Scorching hot line up for Très Très Cabaret Christmas special

Get ready for an evening of festive decadence brought to you by Stafford's first, and only burlesque and variety show: Très Très Cabaret!

With a glass of festive fizz on arrival, you'll take your seat in the secluded intimacy of the MET Studio, before sampling the saucy delights that Très Très has to offer. And what a selection:

Kiki Lovechild, photo by Tigz Rice

The first performer to be announced for our festive extravaganza on December 27th is the one and only... SHERRY TRIFLE!

She is back on British shores once again and one of her UK dates is with you, the good people of Très Très Cabaret! So what are you waiting for, book your tickets and serve yourself a great big helping of Sherry Trifle while you can!

ALSO - Stage Door Johnny and Sherry Trifle will be performing one of their legendary double acts! Truly, not to be missed!

We're also welcoming back cabaret clown, furlesque pioneer and Très Très favourite KIKI LOVECHILD, Our audiences still speak of his wonderful performances, and yet again, he's bringing acts never-seen-before on the Très Très stage!







Kiki Deville, photo by My Boudoir

And why have one Kiki when you can have two?! We’ve added singing sensation KIKI DEVILLE to the line-up!
Coming to you from Australia, via L.A. Kiki is now resident in the UK, and we're so thrilled to have her at our show in Stafford! Enchanted by her very presence, audiences the length and breadth of the globe have succumb to the exuberant glamour of the UK's most high profile burlesque chanteuse, and made her winner of Vintage Personality of 2014!

You may also recognise Kiki from BBC's The Voice! Her inimitable style and charisma saw her adopted by the contestants as "Mama Keeks" and left Will-I-Am in tears when he had to send her home. Since then, she has made a splash in the vintage and burlesque world. Be not bedazzled by her glittering smile, or captivated by her comedic timing, yes, a woman of large 'talents' she may be, but don't let them detract from the incredible voice that lies beneath.







Abigail Collins, photo by Mat Ricardo

Returning to Très Très to surprise and delight you, a comedic phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed with the physique of an athlete and the mouth of Joan Rivers, it is of course, super cooper hula-hooper ABIGAIL COLLINS who whipped our audience into a frenzy during her last appearance!
Once seen, never forgotten and you'll soon see why she is a favourite with our audiences and why we had to get her back!

Also on this bumper edition of Très Très Cabaret we have British Burlesque Legend and International Superstar - AMBER TOPAZ! She razzle dazzled her way into our hearts at our July show, and she had such a great time shimmy-shaking for you all that she couldn't wait to come back! Amber Topaz has sky-rocketed her way to international stardom by enchanting her audiences with her hip shaking boundless energy, stunning vocals & saucy comedy shenanigans.

A regular headline act on national and international tours, performing to thousands of people at a time, this is a rare opportunity to watch her weave her magic in the up-close-and-personal surroundings of the intimate MET Studio.




Stage Door Johnny, photo by Cherry
Bomb Rock photography

All of this personally selected for your entertainment by our resident producer, promoter and performer: STAGE DOOR JOHNNY
A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, he'll have you grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand - sometimes literally. He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight you!

Just when you thought we couldn’t possibly pack any more into an evening’s entertainment: we will have live music for you to dance to after the show by none other than JOHNNY AND THE SPEEDOS!

A late bar, live music and a bumper line-up to kill for!

Do. Not. Miss. It.  Book while you still can!

Très Très Cabaret is at The MET Studio on Sunday 27th December at 8pm. Tickets are £20 and can be booked by clicking here or by calling us on 01785 619080. Please note the show is strictly for over 18s only.

Not your average Christmas celebration

Ah, Christmas! A time of food hoarding, family arguments and bad TV. If you ever thought that some of the Christmas traditions we have here in the UK were peculiar, take a look at three of the most bizarre Christmas customs from around the world.

Alternative Christmas dinner

There's nothing better than settling down to turkey with all the trimmings on Christmas day, right? Actually, for many people in Japan, traditional Christmas dinner is US delicacy Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It's so popular and well marketed that, in many restaurants, diners have to make a reservation to eat at KFC on Christmas day.

It all dates back to 1974, when KFC began its 'Christmas Chicken' campaign. The whole thing started after a group of non-natives realised that it was impossible to find turkey in Japan, so they took it upon themselves to visit the popular restaurant chain instead.

On December 23rd, 24th and 25th, people queue round the block for a table, with some pre-ordering their tasty drumsticks up to two months in advance. Those who don’t plan ahead may have to wait up to two hours for their meal.

