The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is returning to the Ipswich Regent 25 years after giving the first performance there when it re-opened as East Anglia’s biggest theatre under the ownership of Ipswich Borough Council.
The St Helen’s Street venue opened in 1929, becoming the Gaumont in the 1960s and the Odeon in 1987 before closing in March 1991. Bought by the borough council, it was re-opened on September 21 that same year by then mayor Ken Wilson.
Paul Bateman will take the baton for a special gala concert on September 21 celebrating the music of John Williams, one of the world’s most prolific and respected film composers. The most Oscar-nominated man alive, he’s provided the scores for more than 75 blockbusters and is especially known for his collaborations with Steven Spielberg.
Mark Whiting, IBC’s events manager, said: “This is going to be another great moment in the ongoing history of the Regent. For a theatre that always attracts the biggest names it is only right we have the best to celebrate our 25th anniversary.”
The RPO will perform a handful of Williams’ orchestrations and legendary melodies including music from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, ET, Harry Potter, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook, Fiddler on the Roof, Home Alone, War Horse and many more.
A RPO spokesman added: “We are delighted to be returning to the Ipswich Regent Theatre this autumn with a John Williams Gala Concert, 25 years after the Ipswich Regent was re-opened by the council and the Royal Philharmonic (Pops Orchestra) closed the opening concert with Williams’ Star Wars. We hope to see old and new faces at what promises to be an out of this world concert.”
Tickets go on sale from 9.30am this Friday.
The RPO is back at the Regent on December 2 with a Christmas Cracker concert featuring traditional music combined with classic sing-a-long carols.
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