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Our very first GATEHOUSE THEATRE PODCAST is available NOW. Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube for the latest news, views, back-stage gossip and an interview with JACK AND THE BEANSTALK star Mark Rhodes.

Hosted by Marketing Manager Keith Harrison and Visitor Services guru Lou Broom, it’s a half-hour run through everything you ever wanted to know about the Gatehouse – and what’s coming up!

The Spotify link is here and if you want to watch it instead, visit our YouTube channel here to take a look.

If you have any Gatehouse questions for our dynamic duo, just drop them a line in the comments or via gatehouse.marketing@freedom-leisure.co.uk

The Gatehouse Theatre is proud to announce that next year’s Stafford Shakespeare production will be HAMLET – one of The Bard’s best-loved and most quotable plays.

Running from June 24 to July 5, the ghostly tale of murder and revenge includes some of the most famous lines in stage history, including ‘To be or not to be, that is the question’ and ‘To thine own self be true’ and ‘The lady protests too much, methinks’.

The 33^rd annual production will star Stafford actor BENEDICT SHAW, who recently appeared in the hit BBC drama BOAT STORY and Kay Mellor’s THE SYNDICATE, in the title role.

Benedict, who grew up in the Rowley Park area and attended Blessed William Howard High School, is a former member of the Gatehouse Youth Theatre.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to be making my Stafford Shakespeare debut at the Gatehouse. This is where it all began for me many years ago and it feels like things have come full circle to be back in my home town at a theatre that means so much to me.’

Benedict, has a host of stage and TV credits to his name, including earlier roles in EMMERDALE and HOLLYOAKS. ‘This is where I got the acting bug,’ he recalls of the Gatehouse, where he also took part in a Summer School production as a youngster. ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Hamlet in my home town and can’t wait to get started.’

The production will be directed by award-winning RICHARD CHESHIRE, who has a long history with the Gatehouse and Stafford itself, and has been directing on both sides of the Atlantic since the 1980s.

Richard, who is a Senior Lecturer in Acting and Directing at Staffordshire University, said: ‘It’s a dream to have the opportunity to direct a Stafford Shakespeare production. I couldn’t be happier and I’m looking forward to working with the wonderful Gatehouse team to create something very special in 2025.’

Theatre Manager Gary Stevens said: ‘We’ve had two wonderful productions since moving Stafford Shakespeare to the Gatehouse and I’m sure that will continue with Richard at the helm next year.

‘One of the things we’ve been looking to do is to provide a platform for local talent and it doesn’t get much better than Benedict, who started out at the Gatehouse Youth Theatre and has now got a successful stage and TV career.

‘There will be one or two familiar Stafford Shakespeare faces in the cast, but we’ll also be showcasing some of the rising stars from within Staffordshire too.

‘When the Shakespeare project began back in 1991, there was a very large community involvement and we want to get back to that spirit of engagement within the town and the wider county – we’re putting the ‘Stafford’ back into Stafford Shakespeare.’

Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: ‘It is great to see a local actor coming home to take on the lead role in what is one of the Bard’s most popular plays. It is wonderful that Stafford Shakespeare at our Gatehouse Theatre is able to showcase local talent in this way and attract successful actors who have performed on the national stage across theatre and television. I’m sure Benedict’s presence next summer will provide inspiration for any aspiring young local thespian.

‘I am looking forward to next year’s production of Hamlet and hope that many thousands more will also be supporting Stafford Shakespeare.’

Further cast announcements will be made in due course, for the production at the theatre, which is managed by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Stafford Borough Council.

Tickets for the shows start from £10 and run to £34, with discounts for concessions and schools, and are available from the Gatehouse Box Office 01785 619080 or online here

CALL FOR TALENTED LOCAL YOUNGSTERS TO APPEAR IN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE GATEHOUSE THIS CHRISTMAS

As The Gatehouse gets ready to bring Jack and the Beanstalk to Stafford this festive season, a call has been put out for talented young dancers aged between 9-16 and in school years 4-11 to perform on stage in the Junior Ensemble alongside Mark Rhodes and Theo the Mouse and Wendy this Christmas.