Christmas pranks

Remember a few years back, when you woke up on Christmas Eve to find the last chocolate from your advent calendar gone? You probably blamed one of your siblings at the time, but little did you know that mischievous Danish gnome, Nisse was probably to blame.
 
This roguish gnome is said to live in the lofts of old farmhouses, wearing grey woollen clothes, a red bonnet, red stockings and white clogs. In Denmark, it's a common tradition on Christmas Eve to leave rice pudding or porridge for Nisse so he doesn’t misbehave.

On top of that, children aren't allowed to see the Christmas tree until late on Christmas Eve. Parents decorate the tree in secret with homemade baubles, paper hearts and garlands of Danish flags.
One Danish tradition that I am keen to adopt is having Father Christmas personally deliver all presents. Unfortunately, one of the older, male family members usually misses out on the action, as they're out of the room at the time.

Close the roads 

In the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, it’s customary to attend early morning Christmas mass on December 24. Not too dissimilar from UK traditions, except for the fact that locals are encouraged to roller-skate there. Vehicular access to the city is blocked off in many areas before 8am to allow this unconventional commute to take place.

To top it off, the night before, children will tie one end of string to their big toe and hang the other out of the window, allowing the passing roller skaters to offer a friendly tug as they pass in the morning.

So, the next time you're forced to make small-talk with Auntie Pat before a Christmas dinner piled high with sprouts, count yourself lucky that the UK's Christmas traditions are fairly mild compared to other parts of the world. Then again, I wonder what they'd have to say about the threat of waking up to a sack of coal and the questionable lyrics to Fairytale of New York.

One Christmas tradition that is a must in the UK is a visit to the local panto. This year, we are putting on Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock 'n' Roll Panto, complete with music from the Rolling Stones, Queen and Fleetwood Mac. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours today at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk, or by calling us on 01785 619080.

Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock 'n' Roll Panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Where's Jack? The leek hunt continues!

Well my friends, Advent has started and you can now get excited about Christmas without disapproving looks from friends and family. My house usually looks like Santa's grotto by now, but without my magic leek I haven't been able to do any decorating!

Thanks for your help finding Jack last week. Of course, he was hiding at St Mary's Church. I tried to track him down, but without my magic leek I've had to do all my Christmas shopping on foot this year, so I was just too tired to catch him!

I know December is a busy month, but if you can help me I'll make it worth your while. Jack's hiding at a new Stafford location this week. If you can guess where he is, you'll have the chance to win another pair of tickets to this year's rock 'n' roll panto.

Here's the clue:

Every summer, the home of Shakespeare's play,
With the Gatehouse located a few miles away.
Its high stone walls are particularly sublime,
This structure dates back to medieval times.
You're missing out if you haven't been,
When I last visited I felt like the Queen!

Do you know where Jack is hiding? Comment below with your name and e-mail address to submit your answer and help me retrieve my magic leek.  The winner of the fourth pair of tickets will be announced this Friday afternoon.

After the winner is announced, they will be contacted by our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, via email, for further details on claiming their prize.

To find out more about this year’s rock ’n’ roll panto, visit www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.

Comedy In The MET Line Up 5.12.15

We're all set for another sell-out show tomorrow night and here's the suggested line up*...

Lloyd Griffith

Lloyd is a comedian and a professional choirboy. He took his debut solo show to Edinburgh fringe festival in 2014 to rave reviews. In 2014 he appeared on BBC3’s Sweat The Small Stuff, BBC Radio 1s Live Lounge Comedy Club as well as supporting Rob Beckett on his 2013-2014 sold out UK tour. In 2015 Lloyd appeared on RTE’s Hey Ho Let’s Go and later in the year Lloyd took his second show ‘Great Grimsby’s Big Turn On’ to Edinburgh, again, to rave reviews.

Larry Dean

Since being crowned 'Scottish Comedian Of The Year' at only 23, Glaswegian comedian Larry Dean has performed a number of high profile shows worldwide, including being the support act for Eddie Izzard, and Stephen K Amos and has appeared on BBC Presents: Best Of The Edinburgh Festival 2014 and 2015, along with being nominated for Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer 2015

Sean Percival

Black Country comic Sean Percival is an ex-welder from Dudley whose act is steeped in the traditions of the working mens clubs circuit, but bang up to date with its upfront attitude. Sean’s brand of comedy steers clear of the surreal and confronts realism in an explosively funny way. A festival favourite, he has performed at the Edinburgh, Glastonbury and Reading Festivals, and as a well-established headliner he performs at all major comedy clubs around the UK as well as being a regular host for the Jongleurs comedy clubs.

Tickets for tomorrow's show are sold out but if you're quick you can get tickets for our next Comedy nights on Saturday 19th December and Saturday 23rd January.


