<img src='' title='Event Category: Talk/Lecture' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Talk/Lecture

AN EVENING WITH ENGLAND’S HAT TRICK HERO, WORLD CUP WINNER
SIR GEOFF HURST

This will be something very special – Sir Geoff comes to the Gatehouse Theatre in 2025 for one final farewell tour.

The last surving member of the 1966 World Cup winning team will tell all about his illustrious England, West Ham, Stoke City and yes – even his West Brom and Telford United – career.

There’ll also be a rare cricket mention, given that he once played for Essex back in 1962.

There’ll be FA Cup glory, early European nights, turning down Matt Busby at Manchester United and how he tamed Stoke’s notorious Alan Hudson in the1970s.

The second half will be a question & answer session with the audience – the gloves are off, ask anything.

Expect a glorious night of football nostalgia from a legend who has sadly become the last man standing of the Boys of ’66.

VIP ticket holders will have a chance to meet Sir Geoff and have a photograph with him as well as receive an autograph per person.

An Audience with Airline’s Jane Bolton

An intimate evening filled with honest conversations, hilarious anecdotes, and plenty of surprises.

“An Audience with Airline’s Jane Boulton” is a captivating show that offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the iconic British TV series Airline. Featuring Jane Boulton, one of the show’s most beloved personalities, this intimate experience takes the audience on a humorous and heartfelt journey through her time working at the UK’s busiest airports.

Expect lively anecdotes, a glimpse into the world of airline customer service, and plenty of laughs as Jane shares unforgettable moments from the series and her career. Perfect for fans of Airline and anyone who enjoys a mix of storytelling, humour, and real-life drama.

 

Stranger than fiction: explore the world’s most shocking and

unbelievable crime cases, including:

1. The serial killer who gained work in law enforcement whilst on the run – and

was then tasked with hunting himself!

2. The researcher whose career began after an encounter in a lift with a serial

killer – who had just killed his latest victims, and was carrying a bag believed

to be holding their decapitated heads.

3. The female, balloon-carrying killer clown.

4. One woman’s plan to get a prolific serial killer released from prison by

committing a copycat murder of her own… and her connection to yet another

serial killer!

5. The 14-year reign of terror one child snatcher inflicted on locals, whilst

wearing a terrifying mask and makeshift claws.

6. The hunt for a phantom female serial killer whose DNA was found at over 40

crime scenes spanning 18 years… who did not exist.

7. Serial Killers on game shows – how their appearances led to their

identification.

8. Plus learn how the police could have DNA, fingerprints or an eyewitness tying

you to a crime you did not commit!

Join true crime speaker Jennifer Rees to explore one of Forensic Psychology’s most troubling topics.
During this talk, you will discover how serial killers are classified.

What are the differences between lust killers like the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer and visionary killers such as David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)?
Jennifer will explore the different categories, using case studies to illustrate. She will also debunk common Serial Killer Myths – you may be surprised by what you learn!

Jennifer will discuss the typical differences between males and female serial killers, again, incorporating case studies to illustrate.
You will also investigate the phenomenon of killer couples such as Fred and Rose West and The Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, as well exploring the Folie à deux syndrome a.k.a ‘shared psychosis’. Why do women fall in love with known serial killers?

Jennifer will discuss the clinical knowledge surrounding why serial killers gain admirers, fan mail, and even spouses in light of their atrocious crimes. Learn about Hybristophilia, and the astounding case of the Night Crawler’s trial.

How common are homicidal fantasies? Have you ever fantasised about killing someone?

You may be surprised by the results of the research!

Identifying John and Jane Does – how are victims identified? You will watch a fascinating time-lapse video of facial reconstruction on the skull of a discovered body.

Katie and Kerry arrive in Stafford as part of their tell-all tour!

Having been friends for over twenty years, they are looking forward hitting the road together and sharing stories of marriage and divorce, bankruptcy, ‘I’m A Celebrity’, the importance of family, their constant press attention and turning their lives around.

There will also be some song and dance and an opportunity for audience questions in an evening that promises to be warm, inspirational, motivational and lots of fun!

