Cultural organisations including DanceEast, Eastern Angles, Red Rose Chain, King Street Cinema, SPILL Think Tank, Suffolk Archives and Ipswich Theatres have coordinated their festive programmes under the We Are Ipswich banner, offering theatre, music, dance, film and family entertainment between now and mid-January.
We Are Ipswich is a collective of arts and heritage organisations based in the town. The festive programme builds on last year's collaboration, with performances from small independent producers and nationally recognised theatres.
What's on
Cinderella at the Regent
Cinderella at Ipswich Regent Theatre runs from Friday, 12 December 2025 to Wednesday, 31 December 2025. The cast includes Mike "Squeaky" McClean as Buttons, Lee Brennan of 90s pop band 911 as Prince Charming, Hear'Say's Noel Sullivan as Dandini, and Britain's Got Talent impressionist Francine Lewis as the Fairy Godmother. Local performer Lucy Roper plays Cinderella.
Beauty and the Beast at New Wolsey Theatre
Beauty and the Beast at New Wolsey Theatre runs from Friday, 21 November 2025 to Saturday, 17 January 2026. The production features rock and pop hits from Meatloaf, Chappell Roan, The Darkness, Bruno Mars and Dolly Parton, all played live by the cast. Belle and her feathered friend Pigeon must work together to save the Beast from a spell cast by the wicked Snarlina.
The Magic Flute at DanceEast
The Magic Flute at DanceEast runs from Friday, 12 December 2025 to Sunday, 14 December 2025. Protein Dance returns after last year's sell-out performance of The Little Prince with this family-friendly dance-theatre experience. The production follows bird-catcher Papageno and Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina. Every performance includes integrated creative captioning and is suitable for children aged five and above.
Treasure Island at Eastern Angles
Treasure Island at Eastern Angles is running until 3 January 2026. Jake Smith's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale is inspired by the lost town of Dunwich and features innovative staging, storytelling, song, music and puppetry.
Alice in Wonderland at Red Rose Chain
Alice in Wonderland at Red Rose Chain runs from 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Joanna Carrick's adaptation follows Alice down the rabbit hole to meet the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and other favourite characters in a production full of songs, dance and fast-paced action.
A Christmas Carol at SPILL Think Tank
A Christmas Carol at SPILL Think Tank takes place on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. Anthony Roberts brings Dickens' tale to life with a dramatic recital, accompanied by pianist Jamie Cunliffe in the candlelit Victorian venue. Tickets include mulled wine or alcohol-free festive punch and a mince pie, with all proceeds supporting SPILL's work in Ipswich.
Muppets Christmas Carol and The Shepherd at King Street Cinema
Muppets Christmas Carol and The Shepherd at King Street Cinema features a gala screening with a drinks reception and on-stage Q&A with the film's producer, Richard Johns. The Muppet Christmas Carol sees Kermit play Bob Cratchit opposite Michael Caine's Scrooge. The Shepherd, based on a novella by Frederick Forsyth, follows a Royal Air Force pilot on Christmas Eve, 1957, who becomes lost during a routine flight from Germany to England when his instruments fail.
Suffolk Archives Christmas at The Hold
Suffolk Archives Christmas at The Hold takes place on 29 November, 11 December and 12 December 2025. Events include a Christmas market with gifts from local artisans, Cinema Club screening of Muppets Christmas Carol, Christmas Crafts Lates on Thursday, 11 December 2025, and a dog-friendly Santa Paws event on Saturday, 13 December 2025 where pets receive treat goody bags.
Festive family fun at Ipswich County Library
Festive family fun at Ipswich County Library offers a free magical Christmas Movie Marathon with hot chocolate and festive craft activities between screenings. The activities are suitable for both children and adults.
Douglas Rintoul, chair of We Are Ipswich, said: "Ipswich is bursting with creativity, and this festive season is all about celebrating the incredible talent and culture we have right here in our town. There's something for every age and every taste because world-class culture isn't just in big cities, it's right here on your doorstep."
Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, the organisation behind All About Ipswich, added: "With small independent producers and nationally recognised theatres offering outstanding performances, Ipswich is a top cultural destination that All About Ipswich is pleased to showcase. Residents and visitors can enjoy so much entertainment this Christmas, Ipswich has something for everyone."
