It’s not too late to book tickets for one of the great shows at Suffolk theatres in May. Whether you are mad about music, bonkers for Bollywood or perhaps prefer plays, there is something for everyone and we have highlighted just a few of the entertaining events on offer.
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (May 3) – Haverhill Arts Centre: Prudencia Hart sets off for a folk music conference in the Scottish borders. As the snow descends her journey becomes more magical and the characters more devilish. A vibrant mix of theatre and live music from the Eastern Angles Company.
Tickets and more information here.
Wolsey Orchestra: Dvorak, New World Symphony (May 13) - Corn Exchange, Ipswich: The last in the orchestra’s season of concerts will feature Dvo?ák’s New World Symphony – one of the most popular symphonies in the whole orchestral repertoire. It was written during Dvorak’s four year stay in America and heavily influenced by African-American spiritual music and by the wide open spaces of the Prairies. The event will also include performances of Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, featuring trumpet soloist Adrian Robinson, and Brahms’ Tragic Overture.
Book tickets here.
The Ladykillers (May 9 - 13) – The Quay, Sudbury: In a house near Kings Cross station a determined widow and her diseased parrot are pitched against the collective wits of a gang of robbers posing as amateur musicians in order to rob the mail train. As the comedy darkens the question of who will survive and who will thrive takes some unexpected turns. From the creative team behind the Sudbury Dramatic Society’s production of The 39 Steps, this promises to be fast paced and full of laughs.
Tickets can be bought here.
Ed Balls: Strictly Speaking Out (May 11) – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds: A discussion of a life in and out of politics – from the despatch box to the stage on Strictly – by one of Britain’s most influential and well-loved political figures. Speaking Out is a record of a life in politics, but also much more. It is about how power can be used for good, and the lessons to be learned when things go wrong. It is about the mechanics of Westminster, and of government. It is about facing up to your fears and misgivings, and tackling your limitations – on stages public and private. It is about the mistakes made, change delivered and personalities encountered, over the course of two decades at the frontline of British politics.
Book tickets for the event here.
Not Lady Chatterley’s Lover (May 25) – The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich: Developed by Lawrence Russell and his theatre company, Happy Idiot, feast your eyes and ears on this Mel Brooks style parody of the famous D.H. Lawrence novel. Following the story-line of ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’, but with some twists along the way; there will be long contemplative looks into the middle distance, moments of touching drama, plenty of farce and a gentle stroke of innuendo. Expect high drama, high comedy and highly raised eyebrows in what will be a fantastic show for those who know the novel as well as those who are coming to it for the first time. Contains nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and strong language throughout.
For more information and tickets, visit the website.
Remembering Fred (May 6) - Marina Theatre, Lowestoft: A tribute to Fred Astaire featuring Strictly stars Aljaz and Janette. Step back in time and relive special moments from the career of the famous dancer. Aljaz and Janette will be performing steps and turns from the golden age of Hollywood’s most celebrated dance routines and audiences will hear from famous Fred fans including Twiggy, Darcey Bussell, Don Black and Bruce Oldfield who will share stories of how the screen icon touched their lives and discuss what made him so special. A magical evening of top hat, white tie and wonderful tales backed by a full supporting cast of dancers, a live band and sensational singers.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Imelda May (May 4) – Ipswich Regent: Imelda May brings her first UK tour in three years to Ipswich to mark the release of her new album ‘Life, Love, Flesh, Blood’. This unique artist has found a new groove, exploring blues, soul, gospel, folk, rock, sensitive acoustica, cinematic drama and explosive balladry on a set of the most intimately autobiographical songs she has ever written. Taking the biggest band line up she has ever toured, the show promises to delight both old and new fans of her music. Featuring members of her longtime band along with some of the finest musicians in the UK.
More information and tickets here.
Avenue Q: The Musical (May 18 - 20) – Spa Pavillion, Felixstowe: Sesame Street meets Seinfeld in this outrageous and very grown-up show. Laugh out loud funny, Avenue Q is the story of bright-eyed college graduate, Princeton, who comes to New York with big dreams - and little money. Only able to afford to live way out on Avenue Q, luckily his neighbours turn out to be a remarkably funny and positive bunch of characters. Inspired use of puppets and a collection of some of the best original songs in a musical. Parental advisory notice: Over 16 strongly recommended.
More information here.
Prometheus Orchestra: Playing with Fire (May 6) – Snape Maltings: Prometheus Orchestra, founded in in 2008, brings together the best professional musicians in Suffolk and wider East Anglia. This attractive programme, conducted by Edmond Fivet, features Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto with rising star soloist John Paul Ekins, and Mozart’s magnificent Symphony No.41, Jupiter. The concert will begin with Rossini’s sparkling overture, Il Signor Bruschino.
Tickets and information here.