*The line up may be subject to change. Comedy in the MET is suitable for ages 16+

Top five ways to get into the Christmas spirit

Sometimes it's hard to get excited about Christmas, isn't it? You've got loads of work to finish before the holidays start, it's a time for spending in excess and the weather is cold and dark. Doesn't sound like it makes for a very merry Christmas now, does it sourpuss? But cheer up, we're here to give you our top five things you can do in your town or city guaranteed to get you feeling more Christmassy than a polar bear in a soft drinks commercial.

1. Watch Christmas films

Everyone has their favourite film they dust off every December to get them in the festive mood. Light the fire, crack out the variety box of chocolates, sit back and enjoy.

However, if you find this isn't doing it for you, here’s an idea: often, cinemas will show Christmas films - you could even get dressed up as Santa or Rudolf (optional). You could even take some friends along with you. Check your local cinema for festive viewings.

2. Carolling

What could be more Christmassy than getting wrapped up warm, gathering friends and having a good old sing song? For the adults, may we suggest a hot glass of mulled wine before you head out, to warm the vocal chords?

Many believe singing is a cure for the blues and it can be a good way to make a bit of pocket money - if you can actually sing, that is.

3. Go to church

It's very easy to get bogged down in the commercialism of Christmas and sometimes it's refreshing to take a step back and remember why we celebrate the holiday.
Going to church is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit; you'll get time to reflect on what really matters and feel a sense of community unlike anything else.

4. Christmas markets

Christmas markets in the UK are now a common sight and they're a great place to get your Christmas spirit on. Do some shopping, eat too much, drink too much and watch the Christmas lights sparkle in the crisp winter air.

Most cities in the UK have their own Christmas market, some more festive than others. If you want to go the whole hog, why not head over to Germany where the tradition started. Fröhliche Weihnachten!

5. Pantomimes

By far the most fun way of getting into the Christmas groove in your town is to go and see a panto. Oh, no it isn't! Oh, yes it is!

Ahem. Pantomimes embody all that is Christmas - togetherness, child-like wonder, singing, family values, the list goes on.

This Christmas, our Rock 'n' Roll panto is Jack and the Beanstalk, running from December 10, 2015 to January 10, 2016. The performance has a rock and roll twist that will have you singing and dancing along in the aisles

So if you're a Grinch looking to get into the festive spirit this year, go to www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk to get yourself tickets for the Christmas event not to be missed. Or else risk coal in your stocking.

Where's Jack? Week three on the leek hunt

I don't know about you, but it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas isn't it? Unfortunately for me, Jack still has my magic leek so instead of conjuring my Christmas shopping this year, I'll have to do it online. Only slightly less magical, I suppose. 

The scamp is still hiding from me, but well done for guessing where he was last week - the beautiful Ancient High House. Did you know King Charles I once stayed there? 

But enough wittering, the Stafford Gatehouse team and I still need your help retrieving my magic leek. 

Jack is hiding in a new Stafford location this week and if you can help us guess where, you'll have a chance to win two tickets to this year's rock 'n' roll panto. 

Here's the riddle:

The bricks are old, the windows are stained, 
This building was restored when King John reigned.
You can hear its voice from the tallest tower,
The quarters, the halves and dead on the hour. 
This place is a sanctum, not just for pigeons to perch
In honour of St Mary stands this impressive... 

Do you have an idea where Jack is? Comment below with your name and e-mail address to submit your answer - it's that easy.  The winner of the third pair of tickets will be announced this Friday afternoon.  Good luck everyone!

After the winner is announced, they will be contacted by our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, via email, for further details on claiming their prize. 
To find out more about this year’s rock ’n’ roll panto, visit 
www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.

Behind the scenes of Panto with Katie Pritchard

Katie Pritchard

It's all go here! We have just finished the second week of rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk.  All the music and scenes have now been covered and this is the exciting stage where the show really starts to take shape.

The lovely Katie Pritchard who plays Gemima, the Giant's Wife, has written a guest blog about how rehearsals are going. For a sneak peek behind the scenes read on...


Katie Pritchard:

Rehearsals for this years' Panto are well under way! There are so many hit tunes in this show, it's sure to be a success! Although, often a nightmare to try and learn some of the complex vocal lines and harmonies:




But, on the whole, we're all having an absolute blast learning these absolute classics. So far, my favourite song of the show has to be "Higher Ground", but I may be biased, because I get to sing the song with Laura and Izzy. It feels wonderful to sing it with all the girls!

I've also tried to make myself chief tambourine player, so I have tried to get it into every song that I'm not playing saxophone on...wish me luck...I'm not to sure if our lovely Musical Director, Craig, is too happy about my one-woman tambourine mission?! Who doesn't love a tambourine eh?!

