For more information please contact the Theatre’s Artistic
Programme Manager | Derrick Gask (t) 01785 253 595 x 229 | (e) dgask@staffordbc.gov.uk
DECEMBER - JANUARY
Wed 16 Dec 09 – Sun 10 Jan 10
CINDERELLA
Enjoy non-stop laughter, masses of audience participation and lashings of slapstick comedy and mayhem in this year’s magical
Gatehouse panto, Cinderella . Expect to be dazzled by the talented band, stunning sets, lavish costumes and spectacular dance routines in this enchanting fairytale, which promises festive fun for all the family.
Various times, Gatehouse Theatre
£6.50 - £16.95
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
FEBRUARY
Tue 9 – Sat 13 Feb
Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime
An amateur show by Stafford Players
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When Arthur is persuaded to have his palm read he’s told that he will commit a serious crime. Before his imminent nuptials, he decides to spare his future wife distress, by doing the deed before the wedding.
Aided by his servant, one attempt after another leads to hilarious failure, in Constance Cox’s comedy, based on the short story by Oscar Wilde.
7.30pm, MET Studio
£8.00 (£6.50 conc)
First Night Saver 3 4 2
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
* Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Fri 12 Feb
Stewart Lee
If You Prefer A Milder Comedian, Please Ask For One
Writer, director and comedian, Stewart Lee, returns with a new live show, which follows his acclaimed BBC TV series, Stewart
Lee’s Comedy Vehicle .
Expect some punchy stuff near the top; inexplicable hostility towards relatively innocuous figures; sudden and/or gradual shifts in tone, velocity and volume; the possibility of failure and a quasi-serious bit at the end.
8.00pm, Gatehouse Theatre
£16.50 (£15.50 conc)
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Sun 14 Feb www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Noddy in Toyland
Join Noddy and Tessie Bear’s sing-a-long, dance-a-long party, everyone is invited… except those two naughty Goblins, Sly and
Gobbo.
Noddy will keep an eye on those two, and knows exactly how to stay one step ahead of their games. With Mr Plod, Whiz the
Robot, Bumpy Dog, Car and of course Big Ears, the show promises to be one big fun-filled adventure!
1.30pm, Gatehouse Theatre
£10.00
Family Ticket (for 4) £36.00
Book 01785 254 653
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Online
Wed 17 Feb www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Manchester Camerata
Romantic Serenades
This beautiful concert of romantic serenades for strings is very appropriately taking place just after Valentine’s day, in fact the title of Sibelius’s Rakastava means ‘the lover’.
Directed by Adi Brett, who takes the soloist role in
Schubert’s concerto-like Rondo, this programme showcases the rich and powerful sound of the orchestra’s string section, particularly in Elgar’s noble music and Tchaikovsky’s intently romantic Serenade .
Talking Point Enjoy a free, relaxed discussion with the musicians before the concert at 6.30pm in the Gatehouse
Theatre.
6.30pm – Talking Point
7.30pm - Concert
£15.00 (£13.00 conc)
Under 18’s £5.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Fri 19 Feb www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
The Magic of Motown
In 1960, Motown scored their first million-selling single. The
Magic of Motown marks this golden anniversary with a brand-new production featuring 36 magical hits.
Boasting an incredible cast, dazzling costumes, superb choreography and classic tracks by the likes of the Four Tops,
Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie, this is a must-see show for all
Motown fans.
8.00pm, Gatehouse Theatre
£18.50
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Sun 28 Feb www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Manchester Camerata
Family Creativity Day
A fun day where families spend time together working creatively to produce an afternoon performance. This
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interactive, jam-packed day will see you perform your own music and stories as well as create props, costumes and scenery for the show.
All rounded off with a fantastic finale (by you) for your family and friends to enjoy at 2.30pm, make sure you invite your fans for the free performance. t
10.30am – 3.00pm
Gatehouse Theatre
£5.00, Adults
£3.00, Children
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
t All ages and abilities are welcome for the Manchester Camerata Family
Creativity Day, although the event is most suitable for 7 – 11 year olds.
All children attending the day must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Entry for the 2.30pm performance is free, but tickets must be booked through the Box Office prior to the event.
MARCH
Fri 5 Mar
Viva Broadway
This spectacular new show for 2010 recreates some of the bestloved musicals, with style and grace, and features West End star Sam Kane, with a special guest appearance from Linda
Lusardi.
This celebration of show-stopping tunes and all things
Broadway features classics from The Phantom of the Opera ,
Mamma Mia!
and Mary Poppins .
7.30pm
£15.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Sat 6 Mar www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
My Generation
Join one of Europe’s top tribute acts for a night of music from one of the great British rock bands of all time, The Who.
