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

Carlton Kirby, the Voice of Cycling, shares all tales and frank opinions from his 25 years’ covering the sport.

In a funny and revealing evening for all cycling fans, Carlton will be sharing his front-row experiences from the Tour de France and other big races – plus the lessons he’s learned from life on the road, as a bon viveur in budget hotels across Europe.

Carlton Kirby has been in the commentary box for a golden age of British cycling and the evening will also include stories of his not-always-happy dealings with British stars from Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome to Mark Cavendish and his legendary co-commentator Sean Kelly.

Carlton will be in conversation with former Procycling magazine writer Duncan Steer.

Carlton will be also be signing copies of his latest book ‘Sticky Bottle’.

This is a chance to see one of TV’s most entertaining commentators and raconteurs in an intimate venue. We expect this event to sell out so do please book early to avoid disappointment.

‘For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross’

It is the nation’s highest military honour, awarded only to the bravest of the brave.

Now, hear the full story of The Victoria Cross from the Antiques Roadshow’s Medals and Militaria expert Mark Smith.

With fascinating insight and incredible stories of bravery in the face of the enemy, this is a night that will stir the soul.

Mark explains how the VC came about, expels some of the myths that have grown up around it and and presents some of the breath-taking stories of those who have been earned Britain’s highest award for bravery.

He has appeared on many Television Programmes, such as Deep Wreck Mysteries, Who Do You Think You Are, Bargain Hunt as well as regular appearances on The One Show, and Breakfast TV.

Acknowledged as a Worldwide expert on the Victoria Cross he has written 5 books on ‘The Great War’ and contributed to many other books and magazines. He is a Member of the Western Front Association and the Orders and Medals Research Society.

Mark is recognised as the Medals and Militaria expert from BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow since 2014.

He has appeared on many Television Programmes, such as Deep Wreck Mysteries, Who Do You Think You Are, Bargain Hunt as well as regular appearances on the One Show, and Breakfast TV

Mark is a regular guest on Radio at the British Forces Broadcasting Service and podcasts for ABF The Soldiers Charity.

His passion with British medals including VCs began in 1969 and Mark now owns an extensive private collection amassed over the years; he started dealing in Militaria in 1983 which has become part of this life-long enthusiasm he loves to share with his audiences.

He is also a world renowned Battlefield Tour Guide.

Limited Meet & Greet Tickets

Meet Mark for an exclusive session to evaluate and explain your Family Medals and discuss the Battles and History of your own relatives Units and Service.

For 50 years the legendary Su Pollard has delighted audiences, starring in the nation’s best-known TV shows and on stages around the globe in some of the world’s most-loved musicals.

From humble beginnings on TV’s Opportunity Knocks (where she came second to a singing dog), through her years as Maplin’s chalet maid Peggy in the hit BBC TV series Hi-de-Hi!, to her West End and national touring roles in Godspell, Annie, and Little Shop of Horrors, and her more recent TV appearances on Celebrity Masterchef, Gimme Gimme Gimme, and Would I Lie To You?- it’s been an action-packed half-century of sheer entertainment. And she’s only getting started!

Su’s new one-woman show Still Fully Charged brings a national treasure face-to-face with an adoring public to celebrate the amazing characters she has been fortunate enough to play, the incredible friends and colleagues she met along the way, and the staggering range of music she has performed and recorded throughout her illustrious career.

So join Su for an evening of hilarious stories from 50 years in show business, featuring songs from the shows, backstage secrets from her diaries, and maybe even the appearance of one or two familiar characters!

Accompanied live on stage by her musical director Steven Edis, Su Pollard (winner of the 2023 Panto Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 1988 award for Rear of the Year) is here to show that she’s Still Fully Charged and still ready for: ‘Action!’

