With nearly 40 years’ experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today. The likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican, have all cut their comedy teeth with us. We bring you “The Best In Stand Up” from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in comedy today. Simply the funniest show you’ll see all year!

Johnny Cash Roadshow, a show not to be missed by avid fans or the casual listener. The only show to be endorsed by the Cash family! This year prepare for a musical adventure with the biggest production to date. The UK’s No.1 celebration of Johnny Cash, fronted by award winning singer/songwriter Clive John, re-creates with astounding accuracy and truly captures the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show! Also featuring ‘June Carter’ and the ‘Carter Sisters’ (on selected shows) along with the ‘Roadshow Horns.’ All aspects of Cash’s life are covered with impeccable taste. The show takes the audience from the 1950s right up to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included, along with unmissable songs from every one of the five decade’s that the Man in Black’s career spanned. All this accompanied by evocative screen images and shots from Johnny Cash’s life.

Completing the Trilogy begun with Genius 2.0 and The Work of the Devil, Have We Met? finds Simon standing, like Ulysses in Tennyson’s famous verse, gazing out over the moaning deep and the twinkling rocks and wondering whether to seek a newer world? To smite the sounding furrows? To strive, to seek, and to find? Or whether in fact, to put the kettle on, crack open the Hobnobs and simply yield? Drawing on Joyce, Proust and the career of Philip Schofield to make sense of his own tangled past and possible future, Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two hours of unique entertainment.

Mark Watson's 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the Taskmaster star and multiple award-winner - now also famous as one-third of YouTube cult sensation No More Jockeys - returns. He'll consider the search for meaning that we're all on, with or without Google. There'll be a lot of jokes, and a show that's different every night...

Ahoy Sailors! Old Time Sailors is a flashmob musical show designed to take the audience back in time through an unforgettable trip to the 19th century. The crew is composed of 17 musicians playing fully unplugged to ensure the most authentic experience. Over 40 songs and tunes where the audience will sing and dance surrounded by drunken Sailors, witnessing an astounding show! Join us and become an old time sailor; and have a truly memorable night out!

Returning with the award winning Podcast in which Richard Herring chats with the biggest names in comedy. Previous guests include Stephen Fry, Stewart Lee, Russell Brand and Tim Minchin. Each episode appears on iTunes and the British Comedy Guide. But it's much better live, with the chance to interact with your favourite comedy stars and even ask your own questions!

Laugh out proud is a brand new LGBTQIA+ comedy night Featuring the best in established and upcoming acts from the community on the UK comedy circuit. Hosted by bisexual comedian Mark Cram it’s always a belting evening of comedy gold with a tonne of laughs. Whether it's comedy, cabaret or anything in between - Laugh Out Proud is the queer night out you're looking for.

Join us for a journey around the New Wolsey Theatre to gain exclusive insights into how our fabulous productions come together. Discover what happens behind-the-scenes, learn about our vibrant history and experience how shows are developed from basic concepts into the dazzling shows you see on our stage. The tour will last approximately an hour. 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. If you have a membership with us your ticket will automatically be discounted when you add a £10 ticket to your basket. Full Price: £10 Disabled: £10 with assisting companion tickets free of charge Members: £7.50 Under 18's: £5

In an old, abandoned laboratory setting Doctor Stone is awaiting the arrival of Professor Flint from the world-renowned Dinosaur Museum to see the findings in a part of the building which appear to be some remnants from the Jurassic age. A fun filled performance for all the family is set to march into theatres and towns in 2024. The Dinosaur Invasion Show is an interactive journey through the life of the pre-historic era. With over 15 realistic dinosaurs, puppets, and characters to take you back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Featuring animatronics from a gigantic Tyrannosaurus-Rex and the fierce Triceratops to tiny baby hatchlings. Lots of audience participation and interaction is guaranteed. There will be fun and games around every corner, which will leave audiences of all ages captivated. The show will finish with a meet and greet, with a chance to get up and close with the ferocious predators. Make no bones about it, this will be a rip-roaring family spectacular!

Escape to Treasure Island with Le Navet Bete and their swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family! Featuring dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget, set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas. But will they get there in one piece? Is everyone who they say they are? And does ‘X’ really mark the spot? Le Navet Bete (The Three Musketeers, Dracula: The Bloody Truth) are a multi award-winning physical comedy company based in Devon. Joining forces with one of UK theatre’s best comedy writers and directors John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4), the company of four play out Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as you’ve NEVER seen it before! ‘A ripping good yarn with an abundance of theatrical surprises’ ★★★★ The Stage ‘Great fun! Ideal for children who love an adventure’ ★★★★★ Reviewshub Production photography: Mark Dawson

The New Bluesville Night returns after a sold-out show in May 2024. Expect a rockin night full of the finest American Blues, British R&B and more!

