Candide - Can this be the best of all possible worlds?
Candide at Warwick Arts Centre. Leonard Bernstein’s Candide based on Voltaire’s satirical novel performed by the Student Society Opera Warwick at Warwick Arts Centre from 12 to 13 February 2026. Directed by Millie Jeffries and conducted by Michał Matusz. Preview. Join Candide on a whirlwind, globe-trotting adventure packed with satire, romance and chaos. Guided by the ever-optimistic Pangloss, Candide and his beloved Cunegonde face disaster, danger and absurdity at every turn
ann-evans
2 hours ago1 min read
The Herbal Bed - a true life Shakespearean tale
L-R: Bishop Parry (Jonathan West), John Hall (Tony Homer), Susanna Hall (Hannah McBride), Rafe Smith (Dominic Rose). Photo by Chris Clarke. The Herbal Bed written by Peter Whelan, directed by Danny Masewicz, a Bear Pit Theatre Company Production running from 27 to 31 January 2026. Review by Ann Evans The Herbal Bed is based on the true story of Susanna Hall, the eldest daughter of William Shakespeare who in 1613 was the subject of a public slander case accused of adultery and
ann-evans
22 hours ago4 min read
Half Term Fun at Warwick Arts Centre
Tales from Acorn Wood Live. Photo credit Mark Senior. There’s lots going on at Warwick Arts Centre this February Half Term (covering Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February 2026). Classic tales, woodland adventures, revolting science experiments, free workshops, magic and more! Preview Writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s beloved stories come to life in Tales From Acorn Wood Live (Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 February 2026). Packed full of toe-tapping song
ann-evans
2 days ago2 min read
Don't Go Into The Cellar!
Nineteenth century true crime! A spooky night is promised at the Anglican Chapel set in the London Road Cemetery this Saturday, 31 January at 7pm. Presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar – the theatre company that brings new adaptations of 19 th century literature’s greatest ghost and horror stories to modern day audiences. If you dare, you’ll see how Scotland Yard Investigates infamous true-life crimes. During the course of this macabre performance, you’ll encounter many n
ann-evans
3 days ago2 min read
Playbox Theatre stages Romeo and Juliet this Valentine season
Sam Almond will play Romeo. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre. Romeo and Juliet at The Dream Factory, Warwick, from Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 February 2026. Directed by Mary King. Preview Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy is re-imagined for a new generation. Playbox Theatre opens its 2026 season at The Dream Factory, Warwick with a bold new production of Shakespeare’s ageless love story, Romeo and Juliet. Launching the company’s 40th anniversary year, Founding Director Mary Ki
ann-evans
4 days ago2 min read
It's a swashbuckling adventure with Rugby Theatre!
The Pirates are plotting! Gemma Kettle, Suzanne Swan, Emily Stafford and Longjohns Silver Simon Burne. Photo by Martin Pulley. Treasure Island at Rugby Theatre from 23 January to 1 February 2026. Written by Michael Read, directed by Emma Bright. Review by Ann Evans Ahoy there me hearties! Rugby Theatre have set sail on the high seas with a swashbuckling adventure to Treasure Island. And determined to find Captain Flint’s buried treasure are Nanny von Tripe and dashing hero Ji
ann-evans
5 days ago3 min read
Former Leicester Tigers player takes to Rugby's stage!
L-R: Former England captain Lewis Moody, panto star Rob Field and another friend. A former rugby player is swapping scrums for singing and dancing by taking part in Rugby Theatre’s swashbuckling family pantomime Treasure Island, to raise money for his friend, the former England captain Lewis Moody, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Rob Field played over 200 first class games during the 1990s with Leicester Tigers, Coventry, Rugby Lions and the Midlands, a
Rosie Fuller
6 days ago2 min read
Animal Farm at The Loft
Foreground Henry Clark as Snowball and David Bennett as Napoleon. Photo by Richard Smith. Animal Farm by George Orwell adapted by Peter Hall at The Loft Theatre, Leamington from 21 to 31 January. Music by Richard Peaslee, lyrics by Adrian Mitchell. Directed by Mark Crossley. Review by Ann Evans The Loft Theatre Company tackle the George Orwell classic Animal Farm and make an excellent job of re-telling this satirical dystopian story where the farm animals on Manor Farm reb
ann-evans
7 days ago3 min read
Criterion welcomes the new year with a new look theatre and a new show!
