<img src='' title='Event Category: All Others' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: All Others

NEW DATES JUST ADDED: EARLY BOOKING ADVISED 

Join us for a backstage tour of the Gatehouse Theatre followed by a scrumptious Afternoon Tea in our cafe!

Our expert guides will reveal the story of Stafford’s magical venue from its beginnings as the historic Borough Hall right up to the modern day.

There’s a chance to see the dressing rooms, hear about how shows are put together, the stars who have played here and take a peek at our famous Green Room window wall and its dozens of famous autographs.

You might even get a glimpse of our resident ghosts!

After having a good look around, enjoy a lovely Afternoon Tea in our cosy cafe (please let us know about any dietary requirements in advance).

Places are limited to 10 and the tour involves some stairs, so please bear this in mind when booking.

‘Absolutely fascinating – we loved it.’

‘So many interesting stories and things we never knew about.’

‘Brilliant – a real insight into a fantastic working theatre.’

Paul Zerdin, the master ventriloquist and winner of America’s Got Talent, is back on the road with his brand-new stand-up comedy tour ‘Shut Your Mouth’.

Expect an outrageous night of laughs as Paul battles to keep his unruly sidekicks in check – from the cheeky Sam and mischievous Baby to outrageous old Albert, straight-talking Roger the Bodyguard and the sharp-witted Urban Fox.

Making a much-requested return is broadcaster character Alasdair Rimmer, who proved such a hit last time he practically begged to come back!

Packed with hysterical new material, incredible puppetry and Zerdin’s razor-sharp comedy, this is one show where keeping quiet is simply not an option.

Age suitability 14 yrs +

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH A £10 PANTO GRAB BAG!

Heading to this year’s spellbinding family pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY?

Why not beat the queues and save some pennies with our ready-to-go panto Grab Bags?

You’ll find a bottle of still water, a Freddo chocolate bar, a grab pack of Mini Cheddars AND a flashing Windmill Wand all set for action when the curtain goes up.

Just pre-order here and collect when you arrive.

It’ll get your panto visit off to a sparking start – oh yes it will!

PERSONALISE YOUR ORDER BY USING OUR APP:

Download here for Apple and here for Android.

A brand-new tour of the joys of the English language with ‘Britain’s best-loved wordsmith’

Following on from her hit show ‘The Secret Life of Words’, Susie Dent is back with a brand-new collection of facts and stories from the wonderful world of words. Have you ever wondered whether there’s a word for going to the fridge for the umpteenth time in search of something new?

Or puzzled over the reason why a group of crows is called a ‘murder’, while owls form a ‘parliament’? Is teen slang actually designed to make us tear our hair out? And just how many words do we need for being drunk?

With the help of funny, insightful, and head-scratching examples, Susie will entertain and educate us with her pick of language’s greatest hits. Word Perfect will remind us just how unpredictable, wayward, and utterly magical our mother tongue can be.

Join us for some festive crafting to create your very own Christmas wreath!

No experience is necessary, as these sessions are for beginners and experts alike. We’ll start off with a practical demonstration, then it’s over to you to bring out your creative side.

You’ll get a Natural Vine wreath to start off with, along with a selection of locally-sourced foliage including Holly, Ivy Eucalyptus and a selection of dried berries and pods.

To top things off, we’ll give you some luxury ribbons and if you need any help and advice, our team will always be on hand.

Plus there’s a warming hot drink and – of course – a mince pie to keep you going!

Please note: Places are limited for these sessions so please book early to avoid disappointment.

You’ve already got your tickets for the panto, right? You know it’s going to be busy (oh yes it is!), so why not dodge the queues and treat yourself to a VIP Food and Drink package to make your visit smoother than ever before.

You’ll have a reserved table in our festive Writers’ Room where adults can choose a drink (alcohol or soft) and enjoy an ice cream, nibbles, mince pie and a programme each.

Children can choose a soft drink, an ice cream, nibbles and – wait for it – that all-important flashing wand!

You’ll have Waiter service, you can safely leave your coats and your table will be available at the interval too.

Just £15 each. What’s not to love? See you there!

IMPORTANT – Tables for VIP packages are reserved from an hour and a half before your performance time. For example, if you are attending a 7pm performance, you would need to book the 5:30pm package.

Please note (and this is very important, people) this is an add-on and DOES NOT INCLUDE Sleeping Beauty tickets, which must be bought separately. Imagine how heartbroken you would be if you turned up for the food and drink, but weren’t able to get in to see this brilliant show! 

Alex McAleer isn’t psychic or supernatural, but he has an uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audience’s minds and read their thoughts at will.

After more than a decade wowing audiences across the UK and North America, including touring the USA with Champions of Magic, sold-out solo shows, West End appearances, and TV spots on Blue Peter and Good Morning Britain, he has built a reputation as one of the most entertaining and charismatic mentalists working today.

In this unforgettable live show, Alex blends laugh-out-loud humour with jaw-dropping psychological feats, turning the audience into the stars of the evening. Smart, playful, and astonishing – don’t miss your chance to see Alex McAleer live.

“Mind-blowing” Broadway World
“McAleer has made a career of those you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me moments” Boston Globe
“A master of the mind… cheeky and witty, working the crowd like a conductor” ★★★★ The West Australian
“Stunningly performed… a mentalist whose performance is immeasurably enhanced by his very dry wit.” ★★★★ Stage-Door.com
“Best of all, McAleer is wonderfully warm, his act presented to entertain friends rather than chill as so many mentalists are prone to do.” ★★★★★ THEATRE MONKEY

A journey of one man’s life told by the people he met, loved and inspired.

We celebrate the good times and reflect on how friendship and self belief can overcome life’s trials and tribulations. A story of hope and redemption with love and laughter along the way.

The Detox Factor is a community creative hub based in the heart of Stafford with their tag line “To Inspire the addict who still suffers”.

This production has been written, directed, produced, and performed by members in recovery.

Robins appear when loved ones are near…

Join us for a special festive backstage tour, including afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco (or soft drink) included!

Our informative guides will tell you all about the incredible history of this magnificent building as you take a peek behind the magic curtain, where you might see some of the preparations – and props! – that go on backstage during the pantomime season.

Places are limited so don’t miss out – book NOW for a behind-the-scenes treat!

WiFi Wars returns with the live comedy game show where you all play along!

Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes!

Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on UK TV’s hit comedy/gaming show “Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit”) and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer!

PS: There’ll be entirely different games and quizzes at each show, if you’d like to come to both!

The Guardian – “Not To Be Missed”
Time Out – Critic’s Choice
The Times – Hot List
Metro – Top Ten London Geek Nights Out

Recommended for ages 6+ (matinee), 12+ (evening)