New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich has been named winner of the Positive Impact in the Community award at the EADT Business Awards 2024.

Based in Ipswich, New Wolsey Theatre brings original artistic productions, projects, collaborations and tours to local audiences.

It has a mission to curate a programme of performances and educational projects of the highest quality, along with creative community engagement, to enrich the cultural life of the region.

Under the stewardship of chief executive/artistic director Douglas Rintoul, the theatre has enjoyed unprecedented business growth while overcoming the myriad challenges faced by the arts. With the support of its staff, volunteers, sponsors, collaborators and supporters, New Wolsey Theatre has become a vital component of the local cultural scene.

It prioritises accessibility and promotes sustainable practices, while celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the arts and culture sector.

The theatre also provides opportunities for the artistic development of local performers, while also nurturing the skills of young people and other underrepresented groups.

The judges said that the New Wolsey “is more than simply a theatre – it is at the centre of its community in Ipswich, providing support and inspiration for many deprived and marginalised people as well as the wider public”.

The judges also noted the “incredible resilience” demonstrated by New Wolsey Theatre and its team, especially when faced with “financial headwinds” such as the withdrawal of Suffolk County Council funding.

They added that the theatre “plays a pivotal role in the community” by supporting a wide spectrum of outreach initiatives providing social value.

On winning the award, relationship officer Ellis Northrop said: “It means an awful lot. It’s incredible to be recognised for the work that the whole theatre does.

“It really is a whole team effort that requires everyone to help us reach out to the communities around us, so it’s fantastic to get the recognition for everyone who works in the business. As a small team, we work really hard to be able to pull off the work that we do.”

New Wolsey Theatre also won the Business of the Year award, sponsored by Sizewell C, at the EADT Business Awards 2024. 

Creative communities producer Chloe Davis said: “Everything we do is about bringing communities in and bringing different people in and embracing all culture and all people and making theatre for everyone.”

The finalists

Bridge Classic Cars

Bridge Classic Cars near Woodbridge offers a range of restoration, reupholstering, electrics, service and repair, body preparation and paintwork services for classic cars and motorcycles.

The judges were impressed by the “highly motivated and busy one-stop shop” and commended the business’ efforts to mitigate its environmental impact while raising £150k for charity.

Combat2Coffee

Combat2Coffee is an Ipswich-based community interest company (CIC) that aims to improve the lives of serving and former uniformed service personnel.

The judges commended owner and veteran Nigel Seaman for his “perseverance and dedication”, which has meant that the “not-for-profit company has become well-known in Suffolk and beyond”.

Home Instead

Home Instead provides daily care, home help, companionship, live-in care and end-of-life care to 150 clients across Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe.

The judges said the Home Instead team was both “inspirational” and “practical”, and that its suite of care services “not only helps its clients but also creates a sense of community”.

Find out more about all of the winners here.

For more information on next year's EADT Business Awards, please keep your eyes peeled for updates at eadtbusinessawards.co.uk