The open auditions will be hosted on Sunday 15 September at The Gatehouse. The auditions will see the youngsters learn a routine and perform as a group to an audition panel. Any child of the right age regardless of their experience can attend to try out for the show.

Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, the award-winning pantomime producer said:

‘Ahead of each pantomime season we host open auditions across the UK to find talented youngsters to join our professional cast on stage to bring the panto magic alive. As much as the participants dancing ability what we really look for is that ‘something’ that brings an extra bit of sparkle to the performance, so welcome people of any ability to come along and give it a go!

‘We remain one of the few UK wide panto producers who hold these open auditions as we firmly believe in offering youngsters from every background and with all levels of experience the chance to be part of pantomime and the opportunity to work in a professional company, maybe for the first time.

‘Many of the stars we work with tell us that performing in the Junior Ensemble in their local pantomimes was what sparked their love of theatre and led them in their career choices. We have also worked with some wonderful young people in our pantomimes and have seen many go on to do wonderful things in theatre and it is our aim to continue to nurture this talent every year.’

Please note the auditions are for dance and performance only. The children will not be asked to sing.

Registration will take place from 9.30am – 10am in the Gatehouse Theatre

Audition Day Information

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the auditions and designated waiting areas will be appointed.

• The Stafford Gatehouse and Imagine Theatre Ltd cannot be held responsible for any child not accompanied by a responsible adult while at the auditions.
• Children must be at least 9 years old and in year 4 of school on the first day of rehearsals and no older than 16 and in year 11 on the last day of the performances.

Audition Guidelines

• Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes (ideally jazz, soft dance trainer or ballet shoes please. Heavy Dance trainers, outdoor trainers, boots or shoes are not suitable as we cannot see the child’s footwork properly in these styles of footwear.)
• Avoid shiny leotards if possible as the identification stickers tend to fall off these.
• Please tie long hair back, ideally in a bun.
• Make sure your child has a soft drink with them (not fizzy) and slow energy release foods such as pasta, chicken, yoghurts, bananas, jacket potato etc. for snacks and lunch.
• Should your child be asthmatic, have allergies or any other condition which may require medication, please ensure they have this with them. Please do let us know when registering the auditionee if you have any concerns.

How the audition day works

The children will be taught a dance routine on the day and do not need to prepare anything in advance.

The audition will be in two parts (NB – this may change dependent on the number of auditionees).

We will endeavour to give all auditionees a suitable break during the day. The plan is to give a one-hour lunch – the time will be determined on the day. If your child has been recalled please ensure that they are back in the venue by their designated recall time. There will be no singing or reading of scripts on the audition day unless you have been specifically told in advance regarding this.

• All children will be auditioned in the morning. Those who are successful will be recalled to the afternoon session. Those children who are unsuccessful will be allowed to go home.
• Children recalled for afternoon session will be kept until the final cast are announced unless you are advised otherwise on the day.

Those children chosen for the panto Junior Ensemble and their parents will be asked to stay after the audition sessions for a chat about licensing and panto guidelines.

What we are looking for

We are looking for three teams of eight members to perform in the show and additional reserve team members. The teams will rotate the performances between them but all teams will need to attend every rehearsal.

Throughout the day the audition panel will be looking for able performers who show capability in terms of dance as well as performance ability, enthusiasm and the ability to follow instructions.

If successful, what happens next?

Once we have decided upon our final Junior Ensemble, those that are remaining will be split into ‘main team’ and ‘reserve team’ members. They will then be given some paperwork stating which team they’re in.

To perform in the pantomime all children must be granted a performance licence. A performance licence is a legal document that all children should be granted through their local council.

• Imagine Theatre will email the application to parents which must be completed and returned by the deadline. Imagine Theatre will then submit the application to the relevant authority.
• Without a performance licence, a child will not be able to perform.