John Power is part of the Liverpudlian tradition that spawned The Beatles, Echo & The Bunnymen, The La’s, and his own band, Cast. The latter were multi-platinum Britpop stars, enjoying platinum-selling albums All Change & Mother’s Nature’s Call, as well as seven Top Ten hits with Flying, Free Me, Sandstorm, Walkaway, and more. Power will explore his extraordinary career in an acoustic-based show featuring hits alongside tales of the band’s wild and successful Britpop years. There will be music, chat, and meet’n’greets before each show, as well as audience Q&As.

All the world’s a stage (or at least a backstage tour).

Join Mike Groves, Stafford Shakespeare Producer, as he discusses the process of putting our staple production together from concept to reality.

Enjoy a backstage tour and tread the boards of our Twelfth Night set – then enjoy a complimentary hot drink in our coffee bar.

Places are extremely limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Dr Louise Newson, leading medical expert on menopause and hormones, is embarking on her inaugural UK theatre tour accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anne Gildea.

“Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate” aims to educate and challenge misconceptions about menopause and advocate for better healthcare for women.

Described as “the medic who kick-started the menopause revolution”, Dr Louise has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and their families through her pioneering work as a GP and menopause specialist.

Her advice on HRT, as well as lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, and sleep, has revolutionised the health and well-being of so many women.

Known for her gut-busting, honest and informative comedy, Anne is a founding member of the iconic Irish musical-comedy trio, The Nualas.

She will bring humour and a unique perspective, while Louise’s knowledge will allow women to make informed decisions about their health, whilst at the same time educating the rest of the family, including men.

An evening of learning and laughter, the duo are set to captivate, educate and entertain.

VIP Tickets available: £53.00 – All VIP ticket holders will be given the exclusive opportunity to have a meet and greet with Dr Louise, in an intimate setting prior to the show.

On arrival you will receive a complimentary refreshment, a signed copy of Louise’s book and free goodie bag.

The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences
young and old around the world for over 12 years. Her show will have you on the edge of
your seat, as she continues to bring mediumship into the 21st century. Whether you know
her from her hit TV series, through watching her on Celebrity Big Brother or reading one of
her best-selling books, there is nothing quite like seeing Sally live on stage.

Sally explains: “My tour has become a way of life for me, as I’m getting older my abilities as
a medium are stronger than ever, so to be able to pass messages on to the audiences
around the country is a huge privilege, as well as a pleasure. I call every message validated
a ‘wonder moment’. So take your seats, relax, be open minded and ready to come forward if
you think the message is for you.”

With Sally’s love, laughter and warmth, this show is a unique evening not to be missed. Book
your tickets now to see this phenomenal psychic in action.

The show is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.

The definitive insight into the real life of Britain’s most notorious gangsters, from their trusted official biographer.

For decades they were feared as the ultimate criminal gang lords of the London underworld, but their reign of terror came crashing to an end when in 1969 both Ronnie and Reggie Kray were given life sentences by a judge at the Old Bailey. Reggie went on to serve decades in some of the toughest prisons in the country, while Ronnie became a patient at Broadmoor with an insanity that was only kept under control by massive doses of drugs.

TV legend Fred Dinenage was chosen by the twins to tell their official story, and he became one of the very few people allowed into their inner circle. Fred gained an unparalleled insight into the real lives of the legendary kings of crime, and in this show he reveals stories and situations for the first time that have never been told publicly before.

Join Fred in person as he discloses what it was like to venture into some of Britain’s toughest institutions and meet the most foreboding twins in criminal history, who other journalists just couldn’t get close to.

You’ll hear stories that will fascinate and intrigue, while learning about the gritty reality of being a gangster in the criminal underworld of the swinging 60s, from the only man they trusted to tell their tale.

NEW DATES ADDED: Book early as places are limited and all tours so far have sold out.

Join us for a backstage tour of the Gatehouse Theatre!

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 that have played here and take a peek at our famous Green Room window wall and its dozens of famous autographs.

You might even get to meet some of our residents ghosts!

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

Includes a hot drink and scone in the coffee shop within the ticket price!