Featuring rock classics including Pinball Wizard and The Kids
Are Alright , My Generation promises an evening of power and energy that will send you home with a serious dose of that feel-good factor!
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7.30pm
£12.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Thu 11 – Sat 13 Mar
Judgment and Romeo and Juliet
Presented by Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre Groups 3 and 4
Judgment is a devised piece from SGYT’s Group 3, which will see them use newspaper articles, music and other sources to explore teenage issues such as peer pressure and highlight the importance of choice in peoples’ lives.
SGYT Group 4 will perform an abstract piece based on
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . The group will perform extracts from the original text alongside devised scenes that have been created as a response to the themes that arise in the play.
7.30pm
£6.50 (£5.50 conc)
MET Studio
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Fri 12 Mar www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Beyond the Barricade
Back by over whelming public demand following a sell out performance in 2009, Beyond the Barricade returns with a brand new show.
The cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables and the West End will entertain you with favourites from The Lion
King , We Will Rock You , and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables !
7.30pm
£18.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Sun 14 Mar
Sean Hughes
The youngest comic ever to win the Perrier Award for his
Edinburgh Fringe debut in 1990, Sean Hughes is back with a brand new show.
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Bursting at the seams with the darkly brilliant, selfdeprecating barbed wit that has kept him at the top of his game ever since, this show from the Sean’s Show star is one not to be missed.
8.00pm
£15.00
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Thu 25 – Sat 27 Mar
Road
By Jim Cartwright
Presented by Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre Groups 7 and 8
SGYT Groups 7 and 8 present Jim Cartwright’s multi-award winning first play, Road . The play is set in a deprived, working class area of Lancashire during Margaret Thatcher’s eighties government.
The funny, yet emotive play explores the lives of those affected by the mass unemployment of the time and touches on a number of the different characters that have their homes on the Road .
7.30pm
£6.50 (£5.50 conc)
MET Studio
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Wed 31 Mar
Sean Lock www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Lockipedia
Lockipedia is a brand new stand-up show from the comedian Sean
Lock, star of QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats . Lockipedia is a very unreliable, misleading but highly entertaining information resource.
Lockipedia . Is sloppy knowledge. Lockipedia . Is what Sean
‘knows’ about stuff. Lockipedia Can only be accessed live.
Lockipedia is funny!
8.00pm
£15.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
APRIL
Thu 1 Apr
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January 2010

Lotty’s War
By Guiliano Crispini
Thrust into the dilemmas of the German Occupation, striving to be loyal to her friends and family, Lotty finds herself having to succumb to the requirements of an occupying force.
Based on true events, this gem of a play is a fascinating examination of how relationships and personalities change in the quest for survival.
7.30pm
£12.00 (£10.00 conc)
School’s Tickets £6.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Fri 2 Apr www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
How the Koala Learnt to Hug
How The Koala Learnt To Hug is a charming, tale about the magic of family and, of course, the importance of a nice warm hug!
Join a host of wild characters including Natascha the Witch and Karen the Koala for some great stories, sing-along-songs, superb games and first class hugging. Suitable for everyone from 4 to 104!
2.00pm
£6.00 (£5.00 conc)
Family Ticket (for 4) £20.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Fri 9 – Sat 10 Apr
That’ll Be The Day
Often referred to as the hottest show in town, the legendary
That’ll Be The Day , the nation’s most successful touring production returns.
Bringing back the good times with a combination of their unique comedy routines mixed with non-stop classic gold hits from the 1950s through to the 70s, this is definitely a show not to be missed!
7.30pm
£19.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
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January 2010

Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Mon 12 – Tue 13 Apr
The Gruffalo
A Tall Stories Production Based on the Award Winning Picture
Book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the award winning picture book.
Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Meet a wheeler-dealer
Fox, an eccentric old Owl, a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake… and, of course, The Gruffalo! Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 to 300!
“Irresistibly charming ****” - The Times
Mon 12 – 1.30pm
Tue 13 – 11.30am
£10.00 (£8.50 conc)
Family Ticket (for 4) £34.00
Groups 10+ £8.50
1 Free Ticket with every 10+ Tickets **
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
** Offer and price point only available when buying 10+ tickets in any one transaction and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Sat 17 Apr
Jake and Elwood
The Best Blues Brothers Show in the World Ever
Jake and Elwood invite you to spend an evening in Chicago and witness their musical extravaganza as they explode on stage with classics like Everybody Needs Somebody and I Feel Good .
With the driving backbeat of the Black Rhino Band, stunning performances from Ebony, Jet Blues and the legendary ‘James
Brown’, they continue to deliver electrifying performances to standing ovation audiences.
