Summer Theatre Guide

Visit the enchanting Thorington Theatre tucked away in the idyllic Suffolk woods. This outdoor venue is the perfect setting for an evening at the theatre, and with a jam packed programme of unique performances amidst stunning sylvanian surroundings it will be a day to remember. Why not book a delicious picnic from local supper club Husk; they offer delicious, gourmet picnics, delivered directly to the picnic field an hour before the show. 

Be surprised and charmed by award-winning poet, writer and performer Hollie McNish and fellow poet Michael Pedersen on the 13th July. Enjoy a local beer from the bar and sit back and watch as they weave together an evening of mesmerizing storytelling with poignancy and humour. 

Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for an open-air Regency rom-com! Meet misguided matchmaker Emma as she tries to play Cupid in this hilarious yet faithful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s satirical story by the same name. This fast-paced and physical show is filled with romance, music and The Pantaloons' own charming brand of theatrical chaos. Coming to the Thorington theatre for one night only, get your ticket for the 30th July. 

Sad that Shakespeare hasn’t written anything new for over 400 years? Well, hold onto your doublets, ruffs and trunk hose. The Bard is back! With story and verse improvised in the moment, enjoy a riotously funny and brand new Shakespeare play- performed by Impromptu Shakespeare’s whip smart cast on the 24th August. Packed with priceless wit, lyrical smarts, romance, and a dash of double crossing, this leading ensemble do the Bard proud with a brand new hit every time, inspired by audience suggestions. 

Visit https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/ for the full summer programme

Explore the beautiful landscape of the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo this summer, before being transported to Bohemia for a unique new production of The Winter’s Tale. Red Rose Chain Theatre Company returns to the Theatre in the Forest, after last year’s sell out performances of Macbeth, with another high energy Shakespeare play. This magical outdoor production breathes new life into a story of jealousy and forgiveness. You can even book an indulgent cream tea from the cafe to enjoy during the interval.  Catch this thrilling show, playing from the 26th July - 26th August.

Pay a visit to the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft and catch the curious piece of new writing ‘Norah’s Ark’ from 6th - 8th July. Written by the BAFTA nominated local writer John Hales, Norah’s Ark is an affecting new play which tells the story of one woman’s visions of epic floods. Drawing inspiration from the real life floods of 1953 and the future as shaped by climate change, this thought provoking evening will make you ponder the fate of our futures by the sea.

If you love jukebox musicals then you're in for a real treat this summer with 'Anything for Love: The Meatloaf Story' (14 July), 'Frankie's Guys 2023' (15 July), 'Lipstick on your Collar 2023' (22 July) and 'A Tribute to the Carpenters' (8 September) to enjoy. 

Visit https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/ for the full summer line up.

Join the biggest Motown party of the year as 'The Magic of Motown' comes to the Spa Pavilion on Saturday 29th July. Now in its 18th successful year touring, this feel good show is a real crowd pleaser. You can expect all the hits, glitzy costumes and of course incredible dancing all night long. Don’t miss this special night to celebrate all the classic artists from Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Supremes and of course Stevie Wonder. You’ll be Dancing in the Streets and all the way home after this show!

You won't believe your eyes or ears at 'CIRQUE: The Greatest Show!' A feast for all the senses; this brand new variety spectacular is sure to amaze, blending impressive musical theatre with jaw-dropping circus from an all star cast. This thrilling show is not to be missed so make sure you roll up, roll up and book your tickets fast!

For the full summer programme visit https://spapavilion.uk/

Pay a visit to the charming seaside town of Aldeburgh this summer and be sure to pay a visit to Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall. There's a back to back programme of plays to enjoy, starting with 'A Fox on the Fairway' by Ken Ludwig from 28 July - 5 August. A tribute from Ken Ludwig to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, 'A Fox on the Fairway' takes audiences on a hilarious roller-coaster ride, which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club.

From 7 - 12 August, the Noel Coward timeless comedy 'Private Lives' comes to the stage. Passion, laughter, romance, anger, and love set the stage for an epic battle of the sexes as divorced couple, Amanda and Elyot, find themselves unwittingly thrown together in Coward’s classic comedy of manners.

The comedy thriller 'Marriage is Murder' by Nick Hall is on from 14 - 19 August, followed by Alan Ayckbourn's all time funniest comedy 'Relatively Speaking' finishing off the summer season from 22 August - 2 September.

For the full programme visit https://aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk/