New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich announces Beauty and the Beat as this year’s Christmas rock ‘n’ roll pantomime
An Ipswich theatre has promised that its latest Christmas rock ‘n’ roll panto will be a ‘monster of a show’.
The New Wolsey Theatre, in Civic Drive, has revealed that Beauty and the Beast will run from November 21, 2025, to January 17, 2026.
Vowing to give audiences of all ages an evening of magical adventure, funny panto gags and a bevy of rock and pop hits, the theatre has high hopes for this year’s run, after 2024’s sold more than 28,000 tickets.
The show follows Dame Mrs Ringer making wedding plans for her daughter, as she dares to unlock a 1,000 year-old Ipswich door, help The Beast undo an evil spell and break the curse so he can love again.
The panto has been written by Vikki Stone, who has been nominated by the UK Pantomime Association for Best Script after penning last year’s festive offering, Sleeping Beauty.
Vikki said she was thrilled to be shortlisted for the honour.
She added: “I’m very passionate about pantomime and always strive to make my scripts serve audiences old and new; a combination of modern and traditional.
“I love the fact that last year’s show had a great many people coming to the venue to watch panto for the first time.
“As theatre makers we have a responsibility to make sure that new audiences are discovering and enjoying the art form, which in turn will help keep pantomime alive for generations to come.”
A spokeswoman for the theatre said it would be a ‘monster of the show’.
Also following in the footsteps of last year, the New Wolsey will bring back its ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme to offer tickets to those who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
Last year’s scheme raised more than £4,000.
As with previous years, a run of performances with audio description, captions and sign language will take place, in addition to dementia-friendly shows and ‘touch tours’.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on March 22.
Douglas Rintoul, chief executive and artistic director of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: “I'm incredibly proud that our much-loved pantomime is receiving national recognition, with Pantomime Award nominations for the second year running.
“Last year, we were thrilled to surpass expectations, selling over 28,000 tickets and 250 livestream passes.
“More than 3,800 schoolchildren from 44 schools enjoyed an unforgettable festive performance, while over 3,000 audience members experienced the unique magic of pantomime for the very first time.”
