Theatres, museums, archives and arts venues across Ipswich have joined forces to deliver the town's largest-ever festive entertainment programme, featuring 237 performances and 77 exhibition days across eight venues.
The big picture: The 'We Are Ipswich' collective is launching a new campaign called 'Ipswich Entertains for Christmas', bringing together "a spectacular line-up of premier league art and culture that promises thrilling, high-quality entertainment for all ages."
Why it matters: The initiative aims to position Ipswich as Suffolk's cultural hub and forms a key part of Ipswich Central's wider 'Your Very Suffolk Christmas' campaign.
The programme includes:
The Snowman and The Snowdog
Experience the magic of a beloved Christmas classic at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront.
Sleeping Beauty at the New Wolsey Theatre
Ipswich's award-winning New Wolsey Theatre is set to transform the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty into a spectacular rock 'n' roll pantomime featuring live music and a stellar cast.
A Christmas Carol at the Eastern Angles Centre
Eastern Angles brings a bold new musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol to Suffolk this winter, featuring an all-star cast including Ian Crowe as the miserly Scrooge.
Five Little Ducks at Ipswich Library
Young families are invited to join an enchanting interactive adventure as Spinning Wheel Theatre brings the beloved 'Five Little Ducks' story to Ipswich County Library this December.
Pinocchio at The Avenue Theatre
Red Rose Chain brings Carlo Collodi's beloved wooden puppet to life this festive season in a spectacular new adaptation at Ipswich's Avenue Theatre.
The Little Prince at DanceEast
The beloved tale of The Little Prince soars onto the DanceEast stage this December in an enchanting dance adaptation that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Regent Theatre
Suffolk's biggest pantomime is set to delight audiences at the Regent Theatre with an all-star cast including Louie Spence, Michael Greco and Abbie Budden.
Gremlins and The Muppet Christmas Carol at King Street Cinema
Beloved classics Gremlins and The Muppet Christmas Carol are set to delight Ipswich audiences with special seasonal screenings at the historic King Street Cinema.
What they're saying: "This is a great moment for Ipswich's cultural organisations," says Douglas Rintoul, Chair of 'We Are Ipswich'. "For the first time, we are coming together to celebrate not just the festive season, but the creativity, energy, and passion that makes Ipswich the cultural capital of Suffolk."
Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, the organisation behind All About Ipswich, added: “From small independent producers to nationally recognised theatres, Ipswich has a cultural offering any town would be proud of. By coming together to showcase everything in one place, residents and visitors alike can see that whatever entertainment they want this Christmas, Ipswich has something for them.”
The bottom line: The programme runs from now through to mid-January, with events suitable for all ages and accessibility requirements including audio description, BSL interpretation, and dementia-friendly performances.
Events can be found on our What's on in Ipswich section and will be covered throughout the festive period.