There is also a limited opportunity to purchase meet and greet tickets, with premium seating, a photo with the ladies and an autograph.

Age restriction 18+ (16+ with parent or guardian)

 

Calling all dog lovers!

Get ready for a tail-waggingly good evening with expert dog whisperer, Paula O’Sullivan. As a specialist canine behaviourist and advanced trainer, Paula has spent over a decade helping thousands of dogs (and their humans!) understand each other better.

Paula will be joined by her canine co-host, Tarka, a black Labrador currently in agility training and soon to start competing. Through a mix of live on-stage demonstrations and recorded video footage, Paula and Tarka will spill the secrets, share some heartwarming stories, and give you a whole new perspective on the relationship between you and your dog!

There will be an interactive Q&A session where you’ll get the chance to ask Paula about your own dogs and what their behaviour might mean.

Whether you’re a seasoned pup parent or a curious newcomer, this show promises to be fun, fascinating, and full of “pawsome” surprises!

Discover the Secrets Hidden in Death with Dr Richard Shepherd – LIVE on Stage This Autumn 2025.

Step into the world of the forensic investigation of sudden and suspicious death with Dr Richard Shepherd, the UK’s most distinguished forensic pathologist, as he returns to theatres with his captivating new tour: Unnatural Causes – Time of Death. Following his acclaimed 2021 and 2022 tours, Dr Shepherd brings audiences an unmissable evening exploring the mysteries of life, death, and many minutes in between.

In the realm of forensic pathology time is crucial and holds the key to understanding the truth behind accidents, murders and unexplained deaths – whether it’s the exact moment of death needed to help solve a crime, or how long it would take to die or an understanding what happens in the minutes, days and weeks after death. All these different times help interpret the truths a body can tell. Providing you ask the right questions.

Unnatural Causes – Time of Death, explores why the understanding of the passing of time is one of the most important factors in unravelling the secrets of a life cut short.

With over 23,000 autopsies to his name, Dr Shepherd has worked on the cases that defined our times: The Spy in the Bag (Gareth Williams), the Hungerford Massacre, the sinking of the Marchioness, Joy, Gardner, the Princess Diana Inquiry, 9/11 terrorist attack, Jo Cox MP, London Bombings, Russian assassination squads and more. From facing serial killers to uncovering the truth behind freak accidents, his work has brought justice to many, overturned unsafe convictions and has shed light into humanity’s darkest corners.

Now, he invites you to look with him behind the headlines to understand the truths. From the chilling crime scenes to the silent evidence left behind by those long dead. Dr Shepherd will reveal the painstaking process of solving the ultimate puzzles of life and death.

But this is not just a night of forensic medicine and science, it’s a deeply personal insight of a man who has spent decades walking the line between life and death. ‘Unnatural Causes – Time of Death’ offers a rare glimpse of how short life can be, how untimely death can be. And ultimately how a life surrounded by tragedy has shaped Dr Shepherd’s perspective on life. And the ultimate costs of his extraordinary career.

Join the man who has faced death head-on and solved some of its greatest mysteries for an evening that promises to be utterly gripping, profoundly moving, and full of unexpected revelations. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, fascinated by forensic medicine and science, or simply curious about the human condition, this is a very timely show and one that is not to be missed.

An intimate evening filled with honest conversations, hilarious anecdotes, and plenty of surprises.

Expect lots of his famously strong opinions – on everything from sheep (“stupid”) to celebrities, farming, alongside unique rural insights.

Ask Kaleb your burning questions, hear untold stories, and laugh along with his deadpan humour and hear about his entrepreneurial and business ideas that have helped him rise above the challenges that face British farmers today.

NEW DATES ADDED: PART OF STAFFORD HISTORY DAY on March 1

Join us for a backstage tour of the Gatehouse Theatre!

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 to meet some of our resident ghosts!

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

Includes a hot drink and scone in the coffee shop in the ticket price. What an absolute bargain.

‘Absolutely fascinating – we loved it.’

‘So many interesting stories and things we never knew about.’

‘Brilliant – a real insight into a fantastic working theatre.’