The Quay Theatre - Sudbury
The Quay Theatre – Sudbury
The Quay Theatre, Sudbury – Small Theatre, Big Experience
Set beside the gentle flow of the River Stour, The Quay Theatre is proudly known as the best small theatre experience in East Anglia. This professional arts centre is a vibrant cultural hub for the Suffolk town of Sudbury, combining exceptional entertainment, rich history and a strong sense of community in one truly distinctive venue.
The theatre is housed in a charming Grade II-listed building that adds character and atmosphere to every visit. Its story stretches back more than two centuries: originally built in 1791, the building began life as the principal warehouse for the River Stour Navigation Company, supporting trade and transport along the river. Carefully restored and reimagined, it was transformed into a theatre with a grand opening in 1981. In 1987, The Quay Theatre gained charitable status, ensuring its long-term future as a cornerstone of arts and culture in the region.
Today, The Quay Theatre offers a rich and varied programme of top-class entertainment all year round. Audiences can enjoy high-quality drama, live music, comedy, film screenings and much more, with performances ranging from professional touring companies to celebrated local talent. The theatre’s intimate scale is one of its greatest strengths: the auditorium seats 125 people for most live performances, allowing audiences to feel closely connected to the action on stage, while film screenings welcome up to 91 people in a cosy and engaging setting.
More than just a performance venue, The Quay Theatre is a lively meeting place for the community. It acts as a hub for many local clubs and organisations, supporting a wide range of creative, social and cultural activities. From amateur theatre groups and music societies to workshops, talks and special events, the theatre plays an active role in nurturing creativity and bringing people together across Sudbury and the wider Suffolk area.
Its riverside location makes a visit to The Quay Theatre particularly special. Audiences can enjoy the charm of Sudbury’s historic town centre, riverside walks and local hospitality before or after a performance, turning an evening at the theatre into a complete cultural experience. The warm welcome offered by staff and volunteers further enhances the sense that The Quay is a place where everyone belongs.
As a professional arts centre with a strong community focus, The Quay Theatre continues to enrich the cultural life of Suffolk. Its unique blend of heritage, high-quality programming and intimate atmosphere has earned it a loyal following and a reputation that reaches far beyond the town itself.
Whether you are seeking powerful drama, live music, laughter, film or a chance to connect with local creativity, The Quay Theatre delivers unforgettable experiences in a setting full of history and heart.
Plan your visit
The Quay Theatre Box Office is open from 10am to 1pm, Wednesday to Friday, and one hour before each performance.
Discover why The Quay Theatre is celebrated as one of East Anglia’s cultural gems and enjoy big experiences in a small, perfectly formed theatre by the river.
The Quay Theatre
Quay Lane
Sudbury. CO10 2AN