Norwich Theatre Royal – www.norwichtheatre.org
Waitress
15-20 August
Chelsea Halfpenny (9 to 5, BBC’s Casualty, ITV’s Emmerdale) stars as Jenna in the hit musical comedy Waitress. Jenna is an expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. However, when a hot, new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates, Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.
The Nimmo Twins: Holt? Who Goes There?
23 August
In the second of the 25th anniversary shows, The Nimmo Twins, aka Owen Evans and Karl Minns, return with their first brand new show in six years. Featuring She Go, The Council, Billy Boy, Anne and Tom Bland, as well as brand new characters that they’ll name after obscure, thinly populated North Norfolk armpits.
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
26-27 August
Get ready for a road trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!
Les Misérables
31-24 September
With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs; ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Master Of The House’ and many more.
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman
25 August
Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron and hiss Rebecca Ferguson (or maybe not) as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want.
There are some fabulous events going on at your local John Lewis this month…
John Lewis Norwich
Have you met the Mammoths?
27 June until 10 September
If you come down to John Lewis today you’ll be sure of a mammoth surprise! With the Mammoth and T-Rex take over happening across the county this summer John Lewis has a few of their own prehistoric guests ready to meet you in-store on the Mezzanine level. Children can also explore the cave, with cave art rubbings to have a go at and enter the Mammoth colouring competition for the chance to win a special prize, pick up a mammoth colouring sheet in-store.
Bank holiday weekend
Join the team in-store on Saturday 27 August for family fun. Continuing with the dinosaur theme they will be hosting free dinosaur themed face painting, dinosaur egg decorating and storytelling in the mammoth’s cave on the Mezzanine. With live music from the fabulous Ashlea Lauren and ‘Bublé The show’ there will also be complimentary treatments in beauty, food tastings and more.
Children’s craft party
Thursday 1 September, 10am – 11.30
Make your very own Concertina book character with the guys from SchooDoodle. The party takes place in The Place to Eat restaurant. Tickets are £15 and can be booked by emailing schoodoodlearts@gmail.com, recommended for children age 5 – 12.
Ipswich
All things Baby
Thursday 18 August, 17:30
Join the John Lewis Ipswich Nursery team along with local experts at the All Things Baby Event. These prenatal sessions will include all you need to know to prepare for your new arrival and beyond. To reserve your free place email: filipa.silva@johnlewis.co.uk
Race Days
The East of England has a total of 31 fixtures over the summer including dedicated Family Days where under 18s race free across two racecourses. There will be plenty of extra entertainment in addition to the thrilling action on the track, as well as the opportunity to get up close and see the magnificent racehorses first hand.
There is always a great array of food and drink options on offer, as well as the chance to bring your own picnic so the whole family can enjoy an affordable day outdoors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
As well as watching the incredible sporting action, every member of the family can get involved with a range of activities within the ticket price. Entertainment provided by both racecourses includes pedal karts, basketball challenges and an inflatable obstacle course.
Under 18s race free at all fixtures and adult tickets start from £14 for the Newmarket fixtures and £18 for Great Yarmouth’s Family Day.
Family Days:
Newmarket, Saturday 6 August
Great Yarmouth, Sunday 28 August
Joy Ellis’ Jazz Trio
2 September,
Anteros, Norwich
Joy Ellis is a pianist, singer and composer based in London.
Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama she has toured all over the world playing jazz. Past gig highlights include Ronnie Scott’s, the Jazz Café and the Barbican Pit Theatre in London. She will perform in Norwich as part of her jazz trio, with Adam Osmianski and Henrik Jensen.
Joy’s music is compelling and delicate, yet intimate, making you feel that no notes are wasted. In March this year Joy released her third album with long-time collaborators Jensen on double bass and drummer Osmianski. Recorded at the end of May 2021 her new material has a relaxed and minimalist vibe in keeping with the album’s title, ‘Peaceful Place’. Certainly worth seeking out this gig before you miss out.
North Norfolk Railway
daily until 30 October
he North Norfolk Railway PLC operates steam and heritage diesel trains along 5½ miles of restored track from Sheringham to Weybourne and Holt. The line is one of the county’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming around 165,000 passengers per annum. The railway stages a number of spectacular special events every year including the annual 1940s Weekend, the Norfolk Lights Express and the season Santa Specials. Other activities include luxury dining aboard The North Norfolkman. This railway is mainly run by a team of dedicated volunteers and is supported by The Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Society – a registered charity. Advance booking recommended.
Vincent Simone Tango Passions
17 September
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
Strictly Come Dancing’s Argentine Tango King, Vincent Simone brings his new show, ‘Tango Passions’, accompanied by world-class Argentine Tango specialists, including leading lady Paula Duarte. This steamy, passionate night features music from Astor Piazzolla and Gotan Project and includes dancing and stories about the history of the Argentine Tango
Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
2 September,
Regent Theatre, Ipswich
Ready for something a little different? Following on from their sold out debut tour, the Rock Orchestra returns to the UK with a massive, brand new 90-minute set list featuring the biggest Rock and Metal of all time, performed in stunning candlelit surroundings.
Expect to hear hits from: Pink Floyd, Metallica, Rammstein, Tool, Slipknot, Black Sabbath, Rage Against The Machine, Linkin Park, SOAD, Led Zeppelin, Evanescence, Guns N Roses, Billy Idol, Queens of The Stone Age and MORE…
Feast in the Park
Throughout August (see website for dates)
Holkham, Norfolk
Grab your picnic blankets and chairs, it’s time to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings with mouthwatering street food and drinks from Norfolk’s finest foodies. Feast runs on a small scale throughout the week, with larger offerings and live bands on the weekend.
This year you will see that their concessions are helping Holkham with their vision to be the UK’s most sustainable rural estate. There will be no more drinks in plastic bottles, packaging (wherever possible) will be compostable, eco-friendly cleaning products will be used, local and seasonal produce and suppliers will be used wherever possible, reducing use of fossil fuels will be encouraged and concessions will help customers to sort their waste for composting and recycling.