Episode 54: Owen Calvert-Lyons, Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds - backstage insights, delighting audiences and bold game-changing work

Owen talks about the past 4 and a half years since he began his role at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds - touching on some of the theatre’s highlights and ground-breaking shows for the region including A Christmas Carol which was staged outdoors in the deep of a pandemic winter and the enchanting The Christmas Cabin, a play for under 7's performed in the middle of a shopping centre, as well as telling us about his new bold and brilliant show coming up in August 2025 – Steve & Steff For Ever, written by Ian Jarvis (Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise). 

Owen talks about the depth of the theatre’s work within the Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk community, with a particular focus made in engaging young people through the Youth Theatre and in-school performances. He also talks about the eternal drive in attracting new audiences and why members and sponsors are so integral in supporting the work the theatre does.

We talk about casting, young and emerging talent and a support network set up for creatives to interact across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Currently in the middle of their Bloom Festival which attracts more than 600 people through the theatre doors to get involved with workshops and activities, the summer programme is packed full of great shows; from comedy with Harry Hill and Julian Clary to fabulous family shows and a brilliantly contemporary version of The Sword and the Stone, as well as their big show of the season Steve & Steff For Ever – which runs from 1 August to 31 August 2025 . 

Steve and Steff For Ever is an immersive and intoxicating love story that takes place in and around the streets and businesses of Bury St Edmunds, and takes on the style of a 'promenade show' - listen to this episode to hear more about this fabulous production. All of these shows and many more are available online to book www.theatreroyal.org 

Thank you to Owen, and to Julie and Becca from the marketing team, for making us feel so welcome!

Futher info:

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a presenting and producing theatre and one of the UK’s last surviving, and the only working Regency playhouse. Theatre Royal produces three major productions throughout the year with further smaller and community projects throughout its seasons.

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