Matricks Illusion: Reimagined

Prepare to be amazed – really amazed.

Matricks Illusion features some classics of magic with a unique twist, including some brand new magic and signature pieces from their recent TV appearances.

A slick, fast-paced production full of mystery, comedy and charm, Matricks Illusion ‘Reimagined’ can be enjoyed by the whole family – and will leave everyone breathless.

These guys have recently been featured on shows for ITV including the National Lottery’s Big Bash from Wembley Arena and 2022’s Live Finals of Britain’s Got Talent.

Most recently they’ve been filing for Disney+.

They were also featured on the Sidemen channel on YouTube, with the episode currently standing at over 16 million views.

So don’t miss out on this special offer – and a chance to see some incredible magic and illusions right here on your doorstep.

You will NOT regret it.

Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn

Award-deserving German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn takes an unbiased look at climate change, a topic sure to delight audiences and no surprise. After all, everyone loves talking about the weather.

Rain or shine, all will be fine. Or maybe it won’t. Who knows?! Come along. Or else.

Stafford Shakespeare presents: HAMLET

ONE WEEK TO GO

‘To be or not to be, that is the question.’

Stafford Shakespeare proudly presents HAMLET in 2025.

Starring BENEDICT SHAW (Boat Story BBC, The Syndicate, Emmerdale) and directed by award-winning RICHARD CHESHIRE, The Bard’s twisty tale of madness, murder and revenge is one of his best-loved plays.

Hamlet returns home from university to find that, not only is his father newly dead, but that his mother, Gertrude, has quickly married his father’s brother, Claudius, who is now king.

The royal turmoil has led to threats of invasion and one night soon afterwards, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to him, accusing Claudius of his murder and urging Hamlet to revenge.

But how will Hamlet succeed? Thus begins a tale of madness, betrayal and revenge that threatens to destroy both kingdom and family.

Burnished with William Shakespeare’s most-quoted lines, this is a production that brings to life some of the most famous characters in history.

In keeping with the very best traditions of Stafford Shakespeare, it seeks to present one of The Bard’s best-loved plays in a fast-paced and accessible way to suit modern audiences.

‘It’s going to be something very special,’ Richard Cheshire, Director, HAMLET

 

16 Years of The Inbetweeners: In Conversation with Joe Thomas

We’re talking all things The Inbetweeners at this special evening with actor/comedian Joe Thomas.

It wasn’t long after audiences were first introduced to hapless sixth-formers Will McKenzie, Neil Sutherland, Jay Cartright and Simon Cooper that The Inbetweeners became one of the nation’s best loved shows. With its endlessly quotable lines and outrageous laugh-per-second banter, the sitcom attracted record-breaking viewing figures and inspired two incredibly successful feature films.

Celebrating seventeen years since the show’s debut, Joe Thomas aka Simon Cooper is here in-conversation all about the series and taking questions from the audience. Hearing all about Joe’s favourite Inbetweeners moments and behind the scenes misadventures, as well as its impact on his own life as an actor/comedian, this promises to be an exciting evening of humour and insight from one of the nation’s best loved young sitcom stars.

We’ll also, of course, be touching on Joe’s other work, including Fresh Meat, White Gold and TaskMaster!

Joe is happy to stay around for a short while after the show, meet fans and take pictures.

HOMEWORK

Circa 2007, Joe Thomas was a budding actor/writer headed for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival alongside university writing partner, Simon Bird. While performing their two-man show The Meeting, the pair were spotted by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, TV producers who were developing an as-then untitled E4 sitcom about four hapless sixth-formers, chronicling their various misadventures.

Later titled The Inbetweeners, the series went on to become Channel 4’s most-watched show ever, winning a Rose D’or for Best Situation Comedy and spawning two feature films, the first of which broke records for having the most successful opening weekend for a comedy film in the UK.

So come along, bring your friends (ooh, friends!), and enjoy an evening of hilarity and insight into the nation’s best loved teen sitcom from one of its key stars.

Age 14+

Nabil Abdulrashid: Urban Battuta

Award-winning, international touring comedian Nabil Abdulrashid returns with a riotous new stand-up show.

As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the Last Leg. As heard on Off Menu with James Acaster and Ed Gamble and Hoovering with Jessica Fostekew.

★★★★ “A potent, mischievously entertaining voice” Scotsman

★★★★ “Abdulrashid is emerging as one of comedy’s most honest chroniclers of life’s complexities and contradictions” Guardian

★★★★ “Pinch-me clever and painstakingly bold…never predictable, often hysterical – and overall a joy” Time Out

Christmas Table Decoration Making

Join us in the Gatehouse piano bar for a creative crafting session making your own unique Christmas Table Decoration.

With design tips and materials on hand, choose from either a round or oblong base tray and a selection of foliage including Holly, Ivy, Eucalyptus and Gypsophila, Pilar or Tapered Candle.

There’s a hot drink included and a fun festive atmosphere guaranteed.

And at the end, you’ll have a bespoke decoration to take home and cherish throughout the festive season for many years to come.

PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited so please book early!

MUSICAL THEATRE STAFFORD PRESENTS EVITA

Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor, illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.

The events in Evita’s life are presented in song and commented on by the show’s narrator, Che. Well-known numbers from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece include “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, “Oh What a Circus”, “Buenos Aires” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”

Chris McCausland: Yonks

EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You,
The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well.
He’s been called an “overnight success” – Even though he’s been doing this for yonks!
Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that
has literally been yonks in the making –
The last tour was a sell-out, so get your tickets now!
Recommended age: 16+

Halloween Performing Arts Workshop

Dare you join us for this spooktacular Halloween Performing Arts Workshop?

We’ll be getting you in the Halloween spirit (geddit?) with some scarily-themed dancing, acting, singing and a little bit of crafting too.

Come dressed to impress with your Halloween spooky outfit and join in the fun for this afternoon of tricks and treats.

Parents are invited to come for 4.15pm to join in the Spooky Time Show, where Dappa Dance will perform with children from the workshop.

It’s going to be fiendishly good!

Carrie: The Musical

Gatehouse Youth Theatre Performance, Musical Theatre Group.

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in.

At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else.

At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother.

What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it.