All children will be committed to rehearsals six days a week including weekend days and weekday evenings from Saturday 23rd November. There will also be some daytime rehearsals during w/c 2nd December (which does mean missing school). The show runs from 6th December 2024 – 5th January 2025 inclusive. There are 48 performances in the run, which will be split between the three teams. Your child MUST be available for the duration as no rehearsals or allocated performances can be missed. *

What is a reserve team member?

A reserve team member is effectively a standby for the main team.

• A reserve could be pulled into a main team any time between the audition day and the first technical rehearsal.

• A child may pull out of a main team for numerous reasons beyond anyone’s control or foreseeing in which case a reserve will be contacted.
• Reserves are NOT called to rehearse the show and will not perform unless a main team member withdraws completely from the show.

What impact will the pantomime have on school?

Some rehearsals and performances will be during school time and children must be educationally able to miss some schooling. The Head Teacher will be required to authorise the absences required for performances as part of the licence application. If the Head Teacher will not authorise the absences, your child will be unable to perform.

We look forward to seeing you and your child at 9.30am on Sunday 15th September 2024 and remind them to bring their best smile with them!

*Please note dates may alter up until the start of rehearsals.

All information subject to change.

ALL SET? PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND BRING IT WITH YOU ON THE DAY: Stafford Junior Ensemble application form

Calling all young performers! Do you love to dance? Do you love to perform? If so, come along to our open auditions to find young dancers for our gigantic family pantomime, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at the Gatehouse on Sunday, September 15.

The auditions are open to all children aged 9-16 who are in school years 4-11 during the production.

Auditions start at 10am with registration at 9.30.

For more information visit Stafford Jack and the Beanstalk Junior Ensemble audition info sheet

And to apply just fill in this Stafford Junior Ensemble application form

Staffordshire University is raising the curtain on a new partnership with Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre to give students opportunities to shine

We are delighted that the partnership has the potential to open doors for our students and graduates who are being given golden opportunities to see backstage and meet the cast, crews and directors of the theatre’s biggest productions.
Deborah Sanderson, Head of Development and Alumni Relations

Under the initiative, drama students will be guaranteed audition places for a part in the annual Stafford Shakespeare production of Twelfth Night: A Cornish Tale which takes place at the theatre between June 21 and July 7.

Twelfth Night: A Cornish Tale is directed by Sean Turner and features a star cast including Natalie Anderson from Netflix hit Fool Me Once, top comic Seann Walsh and BAFTA winner Molly Windsor (Three Girls – BBC One).

Meanwhile, students from other creative industry courses are being encouraged to work backstage or in technical roles supporting the Gatehouse Youth Theatre or the Summer School production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

There will be also be opportunities for students and graduates to get involved in the annual pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk which is directed by Staffordshire University senior lecturer Richard Cheshire.

Stafford Gatehouse Manager Gary Stevens said: “We are a diverse and inclusive community venue, offering a wide range of events and productions throughout the year; from reggae to rep theatre, ballet to Box Office smashes, Milkshake to Shakespeare and, of course, pop music to panto.

“We’re really excited at the prospect of working with Staffordshire University as a long-term partner and working with the students in a practical way to improve their skills and employability. Importantly, there’s the opportunity to make our shows, and possibly a career in theatre, more accessible by supporting our Youth Theatre and Summer School initiatives.”

In the past 12 months, the Gatehouse has a run of sell-out shows and big names including Tom Allen, Kate Mosse, Tracy Borman, Sarah Millican, Queenz, Brian Blessed, Marti Pellow and Ed Byrne.

Staffordshire University photography graduate Maddie Hughes has worked as in-house photographer for the venue since the second year of her degree course and has photographed all major productions, touring shows and celebrities including Tom Allen, Danny Baker and Brian Blessed.

