Norwich Theatre is today celebrating a major milestone. 16th December marks the 30th Anniversary of Norwich Theatre Playhouse, three thriving decades of world-class theatre, comedy, music, dance and inspiring creativity and community.
Since opening its doors in late 1995 in a beautifully converted, now 200-year-old, riverside maltings, the intimate 300-seat venue has cemented its status as one of the UK’s most beloved theatres where talent is nurtured and providing a warm, welcoming creative hub that is loved by its diverse audiences.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director at Norwich Theatre, said: “30 years ago the inspirational Henry Burke had a vision for a brand new mid-scale theatre for Norwich and here began the life of our wonderful Playhouse. Over the years the Playhouse has been championed and supported by so many icons of the theatre world and by the people of Norwich and Norfolk. Thanks to this phenomenal support from so many it is now undoubtedly an icon in its own right and will live on as such for many years to come as part of Norwich Theatre.”
Former Director of the Playhouse, Caroline Richardson, said: “I loved my 25 years plus at The Playhouse. The Playhouse is a beacon of possibility, surviving early fear of inherited financial fragility, when there just wasn’t enough money in the bank. Supported by City and County Councils, who backed the vision and then joined with Big Brother Royal, with a supportive arm around small sister Playhouse. It meant the eventual shaping of what has become the incredibly successful and much-loved Norwich Theatre.”
The very first show performed at the Playhouse was Jumpers by the late, great Tom Stoppard, brilliantly championed early in his formidable career, and selected by the founder Henry Burke alongside the theatre’s founding patrons, Timothy West and Prunella Scales.
Over the last three decades, Norwich Theatre Playhouse has become synonymous with the venue that has given early gigs to comedians who are now household names, including Julian Clary, Al Murray, Sarah Millican, Rhod Gilbert, Katherine Ryan, Mo Gilligan, Nish Kumar, Rachel Parris, Nina Conti, Stephen K Amos, Josie Long, Miles Jupp, Ed Gamble, Reginald D Hunter, Russell Howard, and La Voix! To mention just a few.
Stephen Fry, a patron from the start, said: “Over these 30 years, the Playhouse has taken its place in theatre history and nurtured so many great performers at the start of their careers and productions at the start of their lives. Now part of Norwich Theatre with Theatre Royal and Stage Two, its future is an exciting one. I am delighted to wish Norwich Playhouse a wonderful 30th birthday, and here’s to the next 30 years.”
Norwich Theatre Playhouse has a reputation for being the place to see a show early on before it becomes the next big thing. A few examples include, Tim Minchin spotted in Edinburgh in 2006 and booked by the Playhouse twice for that autumn, on his very first UK tour. The beloved, award-winning musical SIX had its world premiere in 2018 at the venue before moving to the West End and Broadway. My Son’s a Queer had its only regional date in 2022 at the Playhouse, before transferring to the West End.
It also continues to be the stage for iconic moments, including Sir Ian McKellen, who performed three sold-out shows during his 80th birthday tour. It was one of only a couple of venues to have three performances, all because the Playhouse offered an initiative to gift tickets to others celebrating their 80th birthday in that year, a promotion Sir Ian loved. Just recently, Eddie Izzard performed 23 characters in a unique version of the play Hamlet across 24 specially chosen venues, of course including the Playhouse.
The venue is a home for local acts, including Temper Theatre, Eastern Angles, Sound Ideas, Threshold Theatre Company, Echo Youth Theatre, Anna Mudeka, The African Choir of Norfolk, John Osborne, Toast Poetry, and, of course, local treasures, comedy duo The Nimmo Twins.
The 30th celebrations will continue throughout the year.