Is there a more beautiful theatre in Britain than this restored Regency gem? I doubt it.

- Michael Billington, The Guardian

Designed and built in 1819 by the renowned architect William Wilkins, the Theatre Royal is the only surviving example of a Regency playhouse and one of only eight Grade 1 listed theatre buildings in this country. Owned by the Greene King brewery and in the care of the National Trust, in 2005 the Theatre underwent a major programme of restoration and development, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Theatre was reopened in September 2007. In addition to a year-round programme of drama and other arts performances, the Theatre sets out to bring our fascinating heritage to life for today’s audiences.

The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a mix of receiving theatre and producing theatre . A central focus for this work is our Restoring the Repertoire™ programme which seeks to bring to the stage forgotten plays of the Georgian period. Some of our plays are presented as co-productions with other theatres across the UK, and we also present a programme of rural and regional/national touring.

The organisation is a not-for profit charity. We serve the community of West Suffolk with the widest range of programme and a vibrant Creative Learning department offers 15 different classes/group programmes weekly leading to productions and presentations on the stage and in the Guildhall. Creative Learning also head up a range of thematic workshop programmes working in health and education around the region, and lead on a Costume Creators project. We are a small staff of theatre professionals supported by a wide ranging network of volunteers.