As a Palestinian born in exile, only to be displaced from his country of birth by yet another war, Sami digs deep into his ties to resistance and Palestinian identity - and still finds space for the silliest of faces. He posits- can resistance be funny? Winner of the Bestie Award 2026 and Spirit of the Fringe Award 2026.

Are you ready to experience the ultimate piano rock 'n' roll concert? Join the sensational Al Kilvo and David Barton on a stunning musical journey back in time to celebrate the hits that shaped the 1950's & 60's Rock 'n' Roll scene, performing classic hits from Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly and many more. Two Pianos and their band will be certain to deliver an outstanding performance and an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll music that even 'The Killer', Jerry Lee Lewis himself thinks "Rocks!"

Ridiculed then revered, The Shaggs defied categorisation. IN BED WITH MY BROTHER attempt to wrangle their story into a three-act biopic. Part tribute act, part feminist reclamation, part rambling flight of ideas. PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD is about fate, freewill, power, patriarchy, band t-shirts, daddy issues, and the best worst album ever made. It’s about who holds the power to define you - who gets to say whether you’re a legend or loser - who owns the right (and the rights) to tell your story. Featuring questionable mime, high-intensity dance sequences, awkward crowd work, stage combat, cheap wigs, jump scares, philosophising and a well trained actor, IN BED WITH MY BROTHER twists Rock ‘n’ Roll history into a sticky, sweaty, searing rebellion.

Booking an Audio Described performance? Add a Pre-show Touch Tour! The Touch Tours for Cinderella start one hour before the performance. Please meet at the Box Office. Please only book in as many places as are needed as numbers are limited for these events. For many blind, partially sighted or visually impaired theatregoers, a touch tour is an essential part of the theatre experience. Having access to the stage and set before a performance is a way of firming up the descriptive information they may have already received and provides them with extra detail to allow them to engage with the production. Customers will explore the space, and may like to handle selected props, costumes and furniture. A touch tour ticket is not a ticket to the performance, these are booked separately through the Cinderella event page linked below.

Award-winning theatre maker Victoria Melody joined a historical re-enactment society… because we all deal with divorce differently! Blending storytelling and stand-up, past and present collide in this tale of high jinks and resistance. Spending weekends as a Musketeer trying to get her head straight, she uncovered the story of 17th-century radicals called The Diggers and everything changed. What started as a personal search for happiness turned into a quest to find the Diggers of today, but she didn’t expect to find them right on her doorstep. Blending storytelling and stand-up, past and present collide in this tale of hijinks and resistance celebrating the ordinary people still shaping history.

‘WE WILL ROCK YOU is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled musical featuring more than 20 iconic Queen hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and of course, “We Will Rock You.” Set in a post-apocalyptic future where individuality has been outlawed and music is controlled by algorithms, the story follows two young revolutionaries who dare to defy the system to save rock ‘n’ roll. This fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to freedom and self-expression is a musical for our time-unapologetically bold and filled with the timeless power of Queen’s legendary music. With over 7 million fans rocked in its original 12-year West End run, WE WILL ROCK YOU made history as the longest-running show at London’s Dominion Theatre. A global phenomenon, WWRY has been performed in 28 countries and seen by more than 16 million people worldwide. This explosive, rockin’ spectacle is a celebration of the power of music and individuality that will leave audiences cheering for more. Do not miss this theatrical treat from the company that brought you Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sweet Charity, The Addams Family, Fiddler on the Roof and Sweeney Todd!’’ Age guidance: 12+. Contains adult themes and mild swearing This is a community production presented by IODS theatre company as part of the New Wolsey’s Summer Season.

A co-production between Paines Plough, Live Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Ellie Keel Productions, in association with Synergy Theatre Project. Meet recovering addict Frankie, played by renowned political comedian Mark Thomas. Frankie’s just been sentenced to three and a half years in jail for dealing drugs. When he gets there, none of his fellow convicts are what they seem. And with his typewriter, his activist soul, and his sore lack of a right hook, he somehow finds his way into their troubled hearts, and they into his. In the unlikeliest of places, he discovers that the revolution is not dead. It’s just sleeping. A new play from the writer of the Fringe First winning England & Son and A Political History of Smack & Crack, Ed Edwards reunites with Mark Thomas to tell a tale of freedom, revolution and messy love. Directed by Paines Plough's Joint Artistic Director, Charlotte Bennett.

She used to have dreams, now she has a baby. A sad, aging sack full of milk and regret. Madonna on the Rocks is a visceral, beautiful, hilarious call to arms. A neon-lit menty-b at the Stay and Play. It’s about egos, responsibilities and the struggle to be an artist, or to have any career at all really, and be a relatively decent parent at the same time. With songs inspired by Madonna, Peaches and Nina Simone. Written and performed by Marie Hamilton, composed in Berlin by Cameron Mackintosh Award winner Ben Osborn, directed by Stephanie Kempson with dramaturgy from Hildegard Ryan and Bryony Kimmings. Brighton Fringe Award Nominated, Top 10 Shows Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2025 (Fergus Morgan The Crushbar, The Scotsman, The Stage)

For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home - with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humour, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. This is a community production presented by the Co-op Juniors as part of the New Wolsey’s Summer Season.