A New Wolsey Theatre, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Queen's Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre by the Lake production. A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company desperately trying to maintain their composure and regain any shred of credibility. From their frantic last-minute rehearsals in Weston-super-Mare to a disastrously silent performance in Ashton-under-Lyne, and a spectacularly calamitous final performance in Stockton-on-Tees, ‘Noises Off’ promises an evening of non-stop laughter and mayhem as the doomed actors struggle to keep their performance together whilst everything around them quite literally falls apart. Written by the multi-award-winning British novelist and playwright Michael Frayn, this is a new production of one of the most celebrated plays ever written. Age guidance: 12+.

Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show! Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Dora, Pip and Posey, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure! Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together! It's a family show not to be missed!

Apparently caterpillars completely break down into goo before they become butterflies. Come join comedian Sara Pascoe as she reconsiders and reconstructs herself after having two babies and very little sleep.

Based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. These pirates SO love underpants! Join our swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest! Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, arrr you ready to set sail for a family adventure? Pirates Love Underpants is suitable for children aged 1+.

Rude Science Live The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot 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. Expect enormous bottoms, frt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascinating bodily science essential to life. The show transforms complex biology, physics and chemistry into educational hilarity using Stef’s signature stunts and encyclopaedic science knowledge. Stefan Gates is an award-winning presenter of 20 TV series (including five for CBBC including Incredible Edibles, Gastrolab and Gastronuts), and a STEM author of 12 books (including Fartology and Science You Can Eat), and he’s internationally renowned for his clever, high-octane, highly-educational stage shows that inspire young audiences to fall in love with science.

There’s humour and heart in every aisle… Now a global smash hit, this hilarious and heartwarming drama about a family-run Korean store that inspired the Netflix phenomenon, is written by and starring Ins Choi, who calls the play his ‘love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home.’

NHS anaesthetist, comedian and author Ed Patrick injects the Edinburgh Fringe with a gut-punch show about becoming a junior doctor, the NHS, the pitfalls of modern medicine and the power of questioning it. There’s plenty of laughing gas to go round. 'Brilliantly funny’ (Matt Lucas). ‘Had the audience in fits of laughter’ (The Scotsman) 'Extremely funny' (Telegraph) 'Masterful, playfully provocative writing' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Packed with funny anecdotes' (Guardian). As seen on Channel 4 and heard on BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. Edpatrickcomedy.com

A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos. When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!

Booking an Audio Described performance? Add a Pre-show Touch Tour! The Touch Tours for Noises Off 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 Noises Off event page linked below.

UK tour of the stage adaptation of the 1994 movie by the same name. Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. With more glitter than ever before, this smash-hit show features a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It's Raining Men, Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, I Love the Night Life, Finally and many more!

After more than 60 years at the very top of his profession Jimmy Tarbuck OBE, one of the most popular household names from the golden era of British stand up, relives many of the most iconic moments of a life on stage and screen. An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck will see the acclaimed comedian and raconteur reflecting on a remarkable life in showbusiness, the seeds of which were sown in childhood where he was classmates - and good mates - with John Lennon. Jimmy will present a hugely entertaining mix of anecdotes and jokes from a rich and varied life, including recollections of his many years presenting Sunday Night at the London Palladium which shot him to fame in 1963. There will also be stories from Jimmy’s childhood, growing up in Liverpool and of course his golfing life, which has proved to be a rich source of entertainment and celebrity both on and off the course. Jimmy’s incredible career has taken him around the world, mixing with and befriending the biggest stars in entertainment: he’s played golf with Bing Crosby, sung with Tom Jones, partied with Parky and sipped champagne (never lager!) with Cilla. Fans will be treated to all these anecdotes and more by one of our true national treasures. The evening will culminate with an audience Q&A.

Tom Fletcher's interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who's in Your Book?' series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way. A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together. There's a Monster in Your Show... and he can't wait to meet you!

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 2025 Wolsey Writers will meet on the first Saturday of the month (except August) in the upstairs bar. Doors open 10am for 10:30am start (ends 12pm). Tickets are pay what you feel.