That's us there, trying to learn our harmonies on "You Could Be Magic".

Choreography is proving a task and a half with full on cow-ography going on, courtesy of Verity and her wonderful work! And saxography is looking super snazzy! So hopefully we can get that all up to scratch for the show! It's very hard to play a sax solo whilst doing a full dance routine, but we have all had fun trying!

But the highlight for me personally has to be my scene with the giant. I've not yet had the chance to stand next to Craig while he's in his full giant's outfit, but it looks set to be more than double my height! I really can't wait for that! However, walking around the stage in my outfit is proving very difficult - I fell over three times yesterday during our rehearsal. Oops.

I can't wait to get on stage with all the set and scenery and see it all in action. I hope the audience enjoys the show as much as we've enjoyed making it! :-D

Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Thursday 10th December and runs until Sunday 10th January. You can find out more or book your tickets by clicking here or by calling our friendly box office team on 01785 619080.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for all the latest panto gossip. You can also use #staffordpanto to share your panto fun with us!

Where's Jack? Panto competition week 2

Hello again, Fairy Aubergine here! Thanks for all your help finding Jack. You were right, he was looking right down at us at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre!

As you know, our pantomime rehearsals are top secret, but Jack has managed to sneak a peek at this year’s performance! To teach him a lesson, his tickets for this year’s panto are well and truly confiscated! 

Instead, I’d like to give the two tickets away to someone more deserving, so if you can help me find him again, you could win a free pair of tickets for this year’s rock 'n' roll panto!

He’s left us another clue, here it is...

In this ancient house where royalty once stayed,
Some say it’s haunted, but I’m not afraid!
Built on the high street it’ll catch your eye,
It’s hard to ignore ‘cause this town house is high.
It dominates the skyline with its fine Tudor frame,
But can you give this building its name?

If you think you might know the answer to this week’s riddle, comment below with your name, email address and answer to be in with a chance of winning.

We will announce the winner on Friday afternoon and our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, will be in touch via email to arrange getting your panto tickets to you.

More information on this year’s rock ‘n’ roll panto can be found here.

Five lessons learned from fairytales

Aside from provoking an irrational fear of red apples, spindles and gingerbread houses, fairytales have taught us much more than to avoid anyone who goes by the name of Big Bad Wolf. What some think of as silly children’s stories can often become the foundations to prepare little ones for the realities of adult life. We considered the lessons we could all learn from those childhood classics.  


1. Narcissism isn’t pretty

While it may be true, no one is as big as Gaston, his role in Beauty and the Beast proves that thinking you’re the best, doesn’t necessarily make you the best. In fact, you don’t have to look far into the fairytale world to recognise narcissism as a recurring trait amongst its villains. Just take Snow White’s Evil Queen as an example: an inflated sense of self-importance, fantasies of power, a huge sense of entitlement and most notably, a hateful envy of the story’s protagonist. All proving that for these villains, narcissism really is a nasty trait.

2. Don’t be greedy

Naturally, children admire adventurous and curious characters, so it’s no surprise that Jack and the Beanstalk is such a timeless classic.

But looking back as an adult, the story reads a little differently.
In an attempt to help his struggling family, Jack abuses the trust he has built with the Giant by stealing gold from him not once, not twice, but three times! Of course we don’t really want the Giant to grind Jack’s bones to make his bread, but in hindsight, we don’t have much sympathy for the little bugger. After all, if he’d listened to his mother in the first place he wouldn’t be in this mess. But perhaps that’s a lesson for another blog post.

3. Doing it for the girls

Generally speaking, fairytales have a bad reputation for teaching us that a woman’s role in the story is to be a helpless damsel, waiting for a prince to sweep them off their feet. It’s easy to dismiss female protagonists as the docile princesses we know from the Disney versions of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, but thankfully, not all stories fit the same stereotype.

While admittedly, the majority of these women aren’t exactly what we would call independent by today’s standards, they certainly aren’t wallflowers either. Belle, from Beauty and the Beast proves that she’s smart and she doesn’t have to hide it, Ariel of The Little Mermaid is adventurous and independent and Rapunzel, well, can you get more resourceful than using your locks as a ladder?

4. Don’t judge a book by its cover

Unless it’s in the window of a cake shop, I’d categorically avoid ginger bread houses at all costs. Although a jelly bean and chocolate button covered bungalow may sound like a dream find, Hansel and Gretel’s mistakes have taught us all that glitters is not gold.

On the other side of the coin, Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame is described as looking so different and unattractive that people mock and ridicule him; the same can be said for the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Despite unsavoury appearances, both characters show traits of kindness, understanding and intelligence, ultimately, teaching a lesson that shouldn’t go a miss for anybody: there’s more to a person than their appearance.

