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Front of House Redevelopment Project

Transforming the Regent Theatre for Future Generations

The Regent Theatre, an iconic landmark in Ipswich, is undergoing significant enhancements to improve accessibility, sustainability, and overall visitor experience. This page provides an overview of the project, highlighting key developments and new features.

Project overview

The Regent Theatre, located in the heart of Ipswich, is East Anglia’s largest theatre, opening its doors in 1929. Built as a cine-variety venue, live entertainment has been a huge part of the entertainment offering since then, particularly from the 1960’s when it hosted many of the worlds biggest artistes of the day including Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cliff Richard and The Beatles.

Whilst social patterns changed over many years, the Regent has remained a focal point of live entertainment whether it be cinema or live performances. In the 1980’s the then owners, The Rank Organisation proposed to turn the building into a bingo hall and later on, a multi-screen cinema. A campaign was launched by the then MP, Jamie Cann and over 30,000 people signed a petition culminating in the building transferring to Ipswich Borough Council.

The theatre re-opened in 1991 with a gala performance and now, every year we welcome some 220,000 people to the Ipswich Regent and sister venue, the Ipswich Corn Exchange.

Around 10 years ago, Ipswich Borough Council began the first step on a restoration project to bring back many of the original features, hidden from view for many years by false ceilings and partitions. This project is now the second stage of that redevelopment.

This refurbishment project aims to ensure that the theatre remains a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable cultural hub. The proposed works include extensive updates to both the interior and exterior of the building, preserving its historical significance while enhancing modern functionality.

In 2023 we introduced a restoration levy on each ticket purchased of £1.70. This has been ring-fenced to pay for the project and means that only customers who use our venue, contribute to its upkeep and future proofing. We are eternally gratefully for the continued support of all valued customers in helping us ensure the Regent can look forward to the next 100 years!

A Glimpse Ahead: Check out our Artist Renderings

  • Front of House Render

    The building is a focal point within the street scene on St Helens Street. The external works, detailed more later, will enhance the impressive façade and continue the legacy of the Regent being a destination venue.

  • Artist impression

    Artists impression of how the front and side of the property will look once the works have been completed. This shows the updated canopy as well as the new addition to the side of the property for the installation of our new accessible entrance and lift.

  • Front Canopy

    Proposed Canopy Render

    The above rendering shows the proposed visual of the front canopy after completion of the works. The works will identify and take inspiration from key art deco features from within the building and bring these to life in a modern take on a traditional theatre canopy. The exterior lighting will be replaced with replicas taken from the original opening in 1929.

Take a look at the new inside…

  • New foyer

    Foyer Proposed Render

    The foyer will once again show the grandeur of an art deco building! Existing partitions which form the bar, box office and office space will all be removed giving an impressive vista as you walk through the front doors. A new bar will ensure faster, quicker serving times and an opportunity to peruse and purchase merchandise from your favourite artiste or show.

  • The crush hall

    Crush Hall Render

    The crush hall will take your breath away as you walk towards the auditorium with it’s new sweeping bar, seating area and restored plasterwork to the impressive ceiling. The new bar will ensure speedy service, especially during intervals!

  • Circle lounge

    Circle Lounge render

    Once known as The Victor Sylvester Dance Studio and then Screen 2 of the Odeon the circle lounge will see a sympathetic renovation enhancing the impressive plaster work, new furniture with a throw-back to the original fixtures and fittings and a new bar to match the two on the ground floor. More importantly this is where the lift access will bring you to for additional seating and an accessible WC.

  • Accessibility entrance

    Wall of Fame

    Our existing accessible entrance was the original paupers entrance where access was only granted to the rear of the auditorium where you’d be sitting on benches! This project will see this entrance brought more into line with todays high standards and have access to the lift lobby and foyer. We’ll also pay homage to the many named artistes that have performed here with our own Wall of Fame!

  • Increased capacity toilets

    WC Render

    In a building built nearly 100 years ago, toilet provisions are very limiting. We know from your feedback this is one of the areas needing to be improved, so using some land we have, we will build a single storey extension that will triple the number of ladies toilets, more and improved gents facilities, a changing places and an accessible WC. As well as this our existing toilets will also get a refresh to bring them upto the standards of our new facilities.

What’s new/changing?

The Regent Theatre refurbishment includes a new single-storey extension on the east side, expanding toilet facilities with flexible male, female, and accessible WCs, as well as a Changing Places space. This extension will also house new office space and improved fire escape routes. To enhance accessibility to the circle lounge, a new lift will be installed. Inside, the Circle Lounge will feature refurbished toilets, with restored historical elements such as original windows and decorative features integrated into the new design.

The project focuses on sustainability, incorporating water-efficient fittings, better insulation, and modern heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. An ecological assessment confirmed no protected species will be affected, and enhancements like nesting boxes for native birds will boost biodiversity. The refurbishment aims to maintain the Regent Theatre as a central attraction in Ipswich, driving foot traffic to local businesses and contributing to the town’s cultural and economic vitality.

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