Ipswich’s favourite Rock ‘n’ Roll panto hits the New Wolsey Theatre stage this winter with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ - and it’s set to be an absolute monster of a show! The fabulous Dame Mrs Ringer is making wedding plans for her daughter, unaware that Belle and her feathered friend Pigeon have bigger interests at heart, as they dare to unlock a mysterious 1000-year-old Ipswich door and help the Beast to undo the evil Snarlina’s spell! Can the Beast break the curse in time by learning to love again? Can Belle see beyond his fearsome appearance? And will Pigeon be able to help save the day without getting in a flap? Find out in our latest spectacular festive show for all ages that’s packed full of magical adventure, hilarious panto gags and incredible rock and pop hits all played live by an exceptionally talented cast!

Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent School Edition is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent School Edition follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Rent School Edition is exuberant, passionate and joyous and will be brought to life by the award-winning Co-op Juniors Theatre Company. This is an amateur production presented as part of the New Wolsey’s Summer '25 programme.

Our free annual community event is back for 2025! Packed with live entertainment, cosplay characters, retro arcade games, face painting, arts and crafts, and even the chance to be on stage, The Big Afternoon is an event that the whole family can enjoy. This event is free and a ticket is not required, however we would appreciate those attending to book a ticket so that we can get a rough estimate of how many people will be attending. The theme this year is Superheroes, we’re giving everyone the chance to celebrate their heroes at this year’s event. Ipswich is full of amazing people doing incredible things every day to support their friends, family and local community, and we want to hear stories of your personal heroes and the positive impact they’ve had on the lives of others. Perhaps it’s your neighbour who looked after your dog when you needed a hand, or your dance teacher who helped you master that tricky move? Maybe it’s a nurse who played a key role in your recovery or just that friend who has always been there for you? Whatever it is, we’d love to know who you think deserves to be celebrated. As part of The Big Afternoon, these heroes will be honoured in a variety of ways, including the creation of a new piece of art that pays tribute to your local champions.

“Good things come to those who bake...” Inspired by the Channel 4 show and fresh from the West End, The Gallery Players are proud to celebrate their 40th anniversary with the area premiere of The Great British Bake Off Musical. Follow the musical journey of 8 contestants as they whisk, knead, and bake their way to glory, all whilst juggling love, fame and petit fours. Can the bakers prove that they know how to prove, whilst under the watchful blue and bespectacled eyes of TV’s favourite judges? Watch as The Bake Off tent comes to life - from tense technical challenges to joyous showstoppers - the musical creates a vibrant and immersive experience. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as friendships form, cakes collapse, and dreams come true. Directed and Choreographed by Wade Ablitt (Parade, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole) and Music Directed by Matthew Snow (Fun Home, Parade), “...Bake Off” features a stellar cast of East Anglia’s leading amateur talent... no soggy bottoms here! This hilarious and heartwarming new musical blends the charm of the hit TV show with toe-tapping original songs! Whether you're a die-hard Bake Off fan or simply love a good musical, this is a theatrical treat that promises to rise to the occasion. This is an amateur production presented as part of the New Wolsey’s Summer '25 programme.

Booking an Audio Described performance? Add a Pre-show Touch Tour! The Touch Tours for Beauty and the Beast 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 Beauty and the Beast event page linked below.

In celebration of the release of her hilarious memoir of the same name, comedian, novelist and professional show-off Jenny Eclair comes to venues nationwide with a brand-new autobiographical show. From drama school (mostly drinking cider and eating sausage rolls), sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet, punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit misery, waitressing and not really having a clue about anything, to being the first woman to win the Perrier Award, becoming a mother, author, grumpy old woman, podcaster and nana! Still gigging to sell-out crowds forty years later, Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything. Warning: punk poetry, animal impressions and baritone nursery rhyme singing may feature.

Expect an evening of live vocals; belting out big band ballads, disco classics and songs you'd sing down the pub with the nation's number one tart. Plus a special segment dedicated to her dear friend The Vivienne. If you ain't a fan of dirty foul jokes and absolute smut then walk on by as this x-rated comedy extravaganza is not one for the faint hearted and is going to be very very arsh! So, come and party with the council estate princess herself and celebrate a 20-year career from queen of the boozers to international superstar! With stories and tales ranging from meeting the Queen to the backstage goss on RuPaul's Drag Race! Expect a night of sequins, wigs, feather boas and big jewellery, as this is a show for all the huns to dance around their handbags and go wild in the aisles.