5. If all else fails, break and enter

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, if you and your sister Gretel are ever abandoned by your parents, or you’re just craving some porridge but it’s not on the breakfast menu at the local Holiday Inn, it’s perfectly acceptable to crack open the door to a stranger’s home. Honestly, find the comfiest bed and make yourself at home.
Ok, I’m joking. Perhaps some of these lessons are best left in the storybooks.

Revisit a childhood favourite this December, Jack and the Beanstalk the rock ‘n’ roll panto is showing at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from Thursday 10th December until Sunday 10th January. Tickets can be purchased here.

Where's Jack? Panto ticket competition week 1

Hello everyone! Your favourite veggie inspired fairy here! I know Christmas is a month away, but to get you into the spirit, I'd like to give you the chance to win tickets to this year's rock 'n' roll panto.

While rehearsing for this year's show, my friend Jack stole my magic leek and climbed to the top of the beanstalk to hide from me!

The Stafford Gatehouse team needs your help in finding Jack so he can return my magic leek. After all, what good is Fairy Aubergine without her magic leek? Every week, you'll have the chance to win a pair of free panto tickets if you can guess where Jack is.

This should be easy-peasy! Get it?

Jack's teasing me with this description of what he can see from the top of the beanstalk. In true Fairy Aubergine style, I'll give it to you in rhyme.

This building is located on Eastgate Street,
It's the heart of Stafford, where theatre performers meet.
The place stands tall with arches over all doors,
Here, famous comedians can take to the floor.
The much loved building is the home of the MET,
I'll be there in December, but have you worked it out yet?

Can you identify this Stafford landmark? Comment below with your name and email address to submit your answer. The winner of the first pair of tickets will be announced this Friday afternoon. Don’t miss out on your chance to see what The Daily Mirror called “quite simply the best panto you'll see in the UK”!

After the winner is announced on Friday afternoon, they will be contacted by our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, via email, for further details on claiming their prize.

To find out more about this year’s rock ’n’ roll panto visit www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.

New show and Director for Shakespeare Festival

We are thrilled to announce that the production for Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016 will be Othello.

“We are very excited to be producing one of the Bard’s darkest tragedies and this is also the first time Othello will have been produced for Stafford Festival Shakespeare” commented Producer Derrick Gask.

We are also excited to announce a new Director for the show, Clare Prenton.

Clare Prenton has over 16 years experience as a director in theatre, musical theatre and opera. Originally from Liverpool and a member of the Everyman and Playhouse youth theatres, she studied at the Universities of Leeds (BA Hons English Language and Literature) and Hull (MA in Theatre Production) before training at the Royal National Theatre Young Directors Course in 2000. Staff Directing posts followed at English Touring Opera, Opera Holland Park and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre/The New Shakespeare Company, the British Shakespeare Company’s productions of Twelfth Night starring Norman Pace and Wayne Sleep and Much Ado About Nothing starring Norman Pace, English National Opera Studio/Tete a Tete. Since 2008 Clare has been an Associate & Understudy Director for Sir Alan Ayckbourn and the Stephen Joseph Theatre Company on UK tours of Communicating Doors, Life of Riley, Life and Beth (with Liza Goddard), A Trip to Scarborough and Roundelay.



Clare Prenton

Her Directing credits include: Legally Blonde - The Musical (Kings Theatre, Glasgow), Improbable Fiction (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), A Different Way Home (Cumbernauld Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (British Shakespeare Company), How the Other Half Loves and Relatively Speaking, The Kingfisher (Sheringham Little Theatre, Norfolk), The Smoking Gun: Cover Her Feet and Fly in the Ointment for the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough and a rural tour of North Yorkshire. Two by Jim Cartwright and Noel and Gertie by Sheriden Morley (Eye Theatre, Suffolk), a revival of Manon (English Touring Opera), Vaclav Havel’s Private View Regents Park Open Air Theatre, Orton’s The Erpingham Camp and Ruffian on the Stair (Greenwich Playhouse) and revival of Victorian drama Did You Ever Send Your Wife to Camberwell? (Battersea Arts Centre). Cambridge Shakespeare Festival (Comedy of Errors, The Taming of the Shrew). Further afield, Clare has directed for The English Speaking Theatre of Poland and White Horse Theatre of Germany. Clare won a director’s award whilst at Hull University at the National Student Drama Festival for The Bald Prima Donna with Sam Troughton as Mr Martin.

