Home / Arts and Entertainment / Regent Theatre Reopens After £3.5M Glow-Up
Regent Theatre Reopens After £3.5M Glow-Up
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- The historic Regent Theatre in Ipswich has reopened after a seven-month refurbishment.
- The project cost £3.5 million and modernized bars, foyer, and external features.
- The theatre has hosted famous acts like The Beatles and Dolly Parton since 1929.
After nearly a century of entertaining audiences, the Regent Theatre in Ipswich has unveiled a stunning £3.5 million refurbishment. The seven-month project has revitalized the theatre's front-of-house areas, including bars, lounges, and the foyer, enhancing both aesthetics and accessibility. Original architectural details, such as the Art Deco light fittings and intricate plasterwork, have been meticulously preserved and celebrated, ensuring the building's rich history shines through.
The theatre, which originally opened as the Gaumont in November 1929, has a storied past, having hosted iconic performers like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, and Tina Turner. Its recent closure for renovations allowed for significant upgrades, promising an improved experience for visitors. General Manager Richie Ross expressed enthusiasm for the theatre's renewed vibrancy, stating, "For a building like this, it's got a life of its own and we need to get that back now with customers coming through the door."