38 Planes. 7,000 Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story. The multiple Olivier and Tony award winning musical Come From Away lands in Ipswich! This hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that opened their hearts and homes to these ‘come from aways’. Experience this joyous story and soaring music as spirited locals and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever. Limelight Performers are thrilled to be taking to the New Wolsey Theatre stage, with a local cast and band, telling the story of both the Islanders and the Plane People, revealing the fear and uncertainty that came with the terrorist attacks - as well as the profound generosity and compassion of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. While some characters and stories are an amalgamation of several people and experiences, others are grounded in true people, such as Captain Beverly Bass, the first female captain for American Airlines; Kevin Tuerff and Kevin Jung, the couple from LA; and Nick and Diane, the couple who met in Gander. This is a community production presented as part of the New Wolsey’s Summer Season.

“This plaster will outlive me. I shape these rooms but in turn they have moulded me. Hiding secrets. Weak spots made to look strong.” Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he's RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life. RUM is a darkly humorous and powerful new play that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction in the trade. Written and performed by Joe Mallalieu and directed by Tess Seddon, this powerful play is returning to tour the UK in 2026 following successes at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024 (winner of Broadway Baby’s Bobby Award) and a UK Tour in 2025. Content Warning: 16+ due to themes of suicide, drug use and swearing throughout. We are proudly partnered with ANDYSMANCLUB, a men’s suicide prevention charity who offer free to attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 across the UK and online.

Words & verses 2026 Word nerds unite! Join Ipswich’s longest running spoken word open mic - now in our 14th year for a night of funny and fearless spoken word in the New Wolsey Theatre bar. Words & Verses is a friendly, authentic and welcoming event for writers and performers to share their work, often for the first time. Poetry, rap, comedy, storytelling - originals and covers - all words welcome. Don’t wana take part? That's cool too. A gig is nothing without an audience, so come along and soak up the literary linguistics of our brave open-micers. No participation required. If you do have something to share, we’d be utterly delighted to hear your poems, words, stories, jokes, and ideas. Its our favourite thing in the world! Sign up to perform upon arrival. Signs ups continue throughout the event. Roughly 5mins per person. We always ensure everyone gets some time on the mic. Latecomers welcome. Hosted by Ipswich poet Amy Wragg, from SoapBox Spoken Word CIC. Amy has performed at WOMAD, Strawberry Fair, Harlequin, Foreword Fringe, Maui Waui, and many more. She gigs regularly across the region, with a special love for Festivals. Part-poetry, part-comedy, part-politics, her work is honest, playful, and bold. Free handmade SoapBox Zine for all attendees. Only available in-print on the night. Adult language content warning. 18+ Please note: We are a proudly inclusive event so we do not endure prejudice of any kind. Words & Verses is a safe and supportive event, so we ask that there is no audience participation/heckling Unless explicitly requested by the performer. Event format: We only ever have a maximum of 4 performers before there is a break. We generally have (at least) 3 intervals throughout the event. Latecomers welcome. Open Mic: If you are travelling, or need to book on the open mic advance, please email [email protected] to arrange. Please book your ticket to the eventr through the New Wolsey Theatre before getting in touch. Thank you. Www.Getonthesoapbox.Co.UK INSTA @getonthesoapbox

“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” Micheál Mac Liammóir’s renowned play The Importance of Being Oscar returns to the stage following huge critical acclaim and a hit London run. Step beyond the footlights into the private world of Oscar Wilde. Told in the shadows of Reading Gaol, where Wilde was imprisoned, this strictly limited run will immerse audiences in a compelling journey through the loves and losses, successes and struggles of the iconic man - from the eccentric socialite to the imprisoned outcast. A beautiful tribute to an icon of the world of theatre, liberally laced with Wilde's signature wit and wisdom and featuring excerpts of many of his best-loved works including An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. This one man show promises to be a Wilde-ly entertaining night. Directed by Michael Fentiman (Amelie, Jekyll & Hyde, Lion Witch & Wardrobe) and produced by the Olivier nominated Original Theatre (Being Mr Wickham, The Interview, Birdsong). ★★★★★ “Captivating... A mesmerising one-man journey through Oscar Wilde’s brilliant life and works” Broadway World ★★★★★ "An elegant and electrifying revival" The Spy in the Stalls ★★★★★ "Phenomenal... Alastair Whatley is truly magnificent as Wilde” Theatre and Tonic ★★★★★ “An evening of unmissable magic” Plays to See ★★★★ “Powerful” The Arts Desk ★★★★ “An absolute delight... A whirlwind tour through the life of a literary icon” A Youngish Perspective “A beautiful production - intimate and utterly compelling” Gyles Brandreth ★★★★ “Funny, sad, thoughtful but always entertaining - this is a gem of a production.” New European ★★★★ "Whatley captures us completely and does not fail to deliver the interplay between the comedy of Wilde's work and the tragedies of his life" Mark Aspen Reviews "A seamless, single-handed performance" Reading Today "An evening of exquisite entertainment" Henley Standard ★★★★ "Whatley's interpretation of Oscar's bitter, accusatory letter to Bosie (De Profundis) is exemplary" The Reviews Hub ★★★★ "Heartbreaking and compelling" Love London Love Culture

Packed with live music, roaming cosplay characters, arts and crafts, games and more, The Big Afternoon is an event that everyone can enjoy! This event is free and a ticket is not required, however we would appreciate those planning on attending to book a ticket so that we can get a rough estimate of how many people will be attending. Please note that booking a ticket does not guarantee entry - once the site capacity is reached on the day, entry will be limited.