As writer/director : Clare was an Associate of C Theatre writing for the sell-out Edinburgh
Festival Fringe Show Shakespeare For Breakfast for three years with Romeo and Juliet – The Panto! ; Macbeth - the Panto! And the spoof musical The Lost Musicals of William Shakespeare as well as children’s musical play Santa’s Summer.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Clare alongside a new creative team. We are moving Stafford Festival Shakespeare in a new direction whilst maintaining many elements of our productions we are known for; Othello will still be accessible, affordable entertainment and we cannot wait to get started” concluded Gask.

Othello will open on Thursday 23rd June and run until Saturday 9th July 2016 at Stafford Castle.

Othello is a highly respected military general, a newly-wed and an outsider. His greatest triumphs in turn create his greatest enemies. When cruel Iago seeks revenge after being bypassed for a promotion, he torments and plays with Othello’s mind. In turn, Othello discovers the real enemy is his own jealousy, paranoia and ego, as he tragically destroys his world and everything he loves.

With a brand new creative team and a tragedy never staged before at Stafford Castle, Othello promises to be Stafford Festival Shakespeare’s boldest production yet.

Tickets will be available from Thursday 5th November at 9.30am. Early Bird Tickets are available until January 31st 2016.

The early bird offer saves £5 per ticket* on peak performances (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings) and it saves £3 per ticket* on Tuesday and Wednesday performances.

The early bird discount is not valid on Mondays, Saturday matinees and school performances and cannot be redeemed against any other offer.

After the early bird discount ends tickets will be available from £13 - £25*

*Plus a 50p per ticket booking fee

Comedy In The MET 24.10.15 Suggested Line Up

All of you who have managed to snap up a ticket for MET Comedy on Saturday night are in for a treat! Here’s the suggested line up:

Stuart Goldsmith

Winner: "Spirit of the Festival Award", New Zealand International Comedy Festival, 2013
Winner: Malcolm Hardee "Cunning Stunt" Award, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2012

Stuart is internationally recognised for original, striking stand-up comedy; his last three solo shows making him an "expert standup" (Sunday Times), and a "consistent fringe must-see" (Broadway Baby). TV warm-up credits include 'Miranda', 'Coming Of Age', 'Wall of Fame', 'The Stephen K Amos Show' and many more.

Tim Clark

'An unsung hero of stand-up comedy - the current master of this underrated art' The Guardian

Comedian, writer and actor Tim Clark is one of the brightest lights on the national comedy scene and a familiar face on television. His regular appearances at live venues throughout the country and especially at The Comedy Store and Jongleurs keep his wit sharp and his material fresh. His striking looks, quick wit and affable nature has made sure that Tim makes an instant impact on his many TV
and radio appearances.


Tim has written three critically acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh festival. The second of these 'Talking to Ted' subsequently appeared on BBC Radio 4 in 2006 starring Les Dennis.
He was co-writer (with Barry Cryer) on the BBC's 'Stand-up Show'. He has also written material for many well-known personalities including; Jonathon Ross, Phill Jupitus and Mark Lamarr.

The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue


“Absolutely hilarious” - VIZ

An uncle/nephew combo, not jazz and not pop but comedy. It’s intended to entertain and boy does it do just that.
 Musical puns, cheeky japes and slick sandal-based choreography abound to a backing track of increasing intensity, transporting even the meekest of reluctant comedy-goers to quivering, giggling seat-wetters.
 With TV interest and a radio murder mystery simmering nicely on the back burner, Raymond and his sadistic though kindly uncle Mr ‘it’s all got to do with respect my boy’ Timpkins, still find time to jet about the globe, entertaining the troops of her Majesty as they go.

“A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” – The Guardian Tickets for Saturday’s show are sold-out, but you can book ahead for other MET Comedy shows here. Please note the line up is subject to change and MET Comedy is recommended for ages 16+ only.

Jack and the Beanstalk - Cast Announcement

Rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk kick off in just over a month so we thought we'd better show you the incredible cast who will be rocking your socks off!

Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson – The Giant

Craig trained as an actor, singer, and musician at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and has worked in these mediums across live theatre and national tours, circus arts, television, and session musicianship.

He has most recently been working with the folk band They You Would Crew With. His theatre credits include: Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Clwyd), Chaplin's Circus (UK Tour), Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No1 Tour), Beauty and the Beast (Citizens Theatre), Little Johnny's Big Gay Wedding (National Theatre Scotland), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bard in the Botanics), Hot Mikado (Landor Theatre). His TV credits include: Tonight's The Night with John Barrowman (BBC Television) and Hedz (BBC Television).

Isobel Bates

Isobel Bates – Fairy Aubergine

Isobel trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, gaining an MA in Musical Theatre Performance, and made her professional theatre debut as Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Christmas 2014/2015. Other credits: Trumpeter in Kiss Me Quick (Nathan Sykes / Global) and Lead Soloist in the Magic of Broadway (DeHavilland Philharmonic). 