She said: “I started working just for a bit of work experience, and then I was offered the job as the official in-house photographer. This opened up opportunities for me to be able to build my portfolio and shoot big names in big productions because I want to develop my career into film and TV and possibly bigger theatre productions as well. And it’s been a really beneficial opportunity for me to be able to have that stepping-stone into my future career.

“Starting here as a student, I’ve really been able to build my confidence working in this industry. It’s an industry that I never really knew existed for a subject like photography. And so it’s really been able to open my eyes to what students from creative subjects can go into.”

Head of Development and Alumni Relations Deborah Sanderson said: “This partnership runs much deeper than having our branding on the theatre’s production materials. Stafford Gatehouse is an excellent community asset which touches on the lives of many people and its values around accessibility very much align with our own.

“We are delighted that the partnership has the potential to open doors for our students and graduates who are being given golden opportunities to see backstage and meet the cast, crews and directors of the theatre’s biggest productions.”

Below: Staffordshire University alumni, Maddie Hughes

Gatehouse Theatre teams up with Ocean Recovery Project for TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale

The Gatehouse Theatre has teamed up with one of Britain’s top ocean conservation projects to work together on this year’s Stafford Shakespeare production, TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale.

Bosses are working with Keep Britain Tidy’s Ocean Recovery Project, which will see litter and debris washed up on beaches in the south west used to create the set for the annual production.

The Bard’s much-loved play begins with a shipwreck and the producers have set this year’s Shakespeare production in 1960s Cornwall.

Almost half a tonne of fishing nets, life buoys, fish boxes and other detritus from Cornwall and Devon has been delivered to the Eastgate Street venue, where the play will be staged from June 21 to July 7.

Neil Hembrow, Ocean Recovery Project manager, said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with the Gatehouse Theatre.

‘We get tonnes of material washed up on the shore and in harbours. A lot of it is plastic and we work with fishermen, trawler companies and volunteers to recycle it.

‘Not only does it mean the material is re-used, but it also keeps our beaches and harbours tidy.

‘Our work is also important because we collect many lost nets. Often these are giant trawl nets rolling around in our oceans, snaring fish in what is called ‘ghost fishing’, as the catches are never landed.

‘The nets are catching fish long after they are lost by trawlers and fishermen because they are plastic and will last for hundreds of years, potentially.

‘So it’s important we collect them when they wash ashore to stop that happening.

‘I think this is the first time we’ve worked with a theatre, so it’s a really innovative solution to making use of this debris and I can’t wait to see how it all looks on stage and around the building.’

TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale producer Mike Groves is the driving force behind the initiative and he said: ‘We’re always looking for theatrical solutions that help with environmental sustainability so we’re delighted with this partnership.

‘As our play is TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale, we were looking to source lots of fishing nets etc and we struck upon the idea of contacting Keep Britain Tidy and their Ocean Recovery Project.

‘They have very kindly donated a huge van-load of material with all sorts of things on board – there’s even a rusty old anchor in there, so everything is very authentic.

‘It’s come straight from the harbours and beaches – it only washed up a day or so before it all arrived and you can genuinely still smell the sea on it.

‘Stafford is probably one of the most inland towns you can find, but we still have an environmental responsibility and it’s great to be able to play even a small part in helping keep our beaches and oceans safe and clean.’

Some of the material will also be used to dress the theatre’s front of house area and afterwards it will be sent for recycling in Gloucester.

Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable and not-for-profit leisure trusts, manages Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on behalf of Stafford Borough Council.

Angela Brown, Group Sustainability and Environmental Manager at Freedom Leisure, said: ‘Incorporating tangible environmental initiatives into the theatre realm is a noteworthy and commendable accomplishment. This is a wonderful example of Freedom Leisure’s commitment to collaborating with partners to showcase environmental responsibility and creating awareness on the impact our actions have on the environment.’

TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale will be directed by Sean Turner, who also directed last year’s hit Stafford Shakespeare production A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, which drew a record drama audience of more than 5,000 people to the Gatehouse.

