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Space Girl (performed by Gatehouse Youth Theatre)

A Gatehouse Youth Theatre production

Space Girl is an imaginative, action-packed play for young audiences written by Helen Stanley.

The story follows nine-year-old Mary Moon, a girl with a boundless imagination and a deep love for the stars. She idolizes her father, whom she believes is a “brave and brilliant astronaut” traveling across the galaxy.

However, a mystery unfolds: Mary hasn’t seen her father for a week, and the adults in her life are keeping secrets about his whereabouts. Refusing to wait for answers, Mary decides to take matters into her own hands. She embarks on a fantastical mission through the solar system to find him and bring him home.

STAFFORD FILM THEATRE: No Other Choice

Park Chan-wook / S Korea 2025 / 139 min / Cert 15 / Subtitles

What happens when unemployment pushes a decent man beyond his breaking point?

In Parasite director, Park Chan-wook’s latest darkly satirical thriller, long-time paper-mill manager Yoo Man-su is cast aside and, desperate to support his family, hatches a chilling plan to eliminate the competition for his next job.

Visually bold and intensely cinematic, the film fuses razor-sharp social critique with electrifying set pieces and dark humour. Park’s signature style turns Man-su’s moral unravelling into a tense, exhilarating spectacle – an enjoyably twisted, gripping ride that lingers long after the credits roll.

“Sensational state-of-the-nation satire.” The Guardian

STAFFORD FILM THEATRE: H is for Hawk

Philippa Lowthorpe / UK 2025 / 114 min / Cert 12A

After the sudden loss of her beloved journalist father, Cambridge academic Helen Macdonald retreats into grief — until a wild goshawk named Mabel crashes into her life.

In a bold, haunting adaptation of the acclaimed memoir, Helen’s attempt to tame this fierce creature becomes a raw journey of sorrow, survival and self-rediscovery.

Featuring a brilliantly empathetic and moving performance from Claire Foy as Helen, with Brendan Gleeson as her father, Philippa Lowthorpe’s H Is for Hawk plunges us into the wild heart of loss – and dares to ask whether healing can take flight.

“Foy is terrific in a film which balances bruising candour about mental health issues against arresting wildlife photography and a fervent appreciation of the natural world.” Screen International

STAFFORD FILM THEATRE: The Choral

Nicholas Hyntner / UK 2025 / 112 min / Cert 12A

Ralph Fiennes stars in this story by Alan Bennet set in Yorkshire in 1916.

As war rages on the Western Front, the local Choral Society, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell its ranks.

Despite suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr Guthrie (Fiennes) – driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.

“Leaves us with a heartbeat of wit, poignancy and common sense” The Guardian.

Seriously Collins – A Tribute to Phil Collins and Genesis

No gimmicks, blad wigs OR gorilla suits, just a genuine tribute to phil Collins and Genesis.

A genuine tribute to the biggest artist and band of our generation. Packed with hits and fan favourites, this two-hour extravaganza will take you back to Phil and Genesis in their hey-day.

Featuring the award winning tribute to the man himself and star of the Entertainers show “In The Air Tonight”, Chris Hayward and his world class 10 piece band, including the “Serious Horn Section” bring you Seriously Collins. Phil’s extensive catalogue has been meticulously studied and arranged to give the ultimate Phil Collins & Genesis experience.

Featuring, In the air tonight – Another day in paradise – Easy Lover – Against all odds – Invisible Touch – Follow You Follow me – I can’t Dance – Sussudio amongst others. Seriously Collins is the show that all Phil Collins and Genesis fans deserve.

Cinderella Pantomime (performed by Gatehouse Youth Theatre)

A Gatehouse Youth Theatre production.

Cinderella does her family’s chores while recording and editing videos for TikTok. She is a party girl at heart and longs for the day she can show off her dance moves. Meanwhile, Prince Charming is hosting the biggest TV party in search of his one true love.

Will Cinderella make it to the party or will her evil Step Mother, Baroness Brocton, lock her away?

Will the hilarious Sisters, Rowdy Rowley and Doxey Loxey steal Prince Charming’s heart or will the Fairy Godmother and Buttonz ensure we all live happily ever after?

There’s only one way to find out – book your tickets now!

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (performed by Gatehouse Youth Theatre)

A Gatehouse Youth Theatre production.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (1962) is a classic children’s adventure novel by Joan Aiken.

It is the first in the “Wolves Chronicles” and is set in a 19th-century “alternative history” of England where King James III is on the throne and the country is overrun by savage wolves that migrated from Europe via a “Channel Tunnel.”

Packed with “Gothic Noir” energy, it is an edge-of-the-seat drama that will have you hooked from first minute to last.

It’s not just a kids’ book; it’s a high-stakes survival thriller set in a frozen, alternate-history Britain.

Don’t miss this superb new production from the Gatehouse Youth Theatre.

Swan Lake performed by Imperial Classical Ballet

Imperial Classical Ballet ® presents Swan Lake – a timeless ballet with exquisite dancing Featuring live Orchestra with over 30 musicians.

After last year’s success, Imperial Classical Ballet® returns this year to the UK to enchant you with the delightful production of Swan Lake.

Swan Lake is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so strikingly that one can easily be mistaken for the other. Swan Lake is the compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse.

Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful young woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?

From the opulent splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where majestic swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. Swan Lake captures, like no other ballet, the full range of human emotions – from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy.

A wonderful evening out, the memories of which you will cherish long after the final curtain falls!

 

Theatre Tour with Afternoon Tea

NEW DATES JUST ADDED: EARLY BOOKING ADVISED 

Join us for a backstage tour of the Gatehouse Theatre followed by a scrumptious Afternoon Tea in our cafe!

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 a glimpse of our resident ghosts!

After having a good look around, enjoy a lovely Afternoon Tea in our cosy cafe (please let us know about any dietary requirements in advance).

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

‘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’s Gotta Sing 2026

Don’t miss this superb showcase of Stafford’s young singing talent!