£17.00 (£15.50 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Wed 21 – Sat 24 Apr
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January 2010

The Secret Lives of Henry and Alice
By David Tristam
An amateur show by MiG Productions
For Henry Smith - actor, raconteur, sporting hero, socialite, business tycoon, secret agent, Casanova and acting President of the USA, life was rarely dull. For Alice Smith – housewife, life was rarely anything else!
Enter Michel – A French waiter, tall, dark and available.
Exactly what happened next, no one’s quite sure, except that it involved a deck chair and a bottle of neck-rub.
7.30pm
£8.00 (£6.50 conc)
MET Studio
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Thu 22 Apr www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
John Bishop
Elvis Has Left the Building
The multi-award winning comedian and star of For One Night
Only , Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow , Skins, The Late Late Show and 8 Out of 10 Cats , performs his exciting and hilarious show that will have audiences begging for more.
"A comic revolutionary… Not to be missed" - The Independent
"If you fail to laugh like a lunatic, check yourself into a mortuary:
You are probably dead" – Metro
8.00pm
£14.00 (£12.00 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Fri 23 Apr
Manchester Camerata
Night and Day
The shimmering images of a hot afternoon and the poetry of romantic love on a summer evening are at the heart of this concert, featuring Debussy’s Prèlude á l’après midi un Faune and Berlioz’s Les Nuis d’été alongside the intensely rich textures of Brahms’ sextet arranged her for a larger strings force.
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Talking Point Enjoy a free, relaxed discussion with the musicians before the concert at 6.30pm in the Gatehouse
Theatre.
6.30pm – Talking Point
7.30pm - Concert
£15.00 (£13.00 conc)
Under 18’s £5.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Tue 27 Apr – Sat 1 May
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Composer Jean Tesori, Lyrics Dick Scanlan and Book Richard
Morris & Dick Scanlan
The fun and adventure of New York City in the 1920s lures
Millie to the Big Apple, intent on marrying her rich boss, whoever he may be!
The big city - where modern women raise their skirts and bob their hair - drives Millie’s ambitions to be the most modern of them all! Join Stafford and District Operatic Society for this international, toe-tapping, stenographic spectacular!
An amateur production by Stafford Operatic Society.
7.30pm & 2.30pm Sat Mat
£11.50 (£10.50 conc) Tue
£13.50 (£12.50 conc) Wed - Sat
£11.50 Sat Mat
Under 16’s £8.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online
MAY www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Wed 5 May
We’ll Meet Again
Relive the spirit of the 40s with this wonderful afternoon performance of Hits from the Blitz, with lots of sing-along tunes that will bring back warm memories.
The celebration show pays tribute to the music and legendary acts that kept Britain smiling through her darkest days and features the likes of Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, and famous comedians such as Max Miller.
2.00pm
£12.00 (£10.00 conc)
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January 2010

Groups 10+ £8.00
***
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
*** Offer only available when ten or more tickets are purchased in any one transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
Mon 10 May
An Evening with Pam Ayres
Pam Ayres brings her current show to the Gatehouse, thirtyfive years after she first appeared on the Britain’s Got
Talent TV show of its day, Opportunity Knocks .
Pam’s shows sell out wherever she appears, and her current show includes material from her bestselling books, Surgically
Enhanced , With These Hands and The Works along with new poems and stories.
7.30pm
£17.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Tue 11 – Sat 15 May
Humble Boy
By Charlotte Jones
An amateur show by Stafford Players
In this award winning play that premiered at the National
Theatre in 2001, Charlotte Jones creates a bittersweet comedy about a disintegrating family.
Thirty-five year old Felix Humble is a Cambridge astrophysicist who returns home to his mother after the sudden death of his father. He soon realises that his search for unity must include his own chaotic home life.
7.30pm
£8.00 (£6.50 conc)
First Night Saver 3 4 2*
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
* Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Sat 15 May
The Man Who Cycled the World
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In 2008 Mark Beaumont broke the world record for cycling solo around the world. In 2009 he set out on a second ultraendurance solo, cycling the 15,000 mile length of the American
Cordillera.
The Man who Cycled the World is Mark’s story of his adventures, a personal rollercoaster of mental and physical endurance as well as a fascinating insight into the world we live in.
7.30pm
£13.50 (£12.00 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Mon 17 May
Essence of Ireland
Capturing the true spirit of the Emerald Isle, Essence of
Ireland is a breathtaking show of brilliant choreography, superb musicianship and dazzling costumes.
With a selection of the finest dancers and musicians, Essence of Ireland sweeps audiences along a breath-taking journey of music, song and dance with a kaleidoscope of colour and a backdrop of extremely infectious high-octane live music.
Anyone Irish or otherwise, cannot fail to be mesmerised by this truly wonderful show!
