Performing arts

The Theatre Royal, Norwich is probably justified in its claim to be "East Anglia's premier theatre", presenting a mix of comedy, drama, musicals, dance, opera, music and family shows all year round, including a traditional Christmas panto. The Theatre Royal is, however, closed from the end of March 2007 until early November 2007 whilst it undergoes a modernisation building programme.

Whilst pre-booking is advisable, especially for the larger musicals as they are regularly sell-outs, for other productions it is often possible to get seats at short notice.

Opened in 1921, The Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich was the first permanent recreation of an Elizabethan theatre. Internationally renowned, the unique Maddermarket Theatre stages a year long programme by top British and world playwrights.

As well as regular concerts, including a lunchtime series, The Assembly House, a beautiful Georgian Grade I listed building enjoying a tranquil and peaceful setting in the centre of Norwich, is the venue for the productions of the Great Hall Theatre Company.

Housed in a converted Barn (reputedly the stable of the original Black Beauty), the Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich has an auditorium featuring raked seating around three sides of an open acting space. All staff and actors give their time to the theatre voluntarily.

The Norwich Playhouse presents a broad range of comedy, drama, music and dance in an intimate venue (a fomer maltings)with unrestricted views of the stage form all seats.

Norwich Puppet Theatre is the base for a professional company which creates and presents its own productions at the theatre as well as hosting touring companies.

The Westacre River Studios, close to Swaffham, runs a programme of music and drama, the highlight of the season being the summer productions in a marquee, when picnics can be taken in the Priory gardens from 6pm for evening productions and from 11:30am on the very popular Jazz Sundays. The summer is also the season for open air theatre and concerts at Blickling Hall and in Thetford Forest, with it being traditional to take a picnic in each case.

Other venues in the region for concerts of popular music include the Cambridge Corn Exchange, King's Lynn Corn Exchange, The Waterfront in Norwich as well as the gigs organised by the University of East Anglia Student's Union, all of which are open to the public (try to spot the student at the opening concert of the Jules Holland tour!).

For comedy, as well as events at The Theatre Royal, Norwich and Norwich Playhouse, there are appreances by the Comedy Store comes to the Forum in Norwich once a month, except for June-August.

The Norfolk and Norwich Festival is held each May with a wide variety of productions and events, with jazz and classical music, comedy and dance.

May also sees the annual Folk on the Pier Festival at Cromer, this year back on the Pier.

Held each year in June, The Aldeburgh Festival was founded in 1948 by Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and Eric Crozier. The festival programme includes free events on the beach.

Wymondham Festival, usually in late June to early July, offers a huge range of music - evening concerts, daytime recitals, gigs, workshops, the Midsummer Jazz Picnic down by the River Tiffey, Town Busking Day and lots of other live music in the Market Place and at venues around the town.

• The Aldeburgh Festival 01728 6871102
• Assembly House 01603 626402
• Blickling Hall 0870 010 4900
• Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 357 851
• Comedy Store at the Forum 01603 626402
• Folk on the Pier Festival 01263 512495
• King's Lynn Corn Exchange 01553 764864
• Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich 01603 620917
• Norfolk and Norwich Festival 01603 877750
• Norwich Playhouse 01603 598598
• Norwich Puppet Theatre 01603 629921
• Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich 01603 666332
• Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630000
• Thetford Forest No number supplied
• University of East Anglia Student Union (01603) 508050
• The Waterfront in Norwich 01603 508050
• Westacre River Studios 01760 755800
• Wymondham Festival 01953 601939