Stafford Gatehouse TheatreStafford Gatehouse TheatreDescription.
ABK is the crumbliest comedian in the game: a multi-award-winning stand-up comic and (occasionally) an internet sensation.
Come vagabonds, come mountebanks, come coney-catchers and cutpurses and meet the King of Crumbs!
As seen on Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
★★★★★ “An absolute treasure trove” (Chortle) “Either a genius or a very silly man” (Rolling Stone)
A new Christmas show, featuring children’s TV’s CHRIS JARVIS as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer!
“It’s always the most wonderful time of the year, full of peace and love, family and friends – so why does Santa think that this Christmas is going to be the best one ever… can you guess?
Dotty the Elf thinks Santa is planning a surprise Christmas party, Pompom the Penguin thinks Santa has been making Christmas crackers, and Dasher the Reindeer thinks Santa has got their biggest Christmas tree ever – do you think they’re right?
Or do the other reindeer know? They all seem very excited in their stable…”
Join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure to make 2026 Santa’s Best Ever Christmas! Featuring the voice of children’s TV star CHRIS JARVIS as Dasher the Reindeer, it’s a family show most suitable for 2-8 year olds, where every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa
– after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
Songs include children’s favourites Jingle Bells, The Hokey Cokey, Away In A Manger, Baby Shark, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and many more!
“It was perfect, full of fun, singing and laughter, what better way to start the festive season!” – ‘Mummy Monster’ blog
“The Santa Shows have become our Christmas tradition and we love them! Perfect engagement with the children, lots of audience participation and the children were beside themselves when Father Christmas gave them a present after the show. Wonderful value for money and top rate entertainment!” – Natalie D, mum of Rae
“Eyes lit up full of wonder and joy – as my children walked away from receiving their gift they whispered, “That was the real Santa!” – Families North Hampshire
“A magical way to start our Christmas celebrations and a memory I shall treasure!” – Basingstoke Gazette
(Please note that Chris Jarvis does not appear in person)
Stafford Players Present… The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Merlin Holland and John O’Connor based on the novel by Oscar Wilde
4-7 November 2026
A man who never ages. A portrait that reveals the truth.
In this striking adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian Gray trades his soul for eternal youth, while his portrait bears the scars of his hidden life.
As he descends into a world of beauty, pleasure, and corruption, the cost of his wish becomes impossible to escape.
A dark and compelling tale of vanity, temptation, and the price of a perfect life.
EVERY TICKET COMES WITH A FREE PARTY HAT AND MEET AND GREET WITH SPOT AFTER THE SHOW
Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone age 2+ – and their grown-ups of course!
With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!
Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation is the perfect introduction to theatre for children – they’ll be encouraged to sign and dance along with Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, Helen the Hippo and Sally and Sam, Spot’s parents, to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPOT!
Spot has been an integral part of childhood for over 40 years and with his inquisitive nature, sense of curiosity, boundless energy, and simple shapes and colours, Spot helps families, babies and toddlers explore the world around them.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘A Joy! Fun for all ages’ – NorthWestEnd
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘A lovely family day out!’ – Curtain Call Reviews
Deep in Fairy-tale Forest lives a remarkable boy made entirely of gingerbread! His lonely world is changed forever when Blake, a young lad from a nearby village, stumbles upon his incredible cookie cottage. Together, the two boys embark on a madcap journey of discovery.
And it’s Christmas Eve too … another surprise visitor is on his way!
Full of heart, laughter and song – and a healthy helping of cake – The Gingerbread Boy is a brand-new Christmas story about friendship and celebrating our differences.
The perfect festive treat for ages 3+
Running time 50 minutes plus meet Santa after the show where every child receives a present!
Ticket includes a free present for every child.
Mixing together elements of Jazz, Funk, Pop & Blues, and played by some of the finest jazz & sessions musicians from the UK, the Jazz & Funk Roadshow celebrates great grooves, funky tunes, and outstanding improvisation.
Led by Jazz Trumpeter & Guitarist Nick Dewhurst and featuring his 6-Piece ND Band, the show will feature a mixture of Jazz & Funk Hits from artists such as The Average White Band, The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, Moloko, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Weather Report, Wes Montgomery, plus a selection of funky originals too.
With past performances at top venues and festivals, and a recent tour in Germany, the ND Band is known for its exceptional musicianship, exciting arrangements, and feel-good performances.
“The Nick Dewhurst Band always delivers…jazz & funk in equal measures!” Dennis Rollins MBE
Step into the spotlight with Curtain Up, a dazzling showcase presented by Spotlight Academy.
This exciting performance brings together talented dancers and performers in a celebration of the performing arts, inspired by some of the world’s most popular musicals.
Best known for her unforgettable roles on Benidorm, I’m A Celebrity, and Celebrity MasterChef, Crissy Rock has long been celebrated as one of the most outrageous and outstanding stand-up comedians of her generation.
To mark over 30 years since her powerful film debut in Ken Loach’s Ladybird, Ladybird, Crissy is hitting the road with a brand-new show in two unmissable halves!
Act One:
“How did Christine Murray become Crissy Rock?”
For the first time ever, meet the woman behind the comedy in a moving and unfiltered account of Crissy’s extraordinary life story.
A one-woman theatrical journey filled with raw, honest, and hilarious anecdotes that will make you laugh, cry, and fall completely in love.
Trigger Warning: This act contains content relating to Crissy’s life story, including references to abuse, rape, substance abuse, death, cancer, and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Act Two:
Crissy Rock’s world-famous stand-up comedy set — guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles with laughter!
Praise for Crissy Rock:
“A comic force to be reckoned with” – The Stage
“A smile as funny as the Costa Del Sol” – Daily Mirror
“Iconic!” – Boy George
“I’ve never laughed so much” – Tommy Cannon
Age Guidance: 16+
JUST ANNOUNCED – BACK BY HUGE DEMAND!
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the legendary KING OF POP!
Introducing “Man in the Mirror” – the must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson. Starring CJ, one of the world’s top Michael Jackson Tribute Artists, and supported by a talented cast, this show captures the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma.
Enjoy all his greatest hits, including “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Man in the Mirror.” With dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, and authentic costumes, this production pays tribute to Jackson’s musical legacy.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing the magic of Michael Jackson for the first time, join us for a night like no other. Don’t miss out on this thrilling experience!
MUSICAL THEATRE STAFFORD PRESENTS ANOTHER GLOBAL SMASH-HIT
Come From Away is a critically-acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Come From Away gives theatres the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show’s message of kindness, unity, and resilience with their communities. With a flexible cast size and possibilities for technical creativity, Come From Away is guaranteed to be a show for audiences to remember.