It will star Natalie Anderson from Netflix hit FOOL ME ONCE and the producers are set to reveal more star names shortly.

For information on the Keep Britain Tidy Ocean Recovery Project, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/volunteer/ocean-recovery-project

The Gatehouse Theatre is delighted to announce that NATALIE ANDERSON has joined the cast of this summer’s TWELFTH NIGHT.

Natalie will take on the role of Olivia in the Stafford Shakespeare production which runs from June 21-July 7 and is set in 1950s Cornwall.

She recently played Claire Walker, who met an untimely end in the hit Netflix drama FOOL ME ONCE, starring Michelle Keegan.

She has also featured in critically-acclaimed BBC shows including HAPPY VALLEY and last year’s Stephen Graham drama BOILING POINT, as well as earlier roles in THE ROYAL (ITV) and EMMERDALE (ITV). In 2021 she appeared in the Liam Neeson action film MEMORY, which also starred Guy Pearce.

She said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining the Stafford Shakespeare company at the Gatehouse Theatre this summer and can’t wait to take on the wonderful role of Olivia in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, ‘Twelfth Night’.’

The annual Stafford Shakespeare production has been a highlight of the county’s cultural calendar since 1991 and last year’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM attracted a record audience for a drama show at the Gatehouse.

General Manager Gary Stevens said: ‘We are delighted to have Natalie join the cast. It shows again just how prestigious the production is.’

TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Sean Turner, will be the 32nd Stafford Shakespeare production, with the first being HENRY V at Stafford Castle in 1991. Last year, the event moved to the Gatehouse Theatre where it achieved a record audience for a drama at the venue, with more than 5,000 people attending. Producer Mike Groves said: ‘I’m thrilled to be working on another Stafford Shakespeare project. It’s become a real passion of mine to champion regional theatres and their produced work.

‘Having this level of cast and creatives on board is a very exciting piece of the puzzle that will bring this production to life.’

Tickets for TWELFTH NIGHT are available now at an Early Bird rate of just £22.00 until February 12. Book via the Box Office on 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

Directed by: Sean Turner

Musical Director: Stephen Hyde

Movement Direction: Amy Lawrence

Set & Costume Designer: Alfie Heywood

Lighting Design: Barry Smith

Sound Design: Hattie North

Gatehouse Summer School 2024

The Gatehouse Theatre is delighted to announce that our 2024 Summer School production will be CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.

This is the perfect first step for young people who are interested in a career in entertainment – or just want to have fun and make some new friends over the summer.

Under the tuition and guidance of professional directors, choreographers and producers, it’s a great introduction to live theatre – with no pressure put on anyone taking part. First and foremost, it’s about enjoying yourselves!

This year’s production promises to be an golden-ticket cracker.

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, the production features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig.

The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including ‘Candy Man’, ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’, ‘Oompa Loompa Song’ and ‘Pure Imagination’.

The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few.

Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is your golden ticket to free entertainment in Stafford this summer!

The project is open to anyone aged between 9-18 years of age and dates of the summer school run from the 5th to 24th August 2024.

Performances will be on the 23rd and 24th August 2024 and tickets for the shows are completely free!

Auditions for our summer school will take place on the 12th May from 10am. More details will follow after you’ve submitted an application form.

To apply for our summer school experience, download an application form here and return to Casting@Freedom-leisure.co.uk.

Fees are £300 per person. Bursaries are available to cover fees in some cases.

To apply for a bursary, download an application form here and return to Alison.Young@freedom-leisure.co.uk. (Bursaries are strictly limited and not all applications are guaranteed.)

We look forward to creating this wonderful musical with you!

Can you help provide accommodation/digs for artists performing in forthcoming Gatehouse shows?

We’re looking for people with availability to put up artists who are appearing at our theatre in 2024.

Payment is available and all our artists are lovely people!

Simply fill out the form here and send it to alison.young@freedom-lesiure.co.uk or call Alison Young on 01785 619080.