Two of Suffolk’s largest entertainment venues are preparing for a packed autumn season featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, music, TV and theatre.
Since their reopening last year, the Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange in Ipswich have welcomed nearly 200,000 audiences through their doors and the second half of 2022 looks to be just as busy. Variety is the spice of life, and there is something for every taste this autumn.
Don McLean brings a brand-new tour to Ipswich in September, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his much-loved American Pie Album. Also celebrating a 50th anniversary is rock stalwart Steve Hackett as he honours 50 years since the legendary Genesis album Foxtrot.
For those after something a little more ‘classical’, the Regent Theatre hosts the London Symphonic & Philharmonic Film Orchestra with two special concerts showcasing the music of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit. Rock and metal fans can expect hits from Pink Floyd, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and more as The Rock Orchestra performs a packed set list in stunning, candlelit surroundings.
Music lovers can also expect Bellowhead, Marti Pellow, Will Young, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers, Show of Hands, Boyzlife, Anastacia, Saxon and many more.
Need a laugh? There’s always plenty of top-notch comedy to guarantee an evening of giggles. The autumn season features the Queen of British comedy Dawn French, alongside Al Murray, Ed Gamble and Jimmy Carr. Award-winning writer and comedian Adam Kay shares brand new stories from his forthcoming book. Star of the Royal Variety Performance and Have I Got News For You Chris McCausland brings his new show ‘Speaky Blinder’ to the Corn Exchange.
November sees a fiercely fabulous and brand-new musical take to the Regent Theatre stage. The Cher Show tells the story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame in a dazzling glitter fest, directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse. Tickets start from only £15.
Looking for something a little different? Multi award-winning master of psychological illusion Derren Brown returns to Ipswich with his brand new show, and Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick will delight animal lovers of all ages with an evening of love, hope and healing.
Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad, the team behind the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen (OTK) take audiences through their latest cookbook and explore ways in which everyday ingredients can be transformed.
Ipswich can also expect another night of endless extravaganza as all 12 queens from Series Three of Ru Paul’s Drag Race bring glittering performances and incredible production values to the stage in October.
Family favourites include a very special adventure with Peppa Pig in a live show full of laughter, games and music in September. Rod Campbell’s classic children’s book Dear Santa is brought to life at the Corn Exchange in December with Santa and his cheeky Elf!
The season concludes in traditional festive fashion with this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Peter Pan. Ipswich-favourite Mike McClean stars alongside West End legend Darren Day as Captain Hook and Eastenders and Dancing on Ice star Matt Lapinskas.
Cllr Sophie Connelly, Portfolio Holder for Culture at Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“We have a great lineup for the autumn season at both The Regent Theatre and at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich. From comedy to cookery and from music to dance we have the full range. All we are missing is you.
“Look at our website and you will find events of interest to book and you can find out more - oh yes you can - about our panto, Peter Pan.”
