News

The stunning trailer for this year’s Stafford Shakespeare production RICHARD III has clocked up more than 20,000 online views less than a week after being premiered.

Ever wondered how the magic actually happens once the house lights go down?

This year, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is pulling back the curtain with an exhilarating new Technical Stage School.

Running in tandem with our prestigious Summer School production, this is a rare, hands-on opportunity for anyone aged 16–24 to step into the wings and master the art of backstage craft.

From the precision of lighting and sound to the fast-paced world of stage management, you won’t just be watching from the side lines—you’ll be training with the pros. The experience culminates in the ultimate adrenaline rush: running a live show track for the Summer School performances.

If you’ve ever wanted to be the driving force behind the scenes, this is your chance to turn your passion into professional skill.

It costs just £450 for this coveted backstage experience and will run over a period of 4 weeks.  Starting on 27^th July and ending on 22^nd August 2026.  Application forms and more details are here:

Technical Stage School Application Form

More details

So if you are interested please fill one out and send it to:

charlotte.homer@freedom-leisure.co.uk

Space is short so we will be holding interviews on Sunday 17^th May at the Gatehouse Theatre.  We can’t wait to see you there!

The Gatehouse Theatre is delighted to announce that PETER PAN will be our spectacular Summer School production in 2026 – with a new Technical Stage School element to run alongside it, too.

The Gatehouse Theatre is thrilled to announce that next year’s panto will be the spectacular ALADDIN – and it’s on sale NOW!

The Gatehouse Theatre has paid tribute to two of its most-loved panto stars by naming seats after them in the Main Auditorium.

The countdown is on (oh yes it is!) as the Gatehouse prepares for a spell-binding family treat this festive season as Sleeping Beauty takes to the stage from 05 December 2025 to 04 January 2026.

When the wicked fairy’s evil curse causes the Princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it is too late?

Book NOW and join us for the best family night out of the year.

As the Gatehouse gets ready to bring SLEEPING BEAUTY to Stafford this festive season, we’re looking for talented young dancers aged between 9-16 and in school years 4-11 to perform on stage in the Junior Ensemble alongside Mark Rhodes and David Phipps-Davis this Christmas!

The open auditions will be hosted on Saturday, September 6 at The Gatehouse and no experience is necessary.

The auditions will see the youngsters learn a routine and perform as a group to an audition panel. Any child of the right age regardless of their experience can attend to try out for the show.

Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, the award-winning pantomime producer said:

“Ahead of each pantomime season we host open auditions across the UK to find talented youngsters to join our professional cast on stage to bring the panto magic alive. As much as the participants dancing ability what we really look for is that ‘something’ that brings an extra bit of sparkle to the performance, so welcome people of any ability to come along and give it a go!

‘We remain one of the few UK wide panto producers who hold these open auditions as we firmly believe in offering youngsters from every background and with all levels of experience the chance to be part of pantomime and the opportunity to work in a professional company, maybe for the first time.

‘Many of the stars we work with tell us that performing in the Junior Ensemble in their local pantomimes was what sparked their love of theatre and led them in their career choices. We have also worked with some wonderful young people in our pantomimes and have seen many go on to do wonderful things in theatre and it is our aim to continue to nurture this talent every year.”

‘If you think you’ve got what it takes to bring that little bit extra to this year’s pantomime we’d love to see you at the audition!’

SLEEPING BEAUTY JUNIOR ENSEMBLE APPLICATION FORM

SLEEPING BEAUTY JUNIOR ENSEMBLE NFORMATION SHEET

SLEEPING BEAUTY is on sale now and runs from Friday, December 5 until Sunday, January 4.

They’re back! Terrific trio MARK RHODES, DAVID PHIPPS-DAVIS and SAMANTHA SPRAGG return in SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Gatehouse this Christmas.

This year’s Stafford Shakespeare production HAMLET has set a new Box Office record at the Gatehouse Theatre.

Food and drink packages for this year’s Stafford Shakespeare production HAMLET are now on sale.

BREAKING NEWS: This year’s Gatehouse Theatre Summer School will be the classic tale of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG! Auditions will take place on May 11. Full details here.