Isobel is an experienced singer, actor musician, musical director, arranger, composer and accompanist.






Gregory Clarke – Fleshcreep


Gregory Clarke

Panto fans may recognise Gregory from his previous performances as Primp in Beauty and the Beast, Mordred in Sleeping Beauty and Verruca in Cinderella last year. Gregory is happy to say he feels like “one of the family” at the Gatehouse.

He trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

West End: Louis/Conman in the original cast of Andrew Lloyd Webbers' The Woman in White (Palace Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn, Guy Gisbourne in Hoods (Arts Theatre), directed by Craig Revel-Horwood.

Theatre includes: Al in Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No.1 Tour), White Bishop/1st cover Molokov in Chess (UK No.1 tour/Italy/Princess of Wales Theater, Toronto), Raymond Neff in The Witches of Eastwick (UK No.1 tour), Narrator in The Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre), 6 Rock'n'Roll pantos by Peter Rowe (New Wolsey, Ipswich and Stafford Gatehouse), Twelfth Night, Robin Hood (Nuffield, Southampton)
Most recently Gregory appeared in the World premiere production of Bob Eatons' Roll Over Beethoven (Queens Theatre Hornchurch)
As a guitarist, Gregory plays regularly with many different act s- including his acoustic duo show with Matthew Quinn- and has also worked with The Runaround Kids, The Experience, Songbird-The Music of Eva Cassidy, Hold Tight It's 60's Night, The Elvis Years, The Bluejays, Hot Stuff the musical (at Queens Theatre Hornchurch) and Many more.

Josh Haberfield

Josh Haberfield – Axeman

Josh trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Theatre credits include; The Picture House (Playpen Productions). The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner (Charing Cross Theatre), The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Ovation Theatres Ltd) The Hound of the Baskervilles (Jellicoe Theatre Productions)












TJ Holmes – Dame Dolly Dumplings

TJ Holmes

This will be TJ’s third rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre after appearing in Dick Whittington (2011) and Beauty and the Beast (2012) TJ trained at Central School of Speech and Drama.  His theatre credits include: The BFG and I Was A Rat (Birmingham Rep), What To Do When You Find A Dinosaur (Oxford Playhouse), The Threepenny Opera (Graeae), Cinderella (Unicorn Theatre), Hansel and Gretel (Kneehigh), Spend Spend Spend! and Some Like It Hotter (Watermill), As You Like It (Curve Theatre), and Cider with Rosie and Merchant of Venice (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds).  On screen he has appeared in Doc Martin (ITV), A Rogue & A Patriot (Channel 5), and Harry Hill’s Christmas Burp (Channel 4).  TJ has also worked as a writer and composer, most recently for a Christmas show in Penzance, the town where he grew up.                        
                                        






Joshua Meredith – Squire Snuffbox

Joshua Meredith

Joshua trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

His credits include: Austen -the Musical (East Riding Theatre), Services No Longer Required (BBC Philharmonic & Imperial War Museum North), Loot (Hull Truck Theatre), Funny Turns (Hull Truck Theatre), The Sam Wanamaker Festival (Globe Theatre), Monologue Slam UK – Winner (Joshua Brooks), Departure Lounge (InStep Theatre). Joshua also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie (Young Bwark Productions).

Josh is “delighted” to be returning to the Gatehouse Theatre after making his panto debut as Hernia in Cinderella last year.

Katie Pritchard

Katie Pritchard – Gemima

Katie attained a First Class BA (Hons) degree at Buckinghamshire New University. Her theatre Credits include: Dandini in Cinderella (Key Theatre, Peterborough), Principal Performer on Showtime! (SpaTheatre, Bridlington), Carnaby Street (UK Tour), Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (The Playhouse, London); Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK Tour); Servants Chorus in My Fair Lady (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Featured Ensemble / Musician Call Me Madam (Upstairs at The Gatehouse), Molly's Brother / Musician in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (The Landor), Joanne's Mum /Musician in Rent (Broadway Theatre).

Other Credits include: Various Characters in 'TNUC', Written, Directed and Produced by Katie Pritchard for Everycloud Productions (Parody advert, winner of the Idea's Tap Short Parody Award 2014), Katie in 'Even The Little Ones', Written, Directed and Performed by Katie Pritchard (Solo Musical Comedy Show, Canal Cafe Theatre, 2015), All Characters in 'Literally Comedy', Created by Katie Pritchard for Jemm Three (Radio Sketch Show and Podcast).

