Quay Theatre

The Quay Theatre is a professional arts centre and vibrant cultural hub in the Suffolk town of Sudbury. It occupies a charming Grade II-listed building nestled by the River Stour and hosts a wide range of top-class entertainment, including drama, live music, comedy and film, and also serves as a hub for many local clubs and organisations. The venue is run by a talented and experienced team with essential support from volunteers, and offers sophisticated lighting, an immersive sound system, a 4k projector and comfortable seating. The building began life in 1791 as the principal warehouse for The River Stour Navigation Company; it was purchased by Sudbury Dramatic Society in 1977 and officially opened as The Quay on 5th December 1981.

The Quay Theatre began life in 1791 as the principal warehouse for The River Stour Navigation Company. The company went into liquidation in 1913, and the building was used as a store for bulldozers and cement mixers until 1977, when it was purchased by Sudbury Dramatic Society for £15,000. Members of the Sudbury Dramatic Society set about converting the building into a fully functional theatre, and outside fundraisers were brought in in 1980 to help raise the estimated £120,000 needed to fully convert the building. In May 1981 contractors moved in to commence building work, and on 5th December 1981 The Quay was officially opened by local celebrity Geoff Kisby in the presence of top comedian and actor Max Wall. In 1982 a jazz club, and film and music societies formed with the Quay as their headquarters, and a Friends of the Quay organisation oversaw activities such as the Gallery and sales desk; professional theatre companies and guest celebrities became part of The Quay's programme, and The Quay Bar opened in March 1982. In 1983, despite the success of fundraising for capital projects — almost £200,000 had been committed by the beginning of 1983 — The Quay Management Committee was running into deficit and monies had to be 'borrowed' from the capital fund to continue; in June 1983, following a report commissioned on the future structure of The Quay's management, the Committee was split from the Sudbury Dramatic Society Committee.

The best small theatre experience in East Anglia

Product categories. drama · live music · comedy · film

1. 1Sudbury Quay Theatre | The best small theatre experience in East Angliaquaysudbury.com
2. 2Sudbury Quay Theatre | The History of The Quay Theatre - Sudbury Quay Theatrequaysudbury.com