The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds announces its spring season featuring Jon Culshaw, The Gruffalo, Buffy, Margaret Thatcher, witches and murder
The recently announced spring season 2025 at the Theatre Royal is packed with goodies from a drama inspired by the Bury St Edmunds witch trials, to comedy drama, family entertainment and top stand-up.
A Tryal of Witches is the theatre's in-house production, written by Tallulah Brown with music from TRILLS. It asks ‘What led to one of the most shocking witch trials in British history?’ and explores the lives of Suffolk villagers, specifically the women of the village, as the witch rumours ebb and flow around the county.
Another drama, in conjunction with the National Theatre’s Theatre Nation Touring programme, Handbagged is a comedy-drama exploring the interesting relationship between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. Written by Moira Buffini, the play won an Olivier award when it first hit the stage, just under 15 years ago.
For families, there's a great programme featuring some beautiful new theatre and the return of The Gruffalo.
Plus, the smash-hit Buffy Revamped is due to hit the theatre's stage in February with vampiric force!
Here’s what the season has to offer:
A Tryal of Witches - March 7-22
The trial in Bury St Edmunds was the first time women were convicted using ‘spectral evidence’ – the belief that witches could be in two places at one time.
DRAMA
CRACKING - March 26
From the ‘Legend of the Edinburgh Festival’ comes a new dark comedy drama. Part stand-up, part theatre, CRACKING is a funny, touching and thought-provoking solo performance, sewing together fact and fiction.
Sophia - April 1
Exiled to England, the last Maharajah in Punjab and his family came to live in a home in Elveden, Suffolk. Until bankruptcy and a new mistress swayed the Maharajah to make a new life abroad and plot to take back his kingdom.
Whole - April 17
Emma’s been looking for ways to fill the gaping hole in her life after losing her twin sister. An intimate journey looking into grief while exploring sibling joy, female rage and the healing power of a creative mission.
Handbagged - April 22-26
Written by Moira Buffini: a clever, funny and charming political comedy, imagining the untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour as the gloves come off and personalities clash.
COMEDY
Is That A Whip In Your Hand? - January 31
Think Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider as one big spoof! With clichés coming at you from left, right and centre, this is a unique comic show from a company that always sells-out!
King Arthur - February 11-15
A comedy for the whole family: Camelot is in trouble and King Arthur knows he’s got to turn things around or this period of history will be recorded as really rather dull… but when three hapless squires approach him to help, a legend is born.
Buffy Revamped - February 27
This fast-paced show brings you all 144 episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike.
STAND-UP
Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome - February 16(Limited tickets remaining)
Zoe Lyons: Werewolf - February 22
Matt Forde: The End of an Era - February 26
Royally Funny Comedy Night - April 2
Featuring Stephen DiPlacito, Alex Farrow, Ollie Fox and Kate Barron.
ENTERTAINMENT & DANCE
Luke Wright: JOY - February 5
Returning after his smash-hit tour, Silver Jubilee, Luke brings his witty, wistful and comic poetry back to Bury St Edmunds.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical - February 6-7
With 14 years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. A brand-new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all-dancing productions with hilarious results.
Roshni - February 25
An intimate crafting of Kathak dance and live global music, inspired by the stories of everyday people.
The Dreamer - Live - April 3
An enigmatic, dazzling, five-star rated show from James Phelan, who just happens to be Paul Daniel’s nephew.
AMATEUR COMPANIES
A Murder Is Announced, Irving Stage Company - April 29-May 3
An advertisement in the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette announces the time and place for a murder… Miss Marple is on hand to unravel the mystery and unmask the guilty killer!
FAMILY SHOWS
Minny Stynker - February 19
Nick Sharratt’s All New Picture Book Draw-Along - February 20
The Gruffalo - March 20-30
Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science - April 15
Total Pop Party - April 19
MUSIC
Radio Gaga - February 1
Swing That Music - February 8
Dreams of FM - February 28
Celebrating George Michael - April 4
Look out for two for one deals on dramas, special family savers and season offers.
For more information and to book call 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org
