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Gatehouse Theatre Tour

NEW DATES COMING SOON.

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 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 to meet some of our resident 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 in the ticket price. What an absolute bargain.

‘Absolutely fascinating – we loved it.’

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

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

 

Stafford Film Festival

Step into a world of diverse storytelling at the Stafford Film Festival! Held at the historic Gatehouse Theatre on January 31, 2025, from 6:45 PM to 10:00 PM, this festival is an exceptional gathering for film enthusiasts and creatives alike, with an emphasis on global diversity and cultural appreciation.

What Visitors Can Expect

Explore powerful stories from across the globe with a unique mix of films, engaging Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. Connect directly with filmmakers in relaxed, informal settings before and after screenings, fostering a welcoming community where filmmakers and audiences share their passion for film.

The festival is designed to bring filmmakers and viewers together in an event of global stories and diverse perspectives.

Program Highlights and Award Categories

The Stafford Film Festival presents a diverse range of genres, from captivating films and documentaries to innovative animations, experimental projects, and AI-driven works. Achievements are recognized in categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Animation, and Best First-Time Filmmaker, along with awards for music, including Best Original Song and Best Music/Performance Video, celebrating creativity and artistry beyond only film.

Join us for this immersive celebration of storytelling, culture, and creativity—right in the heart of Stafford at the Gatehouse Theatre. Discover new perspectives, connect with a vibrant creative community, and celebrate exceptional films with us!

A Beginner’s Guide to Widowhood

Suria has lost her husband (she hasn’t misplaced him or anything – he’s dead.)

Join her & the kids in Turkey, on what will become “the worst holiday ever.” A trip fraught with new challenges: navigating bad advice, sympathetic head tilts… and the ‘W’ word.

Unfortunately, the turbulent dynamics of a newly fractured family aren’t the kind of baggage you can just stow away neatly in the overhead compartment…

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WIDOWHOOD is a dark-but-uplifting one-woman show exploring the experiences of young widows, loss, and why it’s okay to talk about death.

Ministry of Science: Science Saved the World

The UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Join our presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way!

They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in whilst proving that each and everyone of you have the ability to change our world for the better!

Expect 20ft LIQUID NITROGEN clouds, exploding OXYGEN & HYDROGEN balloons, FIRE TORNADOS, HYDROGEN bottle rockets, ignited METHANE and even a self-built Hovercraft! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% Explosive. 400% Fun.

Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast

As the shipping forecast embarks on its second century, bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Charlie Connelly’s hilarious and informative show brings the quirky broadcast vividly to life, celebrating what he regards as the greatest invention of the modern age.

How did a weather forecast for ships capture the hearts of a nation, from salty old sea dog to insomniac landlubber? How is it possible for ‘rain later’ to be ‘good’? And where the hell is North Utsire?

Delving into the history of the forecast and the extraordinary people who made it, Charlie explains what those curious phrases really mean, celebrates its wide cultural impact, shares riproaring adventures from his own extraordinary journey through the 31 sea areas – the times he was accused by the media of trying to annex Rockall from the British government and sang sea shanties with Tom Hardy in a Manx hotel bar while Scary Spice pulled the pints – and presents his case for the shipping forecast being our finest achievement.

Inspired by Charlie’s bestselling book, which has sold more than a quarter-of-a-million copies worldwide, this pacy, moving and hilarious show takes you all the way from Viking to South-East Iceland to ensure the shipping forecast will never sound the same again.

“Charlie Connelly is one of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in a studio with…He has a natural wit that doesn’t get crushed by an over-zealous ego with a lovely personality attached to it.” Fi Glover, broadcaster

“Charlie is always warm, funny and engaging…I actually sent him a fan letter – and I’ve never done that to anyone in my life before.” Bernard Sumner, New Order

“I can thoroughly recommend an evening spent in the company of the very funny and very lovely Charlie Connelly whose knowledge of what I call ‘the ships’ is excellent. Sou’westers optional.” Corrie Corfield, BBC Radio 4

Pet Shop boys Actually In Concert

Get ready for a night of pure musical nostalgia as Pet Shop Boys, actually takes the stage! Celebrating the iconic sounds of the Pet Shop Boys, this tribute band delivers an electrifying performance that captures the essence of the synth-pop duo’s greatest hits.

From the infectious rhythms of “West End Girls” to the anthemic energy of “It’s a Sin,” Pet Shop Boys, actually faithfully recreates the unforgettable tracks that defined a generation.

With stunning visuals and authentic sound, this show promises to transport you back to the heart of the 80s and 90s. Perfect for long-time fans and new listeners alike, it’s a musical journey through time you won’t want to miss.

Join us for an evening where the music of Pet Shop Boys lives on in spectacular fashion!

Book your tickets now and experience the magic live on stage!

 

Stafford Players Present Gasping by Ben Elton

Sir Chiffley Lockheart wants to make money where no money exists; he is looking for the next Pot Noodle.

This comes in the form of Designer Air. The Suck and Blow is a machine that sucks in air, cleans it and stores it, eliminating the need to breathe second-hand air.

A flash advertising campaign soon convinces the public that everyone needs a Suck and Blow, but as the market for oxygen grows, the world’s supply is diminishing.

This sharp-witted satire, written by comedy legend Ben Elton, is a whirl of innuendo and a scintillating parody of corporate greed.

Comedy in The MET – July 2025

If you know, you know.  Don’t miss three laugh-out-loud comics fearlessly taking to the mic in front of what’s sure to be a sell-out audience.

Book early to make sure you don’t miss out…

Comedy in The MET

If you know, you know.  Don’t miss three laugh-out-loud comics fearlessly taking to the mic in front of what’s sure to be a sell-out audience.

Book early to make sure you don’t miss out…

Comedy in The MET – May

If you know, you know.  Don’t miss three laugh-out-loud comics fearlessly taking to the mic in front of what’s sure to be a sell-out audience.

Book early to make sure you don’t miss out…