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+
Friday, 4 December 2015
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
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.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
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.
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.
Friday, 27 November 2015
Behind the scenes of Panto with Katie Pritchard
 |
| Katie Pritchard |
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!
Monday, 23 November 2015
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.
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.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
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.
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.
Monday, 16 November 2015
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.
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