Guys and Dolls (May 9 - 13) – Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds: Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society present the classic Frank Loesser musical. Set in Depression-era Times Square, Guys and Dolls is a romantic comedy about a couple of big city gamblers and the women who love them. It tells the overlapping stories of high-roller, Sky Masterson, who falls in love with mission worker, Sarah Brown, and lovable rapscallion, Nathan Detroit, engaged for 14 years to Miss Adelaide, a headliner at the Hot Box Club. Guys and Dolls features some of Loesser’s most memorable tunes, including the hilarious ‘Adelaide’s Lament’, the romantic ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before’ and the classic ‘Luck Be a Lady’.
Book your tickets here.
Waiting for God (May 8 - 13) – The New Wolsey, Ipswich: Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M’Lord) and Nichola McAuliffe (Surgical Spirit, Victoria) star in this premiere stage production of the TV comedy Waiting For God. All the favourite characters from the original series are reimagined for 2017, facing the challenges that come with growing old disgracefully in the era of the silver surfer. At Bayview Retirement Village, battle-axe extraordinaire Diana Trent conspires with new resident Tom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance through a hilarious conspiracy with unexpectedly heart-warming results.
Book your tickets here.
Somewhere In Time: An audience with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe (May 27) – Ipswich Regent: Strictly’s favourite couple are back with a whole new show with newly choreographed routines of their favourite Ballroom and Latin dances. The dance showcase spectacular will give full on entertainment with a romantic feel and will transport you away to a place of wonderful moments, with lots of laughs and stories along the way.
Book your tickets here.
Silent Cinema: Chaplin (May 27) – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds: This concert of cinematic treasures celebrates 100 years since the creation of Chaplin’s set of masterpieces known as the Mutual Comedies. The screening will show memorable set pieces from The Immigrant, The Adventurer, Modern Times and The Vagabond, each with specially curated soundtracks for violin and piano. Music by Fritz Kreisler, Scott Joplin, Bela Bartok and the famous Czardas by Monti, as well as several of Chaplin’s own compositions, will be performed by two outstanding British musicians: Matthew Trusler on violin and Ashley Wass on Piano.
Get your tickets here.
NT Live: Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (May 18) – The Cut, Halesworth: Imelda Staunton nstars in James Macdonald’s critically acclaimed, 5 star production of Edward Albee’s landmark play, broadcast live from the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. In the early hours of the morning on the campus of an American college, Martha, much to her husband George’s displeasure, has invited the new professor and his wife to their home for some after-party drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple are drawn into George and Martha’s toxic games until the evening reaches its climax in a moment of devastating truth-telling.
Book tickets here.
Oh Goody! An audience with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Chris Serle (May 25) – Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds: An unforgettable evening in the company of one of the funniest and best-loved comedy performers of our time. Tim Brooke-Taylor delights as he tells hilarious stories from a lifetime in comedy, spiced with a few revealing anecdotes about many of the names he has appeared with including his fellow Goodies, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
Booking information here.
Film: High Society (May 22) – Quay Theatre, Sudbury: A free, dementia friendly screening of the stunning musical High Society, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. The musical remake of The Philadelphia Story, with sparkling songs by Cole Porter, sees Tracey Lord on the verge of marrying a bland man of good standing. She begins to have second doubts and finds herself choosing between three men.
Information on how to book here.
Bring On The Bollywood (May 16 - 20) – New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich: A romantic comedy that features a fantastic soundtrack interwoven with wit, wild parties and some wicked dances. Dr Katrina Pawar is compelled to return to her dysfunctional ancestral home at the foothills of the Himalayas for her younger brother Lucky’s wedding. She is blissfully unaware of the mischief and mayhem that awaits her as her estranged mother lines up eligible suitors in this heart-warming romantic musical comedy from the masters of Bollywood experiences, Phizzical.
Booking information here.
The Take That Experience (May 20) – Marina Theatre, Lowestoft: The Take That Experience mark a decade together as the ultimate tribute act with their best show yet. Wowing audiences with their amazing vocals, stunning costumes and electrifying dance routines, they continue to successfully recreate the magic of Take That. They bring you all the classic songs you know and love, from the 90’s through to the present, and this special anniversary show sees the return of the one and only ‘Robbie Williams’ and brings alive songs such as ‘Angels’ and ‘Candy’ to an already explosive concert!
Booking tickets here.
MAME (May 10 - 13) – Stowmarket Regal Theatre: Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society presents this fun-filled musical with lots of memorable songs that you will have heard somewhere before. The madcap life of eccentric Mame Dennis and her bohemian, intellectual arty clique is disrupted when her deceased brother’s 10-year-old son Patrick is entrusted to her care. Mame loses her fortune in the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and tries her hand at a number of jobs, with comically disastrous results, but perseveres with good humour and an irrepressible sense of style.
More information and tickets here.
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