Panto Grab Bag

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!

Susie Dent Word Perfect

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.

Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Gatehouse Theatre

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.

VIP Sleeping Beauty add-on (Does Not Include Tickets to the Panto)

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: Mind Reader

Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read their thoughts at will.

Having played to packed houses at the Edinburgh Fringe, award nominated sell-out shows in Australia, and extensively touring North America and the United Kingdom as the stand-out star of ʻChampions of Magic,ʼ Alex has earned his reputation as a funny, engaging, and charismatic entertainer.

In this unforgettable show, Alex performs unbelievable demonstrations of his psychological skills, combining mind-blowing moments with sharp wit, making it interactive, engaging, and laugh out load funny. 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

 

Wake Up Sammy

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…

Festive Theatre Tour & Afternoon Tea

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

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)

Move it – Exercise sitting down

NEW DATE ADDED: Thursday, Nov 20

Gentle Movement • Mindful Breathing • Accessible for All
A class with gentle movement that is practiced while seated or using a chair for support.

This class is perfect for anyone seeking a safe, low-impact way to improve flexibility, strength, and balance—without needing to get down on the floor or stand.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing limited mobility, or simply looking for a more accessible movement class practice, this offers—movement, breath awareness, and relaxation—in a supportive, welcoming environment here at the theatre

No prior experience is needed. All bodies and abilities are welcome and these sessions take place in The Writers’ Room on the ground floor.

PCA Central

PCA Central event. Please note: An active membership is required before entering the show.

Full details from https://www.pcaofficial.com/pcacentral