7.30pm
£18.50 (£17.00 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Thu 20 – Sat 22 May
Hypnosis
By David Tristam
An amateur show by MiG Productions
The Great Gordo, an alcoholic stage hypnotist in the twilight of his career, randomly chooses Alan Briggs as his next stooge. Briggs, a mild-mannered policeman, is a good sport, the audience laughs, and everyone goes home.
For Gordo, it's just the end of another show, and time for a drink or three before bed. But someone out there has other ideas!
7.30pm
MET Studio
£8.00 (£6.50 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
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January 2010

Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Fri 21 May
Manchester Camerata
Paris, London, Vienna
Manchester Camerata takes a trip round the capital cities of
Europe in their Paris, London Vienna concert. Mozart wrote his vivacious Paris Symphony to appeal to local tastes, whilst
Haydn’s Symphony No.4, written in London has references to
Croatian folk tune in its exuberant final movement. Their whistle-stop tour stops off in Vienna with Mozart’s Piano
Concerto , which was written and premiered in the city.
6.30pm – Talking Point
7.30pm - Concert
£15.00 (£13.00 conc)
Under 18’s £5.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Sat 22 May
Katy Brand’s
Big Ass Tour
Join the British comedy award winner and star of ITV2's Katy
Brand's Big Ass Show ; Have I Got News For You and Peep Show , for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more.
Featuring old favourites and new material, there's something here for everyone! Recommended for ages 14+.
8.00pm
£18.50
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online
Tue 25 May www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Jethro
After 35 years in the business, Jethro still packs theatres up and down the country, and is still as mischievous as he was as a child.
Jethro… please don’t ever grow up, or the world would lose one of the most unique comedy legends ever! If you want to laugh until it hurts, look no further than here, this is the show for you!!
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Please Note contains adult material
7.30pm
£18.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Thu 27 May
Kate Rusby
The defining voice of contemporary English folk music, Kate
Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre. A rare achievement for a folk artist but entirely understandable given Rusby’s expressive vocals that invest whatever she sings with irresistible emotional depth.
She is truly an artist to be cherished by lovers of good music everywhere.
7.30pm
£18.00 (£16.00 conc)
Under 16’s £12.00
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Fri 28 May
Buddy Holly
A Legend Reborn
The UK’s no. one Buddy Holly, Marc Robinson backed by a band reminiscent of the Crickets, produce an authentic slice of
Rock ’n’ Roll nostalgia that ensures his incredible legacy of unforgettable songs lives on.
The show features hits such as Peggy Sue and Oh Boy as well as timeless Everly Brothers classics including Bye Bye Love , by
Stars In Their Eyes winners, the Fortt Brothers.
8.00pm
£17.00 (£16.00 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Sat 29 May
Joe Brown
This country’s premier Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Joe Brown returns, back by popular demand, fresh from two of the best years of his illustrious career.
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The entertainer, who marked his 50 th year in the business in
2008 is joined by his band, incorporating his son Pete Brown, for an evening of timeless classics, gospel, rock and country classics, interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences.
7.30pm
£20.00 (£18.00 conc)
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
JUNE – JULY
Thu 24 Jun – Sat 10 Jul
The Merry Wives of Windsor
By William Shakespeare
Copy about Shakespeare here!
8.00pm & 2.00pm Wed & Sat Mats
Ticket prices
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordfestivalshakepeare.co.uk
JULY
Sun 4 Jul
Russell Kane’s Fakespeare
The Tragickal Saveings of King Nigel
Shakespeare has been reinvented in modern form many times.
Russell turns this notion on its head: Why not take our silly modern woes and re-work them into Fakespearian verse?
King Nigel is an Essex banker who has lost everything. No options are left and thus he must himself do in. But can his secret lover and PA, Donna of Billericay, save him from himself?
7.30pm
£12.00
Stafford Castle
Book 01785 254 653
Online
AUGUST www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Wed 11 – Sat 14 Aug
Just So
Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Music by George Stiles.
Originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh.
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January 2010

How did the Elephant get his trunk? How did the Leopard get his spots? How did the Rhinoceros get his skin?
Based on the immortal short stories of Rudyard Kipling, Just
So takes you on a fantastic journey along the banks of
Africa’s great Limpopo River to meet an amazing collection of wonderful creatures.
The musical weaves five of Kipling’s famous tales into a fanciful lesson about personal coverage, individuality and friendship, all set to an eclectic, upbeat score from the writers behind Honk!
7.30pm & 2.30pm Thu & Sat Mat
£9.50 (£8.50 conc) £8.00 (£7.00 conc) – Mats
Gatehouse Theatre
Book 01785 254 653
Online www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
åtafford Gatehouse Theatre | Spring - Summer Season 2010
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January 2010