A theatre that underwent a £3.5m refurbishment has broken its box office record since reopening, a council said.
Ipswich Regent, the biggest venue of its kind in East Anglia, saw its bar areas and accessibility improved, with the Art Deco frontage restored.
The theatre, which opened as the Gaumont in November 1929, has hosted acts including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Little Mix, Girls Aloud and The Darkness.
It reopened in November and Ipswich borough councillor Jane Riley said audiences had flocked back to see the pantomime production of Cinderella.
“The 2025 festive panto Cinderella has been the perfect production for celebrating the curtains coming up once again at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, and we’ve already broken the box office record,” she said.
“The energy in the theatre is magical, and we’re delighted to be welcoming audiences back into our beautiful venue.”
The seven-month project also saw the lounge and foyer areas refurnished, a new staff office and toilet block introduced, with accessibility upgrades including a new lift access and improved ramped access.
The project included Ipswich-based firms KLH Architects, Johns Slater and Haward and Mixbrow Construction, based in nearby Needham Market.
’Iconic cultural asset’
Suffolk brewer Adnams said the 1,500-capacity theatre features the “longest bar we’ve ever created”.
“This project has not only modernised facilities and improved accessibility but also restored the original Art Deco features that make the Regent such an iconic cultural asset,” said Riley.
“Together with our theatres team, the dedication of everyone involved in retaining the spirit of the Regent Theatre and its place in the heart of Ipswich has been inspiring.”