Katie is also a Guitarist and Vocalist in all-girl Rock'n'Roll band, The Daisy Chains, Winner of the London Vintage Awards 2014.

Ned Rudkins-Stow

Ned Rudkins-Stow – Jack

Ned graduated from Rose Bruford in 2015. His theatre credits whilst training include: Man 1 in Songs For A New World, Morton Gross in The Water Engine and Orgilus in The Broken Heart. Ned is a graduate of the Actor Musicianship programme and his musical skills include: double bass, guitar, drums and piano. Ned's musical influences have predominantly been blues and jazz throughout his childhood, which fueled his passion for the guitar.  He is “delighted” to be a member of the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk and is “looking forward” to appearing in his first pantomime.











Laura Sillett

Laura Sillett – Jill

Laura trained at The Guildford School of Acting.

Her theatre credits include: Muriel u/s Sue & Donna in Dreamboats & Miniskirts (UK tour), Snow Queen in The Snow Queen (UAE tour), Donna in Dreamboats & Petticoats (UK tour), Briar Rose in Sleeping Beauty (Emporium Theatre, Brighton), Soloist/Ensemble in Marvin Hamlisch Concert (St James Theatre) and Ensemble in There’ll Always Be An England (Brick Lane Music Hall).

Robert Wade

Robert Wade – Billy

Robert studied at the Rose Bruford College, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting Musicianship.  An accomplished musician, Robert’s main instrument is the Clarinet. Since graduating, Robert has played Jemmy in The Carlton Colliers (Badapple Theatre Company) and Little John in a Summer Tour of Robin Hood (Cambridge Touring Theatre). Robert is “delighted” to be making his Panto debut playing Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk for Stafford Gatehouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Thursday 10th December 2015 until Sunday 11th January 2016. You can book your tickets by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here

Get ready for a cabaret and burlesque extravaganza!

Nothing gets us more excited than our cabaret and burlesque night Très Très Cabaret and it is back with a bang in just over two weeks!

The first performer to be announced for our October 23rd show is the amazing Elliot Mason! Absurdly astute, Elliot performs self-penned hilarious songs that have a uniquely bonkers take of life's humdrum nature. Utterly charming, often bewildering and endlessly amusing, he is a skilled musician and talented comic with inimitable wit and awesome hair.

Next to be added to the stellar line up was Sophia St.Villier - the flame haired burlesque artist with the looks of a Golden Age Hollywood Star and the body of a pinup goddess!

Originally from New Zealand, Sophia moved to London after falling in love with the London Cabaret scene. Her vintage acts and exquisite, bespoke costumes means that she now regularly headlines at burlesque shows throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Sophia has performed for the likes of Will.i.am and Professor Green, for Sky Atlantic at the Boardwalk Empire launch, at Greg Yaitanes' wedding in France (director of House and Lost director) Don’t miss your chance to watch this spell-bindingly elegant glamazon in action, and see for yourself why she is known as the real life Jessica Rabbit!

 

The brilliant Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner will be returning to the MET after stunning audiences at the launch of Très Très Cabaret in 2013. Described by Venue Magazine as “one of Europe’s funniest and most innovative jugglers”, Rod Laver’s act has to be seen to be believed! With his astonishing, hilarious and totally unique oral ping pong juggling act, he is very much in demand; achieving world records, awards, medals and standing ovations for appearances on TV, cabaret and circus worldwide. The incredibly talented Alexandra Hofgartner trained at a prestigious contemporary circus school, specialising in aerial hoop and physical theatre. With flawless feminine éclat, she creates sophisticated and beautiful performances which evoke the excitement of new beginnings, the exhilaration of change and the magic of metamorphosis.

But that’s not all folks...Rod and Alex have created a double act which is incredibly funny, inexplicably sexy, and absolutely unforgettable. An utterly unique combination of the glamorous burlesque elegance of Alexandra Hofgartner and gentlemanly finesse of Rod Laver; this show-stopping performance harks back to the magical world of 1930's Berlin. You’ll soon discover why this phenomenal act is much in demand at cabaret and burlesque events throughout Europe.

This incredible event is produced by its resident host and singer, the hilarious Stage Door Johnny. A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, he'll have you grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand - sometimes literally. He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight you!

Tickets for Très Très Cabaret are £15 and can be booked by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here. The show is strictly for over 18s only. If you're still not sure if Très Très Cabaret is for you check out the gorgeous photos below...

Elliot Mason

Sophia St. Villier by Life Is Yours Photography

  

Sophia St. Villier by Life Is Yours Photography

Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner by Andrew Nash

Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner by Andrew Nash
  

Stage Door Johnny by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography



Stage Door Johnny by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography