Volunteering at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

The auditorium, seen from the stage, at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk — The auditorium, seen from the stage, at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds | © National Trust Images/Dennis Gilbert

The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is the only surviving Regency playhouse in Great Britain that is still used for performances. For theatre-lovers and admirers of Regency buildings, there are lots of ways to get involved.

What volunteers do

As a registered charity and relatively small arts organisation, the theatre relies on the time and energy of people willing to get involved. Volunteers play a vital role in welcoming visitors to the theatre and delivering a memorable experience.

In return for their enthusiasm and hard work, volunteers can learn valuable skills and meet new friends, all while enjoying some fantastic theatre and discovering more about what goes on behind the scenes.

Contribute to the history of the theatre

Uncovering the history of the theatre is an ongoing project and contributions from people who have stories about the venue are always welcome. Information relating to the theatre in the 1960s is of particular interest as a comprehensive history of the building is built up over time.

The Suffolk Records Office holds extensive collections of posters, programmes and newspaper articles regarding the history of the theatre. Find out how you can contribute by emailing archives@suffolk.gov.uk.

Friends and Patrons

Theatre Royal members play an integral role in the theatre’s wellbeing and members are rewarded with great benefits including savings on tickets and access to pre-sale periods. Memberships directly support the work of the theatre both on stage and through community projects, all of which are designed to encourage and support people of all ages.

There are three different types of membership: Friends, Donor Friends and Patrons. Find more details at www.theatreroyal.org/memberships

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
Enjoy the great outdoors
Learn about the history of this special place.

Get in touch about volunteering

If you have a few hours a week to spare and would like to get involved, discover how you could become part of the team by emailing ric@theatreroyal.org

Where volunteering can lead

Two of the volunteers at the theatre formed a special bond and went on to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the building in unique style.

Paul Cooper and Sue Jesson joined as volunteers in 2016 after losing their partners within a few months of each other in 2015. Their friendship developed into a relationship in the following years and in 2019 they decided to mark the theatre’s anniversary by watching a show at every Theatre Royal in the UK.