Jacob Aldroft and Alexandra Ricou. Image courtesy of the artists. Parody of the Rings at The Cidermill Theatre, Chipping Camden, Saturday 5 September 2026. Review by Charles Essex A small local theatre is staging an all-night playing trilogy of Lord of the Rings films as a fund raiser to repair the theatre’s roof. Unfortunately, it goes wrong before the first reel when the projector and discs catch fire. The ushers Peter (Jacob Aldroft) and Jackson (Alexandra Ricou), a no

The Holey Matrimony written by Andi Hardy-Rastall. A Phoenix Players Production, performed at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from Wednesday 30 September until 3 October 2026. Preview by Charles Essex Allan was a pillar of the community, vicar of the local parish church, happily married to Sally, who was dutifully at his side supporting his ministry to his flock. Until he died tragically and unexpectedly. They say the good die young. But after he died secr

Hadrian Conyngham. Photo courtesy of the artist. Understudy No. 5, written by Hadrian Conyngham, performed at The Old Red Lion pub, Islington, London, then on to the Etcetera Theatre, Camden, London from 14 to 15 October 2026. Directed by Warren Rusher. Review by Emilia Matyja. In a theatre, a janitor sweeps the stage floor after a day of rehearsals. During the banal clean-up, he takes a fancy to the props on the floor and discovers that when he touches them, they possess h

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll, by Jonathan Maitland at the Belgrade Theatre from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 September. Preview In 2012, Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully: seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life.  Then, a miracle happened

Mister Tom (Stuart Lawson), William (Jacob Reid). Photo courtesy of The Priory. Goodnight Mister Tom adapted by David Wood from the novel by Michelle Magorian at The Priory Theatre, Kenilworth from 2 to 12 September 2026. Directed by Pete and Rachel Davis. Review by Ann Evans This classic story of a young evacuee, William Beech, taken from his abusive London home to live in the countryside with elderly recluse Tom Oakley is a heartwarming story of love, friendship and hope.

Cast of 9 to 5 The Musical. Photo by Louise Walsron. 9 to 5 The Musical at the Belgrade Theatre until Saturday 5 September. Review by Amanda Burden It was a bittersweet experience to sit down and watch 9 to 5 The Musical just weeks after losing Dolly Parton. Bitter for obvious reasons. We’ve lost the pint-sized queen of country, and the world is a much, much worse place for it. But sweet because this gloriously ridiculous, gloriously feminist, gloriously 1980s piece of musi

Tease - burlesque and cabaret at the Albany Theatre on Thursday 1 October 2026. Preview Step into the World of “Tease” – the ultimate burlesque and cabaret experience where sensuality and unadulterated fun collide to create an unforgettable evening. Led by London’s top comedy compere and award-winning West End burlesque sensations, “Turkish Delight” and “Violet Thistletease”, and our famous “Tease” group dancers. Combined with cabaret, circus and variety acts from across t

Goodnight Mr Tom adapted by David Wood from the novel by Michelle Magorian at The Priory Theatre, Kenilworth from 2 to 12 September 2026. Directed by Pete and Rachel Davis. Preview Goodnight Mister Tom is a tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale that celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers. Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows young William Beech, who is

See finely detailed furniture such as this by Tony Dunham. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Miniatura - The Dolls' House Show at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh NAEC, near Coventry. On Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2026. Preview We’re getting closer and closer to the Autumn Miniatura Show. This magical exhibition that brings you some of the world’s very best artisans when it comes to making dolls houses, dolls houses furnishings and the actual sc

Home I’m Darling written by Laura Wade at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 18 to 26 September 2026. Directed by Jacquie Campbell. Preview Judy and Johnny seem to have perfected the art of living the dream, the 1950s dream, that is. Their home is a pastel‑coloured shrine to vintage domestic bliss, complete with immaculate dresses, homemade cakes, and a strict devotion to traditional roles. Judy has left the modern workplace behind to become the ideal housewife, w

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry announces what’s coming up this Autumn/Winter 2026/27 season. Preview Astronaut Tim Peake. Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre. There’s monstrous tales, award-winning theatre, electrifying dance and some of the brightest visual art stars set for Warwick Arts Centre’s Autumn/Winter 2026-2027 Season. The UK’s most significant exhibition of contemporary art, British Art Show 10, opens in Coventry on 2 October 2026 (until 10 Jan 2027), with Warwi

The cast of After Party. After Party by Morna Young at The Belgrade Theatre from 9 – 12 September. Directed by Katie Posner. Preview The Traverse Theatre, Paines Plough and the Belgrade Theatre have announced the full cast and creative team for After Party, a bold new play by award-winning Scottish playwright Morna Young (Lost At Sea, Never Land). Directed by Paines Plough’s Joint Artistic Director Katie Posner, the cast includes Alison Peebles, Hilary Maclean, Gilly Gil

The all male cast of As You Like It. Photo courtesy of the RSC. As You Like It by William Shakespeare at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from Saturday 26 September to Saturday 7 November. Director Daniel Evans. Preview The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the full cast for Daniel Evans’ all male production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Elliot Barnes-Worrell will play Orlando, joining the previously announced Tony Award-winning Broad

A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast enjoy theTrail. Photo courtesy of Simon Hadley. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream enjoyed the magical outdoor installation in the Swan and Avon Bank Gardens, as the RSC celebrates a successful summer run for the production, at The Other Place. Inspired by Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, the A Midsummer Night’s Dream Summer Trail has invited families to step into the enchanted world of the play, with colourfu

Bleak Expectations at The Talisman. Photo by Gwyn Davies. Bleak Expectations written by Mark Evans, Directed by Michael Seeley, Assistant Director Maurice Smith, at the Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, from Monday 24 August - Saturday 29 August 2026. Review by Ashley Hayward This play has been cleverly adapted from the widely acclaimed Radio 4 series which wonderfully parodied the novels of Charles Dickens. Under Michael Seeley’s direction the entire cast and crew serve up a

Sins – the show where you decide who lives or dies. At The Albany Theatre, Coventry on Thursday 10 September. Preview SINS is a dark live experience where theatre, psychological challenge and audience power collide. At the centre of it all stands a figure known only as The Examiner. Seven individuals have been taken and brought before him – each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust. Gluttony. Sloth. Envy. Wrath. Pride. Greed. One by one their stories unfold on st

9 to 5 The Musical, directed by Paul Jepson at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 September. Preview The cast are revealed for the upcoming UK tour of 9 to 5 The Musical, the ultimate feel-good musical comedy, heading to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 September. Bringing sass, style, and a whole lot of ‘Dolly’ sparkle, the talented line-up Includes: Jessica Martin (Me and My Girl, Adelphi Theatre / Jerry’s Girls, Menier Chocola

Excitement for all the family. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Have you got your tickets booked for the Tanks Trucks & Firepower Show this Bank Holiday weekend? Once again what is possibly the loudest and most exciting show around will be taking place in Dunchurch, Warwickshire from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026. Organised by Andrew Baker and his team with support from the Alvis Fighting Vehicle Society here’s your opportunity to get up close and personal with

Michael Shaeffer as King Aerys II. Photo credit Johan Persson. George R.R.Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King. Adapted by Duncan MacMillan. Directed by Dominic Cooke. At the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon running until 5 September 2026. Review by Ann Cee. Game of Thrones: The Mad King is an extraordinary live theatre show that pushes all the boundaries of theatre and sends deep reverberations to the bones long after its over. The incredible set is the first