This year the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

And the launch of the celebrations to mark the bicentennial year is taking place at the historic playhouse in Westgate Street, on Tuesday, February 12, at 7.30pm.

There will be a wide programme of items lined up on the evening as well as a presentation of the celebratory events throughout 2019.

There are already a host of performances lined up at the theatre over the coming weeks and months as part of its spring programme and include the comedy The Wisdom Club from Janaury 30 to February 9; John Godber’s drama Bouncers, February 25 to 27; radio comedy classic Hancock’s Half Hour, February 28 to March 2; the musical Chess, which is being staged by local group the Irving Stage Company, March 12 to 16; and Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, April 2 to 6.

There is also a sponsored 200 for 200 walk which is also taking place to raise funds for the theatrte.

Those interested in attending should contact lauren@theatreroyal.org to secure a place which are allocated on a first come, first served basis.