The Criterion Theatre, nestled in the heart of the Earlsdon community, is set to launch its 2026 season at the end of January, following the completion of its modernised new front of house area. The theatre, located in Berkeley Road South and run entirely by volunteers, has over the last seven months embarked on by far the biggest development project since first welcoming audiences through its doors in 1961. The work has been completed by a mixture of local tradespeople and m
ann-evans
Jan 212 min read
Girl Blue - A new play by June Carryl on the life and work of Nina Simone
Girl Blue. Photo courtesy of June Carryl. A new play by June Carryl, exploring the cost of artistic genius through the life and work of Nina Simone. Directed by Michael Matthews A new play inspired by the life and inner world of Nina Simone, GIRL BLUE will receive its first UK industry presentation at Seven Dials Playhouse, London, on Wednesday 21 January, as part of its development toward future public performances later in the year. Written by award-winning playwright June
ann-evans
Jan 202 min read
Romance is in the air at Stratford Butterfly Farm
The Glasswing Butterfly. Photo courtesy of Stratford Butterfly Farm. As the half term holiday (14 – 22 February) falls over Valentine’s weekend, Stratford Butterfly Farm is inviting families to enjoy the magical experience of wandering through the tropical rainforest filled with colourful butterflies. With fish-filled pools, waterfalls and lush plants and blooms, the popular family attraction is the perfect place to share a moment of wonder. Being one of the most romantic set
Tanya Aspinwall
Jan 192 min read
Enjoy a gloriumptious glimpse behind the scenes of the RSC’s BFG
John Leader as The BFG backstage at the RSC. Photographer credit: Simon Hadley. Jaw-dropping giants, oversized snozzcumbers, iridescent dream jars and frobscottle fit for the Queen of Enger-land herself; these are just some of the incredible items currently to be found backstage at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in The BFG, a new co-production from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Chichester Festival Theatre, the Roald Dahl Story Company, Singapore Repertory Theatre and Es
ann-evans
Jan 172 min read
Full casting announced for RSC's Hamlet tour
Full casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s forthcoming touring production of Hamlet. The production, originally directed by Rupert Goold and directed on tour by Sophie Drake , visits eight venues in England in 2026 with a new cast, after originally opening in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in 2025. These are: Truro, Bradford, Norwich, Nottingham, Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, York and Canterbury between 24 February – 25 April
ann-evans
Jan 154 min read
X Marks the spot at Rugby Theatre’s family panto!
Steve Bradnam as Nanny the Dame, Simon Burne as Longjohns Silver, Victoria Gillias as Jim Hawkins. Photo by Martin Pulley. Treasure Island at Rugby Theatre from 23 January to 1 February. Directed by Emma Bright. Script by Michael Read. Preview Ahoy me hearties! Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with Rugby Theatre's family panto Treasure Island. With pirates, parrots and plenty of audience participation (oh yes there is!), join cabin boy Jim Hawkins and a cast of la
Rosie Fuller
Jan 142 min read
BBC Radio 4's Dead Ringers 25th Anniversary - Tour extension 2026
Dead Ringers. Photo by Steve Ullathorne. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, BBC Radio 4’s legendary, multi-award-winning topical satire show Dead Ringers is hitting the road with a full UK tour for the first time. Due to phenomenal demand, extra shows have been added from 27 January, including an extra date in London, at the Palladium. Featuring much-loved long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, and Duncan Wisbey, the live show promises a hilarious
ann-evans
Jan 132 min read
The Bear Pit presents a double comedy bill
White Liars / Black Comedy written by Peter Shaffer at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 13 -21 March 2026. Directed by Richrd Sandle-Keynes. Preview This Bear Pit comedy double bill, coming in March brings us: White Liars We meet Sophie Lemberg, a disillusioned fortune teller who claims aristocratic lineage. She is visited by Tom, a rock singer, and Frank, his manager, who bribe Sophie to manipulate Tom’s romantic choices through staged clairvoyance. But as
ann-evans
Jan 111 min read
The Loft Theatre opens 2026 with Animal Farm
The cast of Animal Farm. Photo by Richard Smith Photography. Animal Farm by George Orwell, adapted by Peter Hall with lyrics by Adrian Mitchell and music by Richard Peaslee. At The Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa from Wednesday 21 Jan to Saturday 31 Jan 2026. Directed by Mark Crossley. Preview The Loft Theatre begins its 2026 season with a new staging of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, a sharp and timely retelling of the classic political satire. As part of The Loft's ongoing co
ann-evans
Jan 92 min read
Scotland Yard Investigates infamous true life19th century crimes
Scotland Yard Investigates infamous true-life nineteenth century crimes at the Anglican Chapel on Saturday 31 January at 7pm. Presented by Don't Go Into The Cellar. Preview During the course of this macabre performance, you'll encounter many nefarious individuals from late Victorian London. As Silent Witness - some of it filmed in Coventry - hits our screens in early 2026, we explore 19th century true crime in the setting of the 19th century Anglican Chapel. From the files...
ann-evans
Jan 82 min read
Playbox Theatre Announces a Landmark 40th Anniversary Season
Playbox celebrate their 40th Anniversary Season. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre. Playbox Theatre celebrate their 40th Anniversary Season — A Year of Unmissable, Live-Only Events at The Dream Factory in Warwick. Playbox Theatre — long recognised as one of Europe’s most adventurous and imaginative theatres for young people — launches its 40th Anniversary Season with a bold promise: every production will be a one-off theatrical event that can only be experienced live. What be
ann-evans
Jan 73 min read
