Built in 1979, the New Wolsey Theatre has been home to some of Suffolk’s biggest productions over its 37 year history.

Ipswich Star: A plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey TheatreA plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey Theatre (Image: Archant)

In recent years it featured 20th Century Boy, a musical play based on the life of Marc Bolan and the music of T. Rex and Our House, a musical play featuring the songs of Madness.

The building itself was opened after two years of construction on October 1979 by HRH Princess Alexandra.

The original company, The Wolsey Theatre Company, owned the theatre from 1979-1999, However, due to financial difficulties, the company folded in 1999 and the building was left vacant for two years.

The venue seats 400 and since its reopening as a production theatre in 2001, The New Wolsey has developed a recognisable house style of actor/musician productions - particularly through their annual Christmas rock ‘n’ roll panto.

Ipswich Star: A plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey TheatreA plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey Theatre (Image: Archant)

The New Wolsey was awarded funding from Arts Council England’s Small Scale Capital Fund at the start of 2016. It received £359,866 to upgrade its technical and production resources.

Whether you have auditioned for a production there, ran the lighting, sold tickets for events or have memories of a special show, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch via email.

Ipswich Star: A plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey TheatreA plaque was dedicated to Princess Alexandra in 1979 as she opened the Wolsey Theatre (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Wolsey Theatre hosted the BBC as they filmed in 1982Wolsey Theatre hosted the BBC as they filmed in 1982 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Wolsey Theatre hosted the BBC as they filmed in 1982Wolsey Theatre hosted the BBC as they filmed in 1982 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: In 1991 the Wolsey Theatre produced Mame the musicalIn 1991 the Wolsey Theatre produced Mame the musical (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: In 1991 the Wolsey Theatre produced Mame the musicalIn 1991 the Wolsey Theatre produced Mame the musical (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: In 1990 the Murreyfield Junior School visited the Wolsey Theatre, are you in this photo?In 1990 the Murreyfield Junior School visited the Wolsey Theatre, are you in this photo? (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Actors lined up outside the Wolsey Theatre in March 1991Actors lined up outside the Wolsey Theatre in March 1991 (Image: Archant)