See teen popstars reinvented, meet the world’s smallest pirate and the world’s tallest parrot or even take part in a life-drawing class with a difference. This year’s Pulse Festival has it all.

Focusing on new and innovative contemporary theatre and performances from regional, British and international artists, the 10-day event runs from May 29 to June 7 at various venues across Ipswich.

“We had more than 200 applications to the open access part of the festival this year,” said Paul Warwick, co-director of China Plate, returning as festival directors.

“That is an indication of how much this festival is beginning to be on the map and how keen artists are to come to Ipswich, to the New Wolsey and share their work.

“This year’s programme is absolutely knock-out, there’s some really exciting work there including more international work than we’ve had before.”

Now in its 14th year, Pulse has become a significant part of the national arts calender, said Rob Salmon, associate director at the New Wolsey.

“It’s not just fulfilling a range of regional expectations,” he said. “A movement has happened within in the town – and you can see it under the We Are Ipswich banner – where a number of arts partners have come together and said ‘let’s maximise what we have in terms of our resources, expertise and opportunites to do the best for the town’.”

Visit our web gallery for details of all 44 shows. For ticket details visit www.pulseipswich.co.uk. Follow @PulseIpswich on Twitter and @WhatsonWayne for details of interviews with some of the artists.