New Wolsey Theatre celebrates a decade of support from local accountancy firm

Local accountancy and business advisory firm Larking Gowen are celebrating their 10th anniversary as a dedicated sponsor of The New Wolsey Theatre. This milestone underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.

“All of us at the New Wolsey Theatre are thrilled to be entering a 10^th year of collaboration with our friends at Larking Gowen. We are incredibly grateful for their committed and long-standing support” said David Watson, Executive Director at the theatre.

He highlights why corporate sponsorship is so important to organisations like New Wolsey “We were delighted to win Positive Impact in the Community and Suffolk Business of the Year awards at the recent EADT Suffolk Business Awards. This recognition is especially meaningful in light of the financial challenges posed by recent funding cuts and is proof of what can still be achieved with the help of dedicated local businesses such as Larking Gowen”

Relationship Officer Ellis Northrop added “Their contribution has been vital over the years, especially for the important work we do with young people and our local communities”

Since Larking Gowen began its sponsorship, the theatre has continued to provide educational programmes, and community events that celebrate the vibrant cultural fabric of the Ipswich community, alongside its higher profile shows – recent notable highlights include Little Shop of Horrors, Bindweed and their hugely popular and award nominated Rock ‘n’ Roll  pantomimes.

Many nonprofit organisations continue to face struggles, some still recovering from the near catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. Corporate sponsorship programmes allow local businesses to engage with and support the valuable work they do within local communities.

The New Wolsey Theatre is a highlight of diversity, inclusivity and imagination in the Ipswich landscape; “Supporting the theatre over the past decade has been an incredibly rewarding experience for us,” said Becky Ames, a partner in Larking Gowen’s Business Team, based in Ipswich. “We would encourage all of our fellow business leaders to find ways of supporting this, or one of the many other worthy organisations working in and around Ipswich”

“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community, and we believe in the power New Wolsey Theatre holds in bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging, particularly for young people and families.”

At the heart of Larking Gowen’s values is a commitment to their own people too. The firm’s support of the theatre is just one example of how it lives out this mission with Becky adding; “Offering opportunities to our people to find balance in life is a priority for us. Our support of the theatre provides an opportunity for our people to take some time out and jump into a world of imagination!  We look forward to many more years of partnership with the theatre and continuing to support its mission”

The autumn season at the theatre was recently announced, and soon, the opportunity to ‘cut loose’ arrives, as the musical juggernaut Footloose brings its high kicks to the town – visit wolseytheatre.co.uk to book your tickets

Photo credit:  Larking Gowen

L-R Graham Mummery, David Watson, Becky Ames, Ian Fitch, Ellis Northrop