"Thank you Festival on The Close for choosing Cancer Research UK as one of your charity partners in 2025. We are very much looking forward to this year's line up.
It's with your ongoing support and generous donations that allows our life-saving and groundbreaking research to continue. Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK's work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK.
We hope you all enjoy your time at this year's festival. Together we are beating cancer."
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247).
Now in our eighth year, celebrating creativity and culture once again in the heart of Rugby Town Centre.
As a cornerstone of the town’s new Love Rugby festival we are proud to fling wide the gates of Rugby School once again, welcoming thousands of visitors and school groups from across the region to The historic Close for a week of world-class live entertainment and inspirational workshops for schools.
This year we also welcome The Bradby Club to the festival family, as we support their amazing work with children in the local community alongside our regular charity partner Cancer Research UK. We are proud to support both amazing charities, with profits from the festival going to improve the lives of children and adults both regionally and nationally. To find out more about our inedible charity partners please go to www.bradby.org.uk or www.cancerresearchuk.org
Bucket donations for both charities will be gratefully received at the festival, so don’t forget to bring your spare change to help change lives.
Whether you’re here to dance-along to 90s anthems, laugh-along to Alex Horne and The Horne Section or swingalong to the BBC Big Band, we look forward to welcoming you and thank you for your support once again.
Bring a deck chair, a sun hat (maybe an umbrella too, just in case), grab a drink from the festival bar and enjoy all that Festival on The Close has to offer. You are all welcome.
Dr Tim Coker Artistic Director and Festival Director
Richard Tanner Director of Music and Festival Director
WELCOME TO RUGBY SCHOOL AND FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE 2025
2025 marks the eighth year of Festival on The Close—eight years of celebrating creativity, culture, and community. I am delighted that the festival has become a much-anticipated highlight of both Rugby School and Rugby Town calendars.
Each year, the Festival continues to grow in ambition and scale, reflecting the profound power of the Arts to bring people together, inspire imagination, and foster connection. Thousands of local children immerse themselves in engaging workshops by day, while each evening the grounds of Rugby School come alive with performances that draw our whole community together. This year, the Festival extends across a variety of beautiful and historic venues:
• TSR (Temple Speech Room) will host a series of music concerts, spotlighting the exceptional talents of both students and professionals.
• Macready Theatre is home to a rich and vibrant Shakespeare Season, offering bold reimaginings of classic works.
• The Tandem Arena welcomes a spectacular line-up of special guests, including the BBC Big Band with Swing Legends, and a high-energy DJ set from Jo Whiley, supported by the dynamic Stringfever.
• And within the grand surroundings of Old Big School (OBS), audiences can enjoy a captivating production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
As always, the Festival offers inspiring collaborations between students and professional artists, along with the premieres of exciting new works. It is a celebration of shared experience—where we come together to be entertained, to be inspired, and to enjoy the boundless power of the Arts.
We are once again deeply grateful to Tandem Property Management, our principal sponsors, whose generous support makes the Festival’s ambition and inclusivity possible. We are also proud to continue our valued partnership with Cancer Research UK, a pioneering charity making a vital contribution to the battle against Cancer. This year, we are thrilled to also be supporting the Bradby Club—a local organisation doing outstanding work with young people in our community. We are passionate about their mission and proud to champion the impact they have on so many lives.
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to see what’s new, I hope this year’s Festival on The Close brings joy, discovery, and inspiration—and leaves you with unforgettable memories.
Gareth Parker-Jones, Head Master of Rugby School
JO WHILEY
THE ABOUTFESTIVAL
OUR HEADLINE ACTS
FOUNDED IN 2017, FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE RETURNS BRINGING WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE, OUTREACH, AND EDUCATION TO RUGBY.
The heart of Rugby will once again beat to the rhythm of music, comedy, and creativity as the highly anticipated Festival on The Close returns for its eighth annual celebration. Taking place between 21 – 26 June, this celebration of creativity promises a programme brimming with professional and student performances on our purpose-built outdoor ‘Tandem Arena’ and other stunning venues across Rugby School’s historic grounds.
Becoming something of a beloved tradition in Rugby, Festival on The Close showcases a dynamic lineup of comedians, musicians, and performers on our stage, offering something for art lovers of every age and interest. Manford’s Comedy Club present our ever-popular comedy night, kicking off the festival with the best bunch of awardwinning comedians. Featuring Maisie Adam and Babatunde Aleshe, alongside other top-quality comedians hand-picked by Jason Manford. Jo Whiley brings the ultimate party night with her live DJ set, spinning an eclectic mix of massive singalong anthems, party hits,
indie classics, and pop gems. Her sets are a celebration of feel-good vibes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Stringfever will warm up the audience with their 5 String Violectras and beat-boxing one man rhythm section.
Widely regarded as one the world’s leading Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band will delight festival goers with their celebration of Swing legends. Through a wonderful repertoire arranged and curated by the band’s conductor, Barry Forgie, this concert will feature a sparkling collection of music from the twentieth century They have two series of their own Channel 4 TV show, an iTunes-chart-topping podcast and
now they’re tuning up their instruments once more to come to Festival on The Close: it’s The Horne Section’s HitShow! Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, this six-headed comedy band includes five outstanding musicians and one non-musical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about for Tandem Arena’s final act.
Elsewhere at the Festival the Bliss Sinfonia orchestra will mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Arthur Bliss with a spectacular concert given in the Temple Speech Room and Motionhouse will showcase their distinctive powerful physicality with their gravity-defying dance WILD. Macready Theatre invites you to brush up on your Bard and enjoy a diverse Shakespeare season featuring returning favourites Flabbergast Theatre presenting their latest adaptation; Romeo and Juliet, Sir Gregory Doran is in the hot-seat as Michael Billington interviews the former Artistic Director of the RSC, and Kings Ballet join forces with That’s a Rap Ltd to present Ballet and the Bard, a piece of new work created exclusively for Festival on The Close.
If that wasn’t enough, local schools, colleges and universities have been invited to join the festival’s workshop programme offering taster sessions exploring the wonders of magic, big bangs in science, and footwork in Latin and Ballroom. Thanks to an incredibly influential bunch of industry experts, artists and creatives, these workshops exist to inspire future generations and empower young minds.
It is a privilege to once again raise vital funds and awareness for our charitable partners Cancer Research UK. This year, we are delighted to add The Bradby Club to the fold. Whether you’re purchasing tickets or donating to one of the charity buckets around the festival, you have our sincerest thanks.
We couldn’t conjure up the magic of this festival without the generous support of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to Rugby School, Tandem Property Management, CEMEX and Stepnell who make it all possible. Their support ensures the arts stay alive and accessible for all — from starryeyed schoolkids to seasoned festival enthusiasts. Festival on The Close welcomes all; local residents and visitors alike to experience a rich cultural tapestry celebrating the arts in our community.
THE HORNE SECTION
Amie Johnson, Festival Manager
Join us for an uproarious night of comedy on The Close in support of Cancer Research UK.
WITH MAISIE ADAM AND BABATUNDE ALESHE
Saturday 21 June 8pm
Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena
Schedule:
Loveable MC Barry Dodds kicks off with his downto-earth observational humour at 8pm
Babatunde Aleshe takes over with his multi award-winning comedy 8:10 - 8:30pm
INTERVAL
MC Barry Dodds returns to introduce our second act 8:40pm
Charlie Lewis presents his witty one liners 8:50 - 9:10pm
INTERVAL
MC Barry Dodds returns to introduce our third and final act 9:20pm
Maisie Adam headlines with her charm and anecdotal material 9:30pm The event will wrap up around 10:15pm.
Bringing the best bunch of award-winning comedians to Rugby, Manford’s Comedy Club always delivers on a great night out! The thrill of being there is something that nothing can replicate, the excitement of watching a performer with your mates, colleagues or loved ones knowing that absolutely anything could happen and witnessing the magic that only happens there in that very moment; it’s why stand up comedy remains one of the best nights out you’ll ever have.
JASON MANFORD
BARRY DODDS CHARLIE LEWIS
MAISIE ADAM
Maisie Adam is fast on her way from being one of the brightest rising stars of the UK comedy scene to becoming a household name.
Since winning the nationwide So You Think You’re Funny? competition in 2017, she has won Best New Act at the Chortle Awards and the Amused Moose National New Act gong, as well as being nominated Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe for her debut show Vague
She followed this up with two more shows; a sold out Edinburgh run of the critically acclaimed Hang Fire, before embarking on a sold out 63-date tour of her most recent show Buzzed which went on to finish with a sold out run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Maisie’s anecdotal material and witty charm have quickly won her praise across the country, and she has since appeared on Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, QI, Roast Battle, 8 Out of 10 Cats and the Royal Variety Performance.
She is also the host of the hugely successful Big Kick Energy podcast which she co-hosts with friend and fellow comedian Suzi Ruffell, and won Sports Podcast of the Year in the Sports Broadcast Awards just 5 months after the first episode aired.
BABATUNDE ALESHE
The hugely popular Babatunde Aléshé is an award winning comedian, actor and podcaster.
A firm TV favourite, Babatunde Aléshé is one of the most popular names in UK entertainment. Much in demand, Babatunde’s impressive list of credits include The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), The Last Leg (C4), Would I Lie To You (BBC), Big Fat Quiz of Everything (C4) World’s Most Dangerous Roads (DAVE) and Live at the Apollo (BBC) as well as being a cast regular in the BAFTA nominated Celebrity Gogglebox (C4)
In 2022 his Mission Imagination podcast series in association with Penguin Publishing won the prestigious ARIAS Award.
In 2023 Baba launched his smash hit debut tour Babahood which sold a phenomenal 30,000 tickets.
In 2024 Baba was announced as Head Judge for the BBC New Comedian of the Year and as the new Taskmaster cast for Channel 4. He also has a hugely sucsessful podcast series – Then and Now – with wife Leonie Aleshe for Media Giant Global. A popular branded ambassador, his partnerships include John Lewis, Mattel, Ireland Tourism, Boots & ASDA.
As an experienced actor, he has appeared in an extensive list of shows including Sky One’s Both Sides Now, Waking the Dead and films including Blood and The Naked Poet alongside cutting-edge theatre such as Ilé (Soho Theatre) and Requiem for Tomorrow (Shaw Theatre).
JO WHILEY DJ SET
Supported by Stringfever
Sunday 22 June 8pm
Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena
Jo Whiley is one of the most iconic voices in British broadcasting, known for her dynamic career on television and as a beloved DJ on BBC Radio 2. With her infectious energy and expert music curation, she has become a favourite among listeners...
Jo brings this joy to her live DJ sets, where she spins an eclectic mix of massive singalong anthems, party hits, indie classics, and pop gems. Her sets are a celebration of feel-good vibes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that gets crowds dancing and singing along in an instant.
STRINGFEVER will be warming up the audience ahead of Jo Whiley’s DJ set, which will kick-off around 20:45.
About Jo Whiley
Arguably one of the most recognisable voices in British Broadcasting, Jo Whiley has had an exciting and varied career and is considered one of the nation’s favourite radio DJs.
Jo was born in Northampton. After studying in Brighton and dabbling on BBC Radio Sussex’s new music show, her first broadcasting job was as a presenter for WPFM, Radio 4’s youth culture and music show. She then moved over into TV, initially on satellite, then to Channel 4 as band booker for The Word, giving Britain its first television taste of bands such as Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine.
Jo joined Radio 1 in the Spring of 1993 and in September she became permanent co-presenter of The Evening Session with Steve Lamacq. Four years later she landed her own daytime show, and remained part of Radio 1’s weekday line-up until 2009, when she began a new weekend programme. Jo has also presented coverage of the Glastonbury Festival on Radio 1, Channel
4 and BBC-TV, plus she’s hosted several music programmes for Channel 4. Jo now presents the 19:30 slot weekdays on BBC Radio 2.
Jo is a celebrity ambassador to Mencap, a UK charity that works to support people with learning difficulties. She hosts the Little Noise
Q&A WITH JO WHILEY
Hi Jo! Thanks so much for talking to us ahead of your visit to Rugby’s Festival on The Close. It’s very local to your hometown of Northampton, are you excited to be performing at this Festival and what do you have in store for us?
I am excited to be playing I love DJing live. I play a lot of 90s songs in my set and chances are it will be the same for this gig. However, The Killers and Arctic Monkeys always go down well so they well feature in the set too. Just need to see the audience first!
How do you approach building a set for a crowd you’ve never played for before?
I start with songs that I have road-tested, then feel my way through according to the crowd in front of me, but there are some songs that it’s impossible not to dance to so I have a few of those in my back pocket.
Do you have a ritual before you go on stage?
I place crystals around the room and chant! No, I take a couple of Nurofen, put on some comfortable clothes that I can leap around to, check for rain or sun, and hope the DJ decks work.
When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you listen to that would surprise your fans? My taste in music always veers towards the melancholy - so the likes of Nick Cave, Damian Rice, Father John Misty etc. otherwise music you can bounce around to – Beastie Boys, Killers etc but Vampire weekend are probably my favourite band so I love a bit of Oxford Comme or This Life. Otherwise I have a penchant for big disco classics from Sylvester to Donna Summer.
Do you have a top three achievement list when it comes to your dynamic television and radio career? Being the music booker for the Word-booking of the unknown band Nirvana! I seem to remember measuring the distance between Bono’s nipples live on Radio One. Last week, helping Monty Don and Jamie Butterworth put together the Dog Garden for the Chelsea Flower Show was pretty surreal but a real career/life highlight.
People often say that the DJ industry has a reputation of being traditionally male-dominated, I’m curious — what has your experience been like, and what advice would you give to others entering similar spaces?
Surround yourself with good people whose judgement you trust. I have had many excellent female producers and their empathy and understanding of being a woman in the music business has been invaluable. Currently the majority of people running BBC music are strong brilliant women, my production team included! It’s always been important to support young talented females coming through so they are able to realise their potential. I have been extremely lucky throughout my career that I have always worked with forward thinking companies and individuals -I have had 4 children and it has never been an issue.
Finally, what one song will always get you up on the dance floor?
Madonna – Like A Prayer
Thank you so much!
I
seem to remember measuring the distance between Bono’s nipples live on Radio One!
ABOUT STRINGFEVER
Classical, a little bit Rock and Roll, humorous and a whole lot entertaining, STRINGFEVER has something for everyone!
A high-energy electric string quartet blending classical, rock and comedy in a show that’s truly entertaining for all. With over 2,000 performances in 40+ countries, including 10 USA tours, they return to their hometown of Rugby to Rock the Close! Featuring five custom Violectras and a beatboxing rhythm section, this unique family band re-invents string music with unforgettable versions of Tchaikovsky, John Williams, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses, and Queen –like you’ve never seen before. 9 What’s on Sunday
Swing Legends
BBC BIG BAND
“ “
World-class musicians…
A brilliant musical force
The Telegraph
Joyous George Benson
I told my wife that for my next birthday I want this band as a gift! Lalo Schifrin
Musical Director: Barry Forgie
Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band and conductor Barry Forgie for a celebration the very finest in big band and swing.
Widely regarded as one the world’s leading Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band continues to delight audiences around the world through their broadcasts on BBC Radio as well the limited number of live performances they give at some of the country’s most prestigious venues.
The Band’s musical collaborations read like a ‘who’s who’ of the international music scene, and have included artists as diverse as: Tony Bennett, Martin Taylor, Robert Palmer, Louis Stewart, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Mel Torme, Clark Terry, Michael Buble, Dr John, George Benson, Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, and Ray Charles … to name just a few!
Monday 23 June 8pm
Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena
Within the UK, the BBC Big Band is probably best known for its work across the BBC’s radio channels – BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. Their performances also reach huge global audience, through its regular broadcasts for the BBC World Service, and via the BBC’s iPlayer service… making this a truly international music institution. Live performances have included numerous appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, as well as the BBC Proms in the Park series in Hyde Park; as well as concerts at the UK’s premier concert venues, including venues as diverse as Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Snape Maltings, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Glasshouse Gateshead, and London’s Cadogan Hall.
Singers: AIain Mackenzie, Emer McParland
THE HORNE SECTION
Tuesday 24 June 8pm | Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena
They have two series of their own Channel 4 TV show, an iTunes-charttopping podcast and now they’re tuning up their instruments once more to come to Festival on The Close, Rugby: it’s the Horne Section’s HitShow!
“We can’t recommend The Horne Section highly enough” Time Out
“Endlessly charming, offbeat humour” The Independent
“Funny and delightful... this is a welcome escapist treat” Heat
“Britain’s Funniest Band” (The Guardian) have made appearances on TheLastLeg (Channel 4), Peter Crouch’s Year-Late Euros (BBC One), they are Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the only band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
Separately, members of The Horne Section have performed with recording artists including Robbie Williams, Madness, Florence and the Machine, Amy Winehouse, George Ezra, Basement Jaxx, Disclosure and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, the six-headed comedy band includes five outstanding musicians and one nonmusical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about. A brand-new show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of the BAFTA and National Comedy Award-winning Taskmaster.
IELSEWHEREI IATTHEFESTIVALI
Alongside the main stage programme, events take place at other stunning venues across the historic Rugby School grounds, including Macready Theatre and Temple Speech Room.
SUNDAY 22 JUNE
Rugby School Department of Theatre and Performing Arts presents:
THE TEMPEST
Following their standout performance at the Coram Shakespeare for Schools Festival, our talented cast returns to Festival on the Close with a bold, abridged take on The Tempest. This isn’t just Shakespeare—it’s a theatrical spectacle where the supernatural meets the spectacular. Expect fairies, disco balls, and even a little George Michael, all woven into a production that blends music, physical theatre, and dynamic storytelling.
Lose yourself in the magic as we transport you to an island filled with mystery, power, and rebellion—one that may not be so different from our own. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or new to The Bard, this exhilarating performance promises to captivate, surprise, and leave you spellbound. It is also very assessable to our younger theatrical enthusiasts!
Directed by: Emily Browning
Cast: Ely Arif, Alfie Turner, Rosanna Nealon, Clara Morgan, Scarlett Gannon, Emily Coe, Matthew Brett, Otto Lloyd Baker, Theo Taylor, Lottie Repp, Andrew Taylor, Erin Margrace, Lily Young , Vivaan Argawal, Anya Sodhi, Emma Berlin, Precious Oduwole, Penny Fawdry Jeffries, Sasha Kantaria, Summer Blundell, Matilda Johnson, Freya Hunter
Sunday 22 June 5pm
Venue: Macready Theatre
Sunday 22 June 6pm Venue: Macready Theatre
Written by: Ben Grant
Directed by: Tim Coker
Macready Square Pegs Young Actor’s Company presents: 8-BIT
DREAM
Eight teenagers take you back in time to an analogue age when telephones had wires and television was not so demanding. Square Pegs are back with a brand-new, life-imitating-art play about growing up which asks lots of questions about what it means to be human (but offers absolutely no answers whatsoever). Join Macready Theatre’s Offie-nominated Young Actors for 45 minutes of absurdist, fast-paced, fun-filled story-telling as we share time-travelling tales of nostalgia and a yearning for meaning when all around seems fake.
‘A short spectacular showcase’
(Mumble Theatre)
‘Another joyous bag of wild imagination, comedy and physicality’
(Broadway Baby)
Movement by: Ellen Finlay Technicians: Kyle Arrowsmith; Maggie Poszewiecka
This spectacular concert, given by the professional Bliss Sinfonia orchestra, will mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Arthur Bliss, former pupil of Bilton Grange and Rugby School, who went on to become Master of the Queen’s Music from 1953 until his death in 1975.
In his student days, Arthur Bliss was heavily influenced by the music of Edward Elgar, so it seems appropriate that the Bliss Sinfonia will be joined for a performance of Elgar’s setting of Great is the Lord by The Rugby Choristers of Bilton Grange and the Temple Consort of Rugby School, a combined choir comprising pupils of the two schools that Arthur Bliss attended.
The programme will also feature stunning solo performances from three phenomenal musicians at the start of their final week as music scholars at Rugby School.
Conductors: Richard Tanner and Rebecca Taylor
Soloists: Louisa Roberts, Ryan Bradshaw, Arthur Shaw
Bliss Sinfonia
Rugby Choristers at Bilton Grange
Temple Consort of Rugby School
Sunday 22 June 6pm Venue: Temple Speech Room
Programme: Arthur Bliss, Welcome the Queen Sondheim (arr Samuel Wilson), Being Alive (from ‘Company’) Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto no.3
Elgar, Great is the Lord
MONDAY 23 JUNEI
Rugby School Department of Music presents:
PIANO CHAMBER CONCERT
Experience an afternoon of exceptional piano performance in the Memorial Chapel, in the first of our lunchtime Chamber Concerts. Featuring some of Rugby School’s most talented pianists, this concert showcases piano composition at its peak.
We travel from the romantic depths of Chopin’s Ballade no.3 and the poignant ‘Tristesse’ Etude, to the impressionistic brilliance of Ravel’s ‘Jeux d’eau’ and his Sonatine. Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G sharp minor shimmers with elegance, and Liszt’s breathtaking ‘Feux Follets’, innovative and almost hypnotic.
Performers: Audrey Wang, Nanako Ueda, Ryan Bradshaw, Samuel Lau, William Griffiths
Monday 23 June and Tuesday 24 June 1:30pm
Venue: Lewis Gallery
Temple Consort presents:
Monday 23 June 1:30pm
Venue: Memorial Chapel
Rugby School Department of Art and Design presents:
ART & DESIGN EXHIBITION & FASHION SHOW
Internal School Event
A celebration of wearable art, design and visual culture! The fashion show is a live event, exhibiting original designs created in the A-level Textiles course and modelled by Rugby School students. Presented in the Lewis Gallery, the fashion show takes advantage of the two-tiered space, with large-scale 2D artwork from our A-level Art students displayed on the gallery walls also functioning as a backdrop for the constructed textiles on the catwalk. Work in the gallery includes Fine Art, Graphics, Photography, and 3D Design. Hotly anticipated every year, the fashion show puts the spotlight on innovation through wearable textiles. Join us for a showcase of creativity, style and visual expression!
SONGS AND SONNETS FROM SHAKESPEARE
The Temple Consort of Rugby School present musical settings of a selection of favourite Shakespeare texts, including It Was a Lover and His Lass, Who is Silvia? and When Daffodils Begin to Peer
Vaughan Williams’ luxurious settings for unaccompanied choir of three songs feature, with tolling bells in Full fathom five, thunderous bass and rich chords in The cloud-capp’d towers, and the agile dancing fairy in Over hill, Over Dale. Famed jazz pianist George Shearing’s fun, lifeaffirming settings of Shakespeare complement the Vaughan Williams, complete with jazz piano and 4-part harmony.
The concert will also feature student members of the Temple Consort singing solo songs, including the song cycle Let Us Garlands Bring by friend of Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi.
Conductor: Jamie Conway
Soloists: Various
Monday 23 June 6pm
Venue: Temple Speech Room
Programme to include: Vaughan Williams Three Shakespeare Songs George Shearing Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare Gerald Finzi Let Us Garlands Bring
Monday 23 June 6pm
Venue: The Porridge
Created and Directed by Kevin Finnan
Performers: Alex De La Bastide, Olly Bell, Llewelyn Brown, Sophie O’Leary, Dylan Davies and Beth Pattison
Original Score: Tim Dickinson and Sophy Smith
Set Design: Simon Dormon
Costumes by Sofie Layton
Motionhouse presents:
WILD
Step into WILD, an unforgettable outdoor performance by Motionhouse that blends daring dance and jawdropping acrobatics.
WILD explores our relationship with nature and the environment. In this 45-minute show, performers use gravity-defying powerful physicality to move through a forest of tall poles, moving animal-like through the dangerous world of the forest and taking refuge high in the canopy.
WILD is more than a performance – it’s an experience. Relaxed and inclusive, it’s suitable for all ages. Audiences are free to move around, wear headphones, talk or just be themselves. While it may get noisy, there’s no pressure to clap or respond, just come as you are and enjoy the spectacle.
With no flashing lights, continuous music, and movements of direct performer-audience interaction (with no pressure to participate), WILD is a thrilling and safe, even for sensitive viewers.
Flabbergast Theatre presents:
ROMEO AND JULIET
Flabbergast Theatre return to Macready Theatre as part of Festival on The Close with their award-winning approach to the classics. Artistic Director Henry Maynard leads the company to bring a fresh and innovative outlook, embracing physicality whilst celebrating the verse and bringing musicality and simplicity to the storytelling. This is a tragedy encompassing laughter and tears, beautiful poetry, bawdy jokes and some impressive swashbuckling to boot. Expect live music, clowning, mask work and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Monday 23 June 7pm
Venue: Macready Theatre
Director: Henry Maynard
Musical Consultant: Nick Hart
Lighting Design: Rachel Shipp
Design & Costume: Henry Maynard
Associate Directors: Simon Gleave
Movement Consultant: Matej Matejka
Cast: Nadav Burstein – Tybalt, Daniel Chrisotomou – Duke/Friar Lawrence/Peter, Vyte Garriga – Nurse, Simon Gleave – Mercutio, Lennie Longworth – Juliet, Henry Maynard – Lord Capulet/Benvolio, Kyll Thomas-Cole – Romeo
“If you like your Bard brought thoroughly up to date with muscular direction and full-blooded commitment from those on stage then this will give you much pleasure.
Fairy Powered Productions
TUESDAY 24 JUNE
Rugby School Department of Music presents:
CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
The first of our Chamber Concerts showcases movements from works that include the piano, with two trios and a quintet. A virtuosic pianist, Clara Schumann wrote only one piano trio which greatly influence her husband’s piano trio which he composed a year later. One of his most popular chamber works, Mendelssohn’s D minor piano trio is full of romantic gesture and lyrical melodies. Dvorak’s second piano quintet features expressive lyricism and the lively dance rhythms that have become synonymous with the composer.
Performers: Chilam Wu, Chloe Wu, Jonathan Divall, Nanako Ueda, Raina Du, Samuel Lau, William Griffiths, Winfred Yeung
Tuesday 24 June 4:30pm
Venue: Macready Theatre
Rugby School Department of Music presents:
RUGBY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Tuesday 24 June 1:30pm
Venue: Memorial Chapel
Rugby School Department of Theatre and Performing Arts presents:
SHAKESPEARE SLAM
The year has been a glorious one for our LAMDA students and their teachers. Record results have been achieved and the ShakespeareSlam is the opportunity for some of the best monologues to be performed in a gentle spirit of competition. Taking on excerpts from The Bard’s most noteworthy plays, as well as those lesser-known, Rugby School’s Theatre and Performing Arts students will each showcase their chosen monologue with clarity, intention and emotional depth.
Rugby Youth Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 — a joyful work written in 1889, inspired by the beauty of nature and Czech and Slavonic folk music. Its shifting moods move through pastoral scenes, lively dances, and dramatic passages.
The programme also features Korngold’s swashbuckling score from the 1940 film
The Sea Hawk, starring Errol Flynn, alongside two iconic British marches: Walton’s Crown Imperial, written for King George VI’s coronation, and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No. 1, famously linked with The Last Night of the Proms. Elgar’s title, drawn from Shakespeare’s Othello, ties in perfectly with one of the themes of this year’s Festival on the Close!
Orchestra Players: Amber Wu, Amelia Hawker, Anthony Cimurs, Arthur Shaw, Audrey Hunter, Benedict Tanner, Charlotte Hon, Cheik-Hai Ma, Chilam Wu, Chloe Wu, Deborah Chin, Doris Xu, Elsa Melia, Emily Minor, Emma Xiao, Florrie Winther, Gabriella Hawker, George Revels, Glenny Wu, Iona Eng, Iris Ng, Isabella Kettell, Isabella O’Neill, Ismael Dosoo, Jimmy Wang, Jonathan Divall, Josephine Butler, Joshua Clarke, Lucas Selby-Jerrold, Lucca Chen, Lucy Anderson, Matt Li, May Wu, Nathan Asher Oriakhi, Oliver Fulcher, Poppy Wilkes, Raina Du, Ralph Griffin, Ryan Chin, Samuel Lau, Scarlett Penman, Sofia Yarytska, Sophie Averill, Sophie Costa, Suki Chen, Thatcher Lai, Theo Graves, Theo Taylor, Tilly Budd, Tirion Gimblett, Tongfei Deng, William Brosius Kirkman, Winfred Yeung, Yaffa Chen, Zara Enright
Conducted by: Richard Tanner
Tuesday 24 June 6pm Venue: Temple Speech Room
Conducted by Richard Tanner
Macready Theatre presents:
SIR GREGORY DORANTHE MICHAEL BILLINGTON INTERVIEW
Tuesday 24 June 5:45pm
Venue: Macready Theatre
Welcome to this double-bill celebration featuring some the nation’s most esteemed Shakespearean creatives.
Sir Gregory Doran, Former Artistic Director of the RSC (2012-2022) and Michael Billington, theatre and film critic, headline this special event with discussions around publications.
With autobiographical detail and background on the RSC, Doran considers the choices made with plays and gives insights on key collaborations with acclaimed actors such as Judi Dench, David Tennant, Patrick Stewart, Simon Russell Beale, Paterson Joseph, Greg’s husband the late Antony Sher, and Dame Harriet Walter.
Kicking off this evening of fascinating discussions, Bruce O’Neil, Head of Music at The Royal Shakespeare Company, Corey Weekes and Kieren Hamilton-Amos, Co-Artistic Directors of That’s a Rap Ltd.
What do you get when you cross Royal Shakespeare Company’s Head of Music with the Co-Artistic Directors of That’s A Rap Ltd? A very insightful conversation about how we can approach Shakespeare plays today, breathing
Corey Weekes & Keiren HamiltonAmos are all-round creatives from inner-city Birmingham, shaped by a culture of rap. Keiren began rapping at 11, Corey at 12—giving them 34 years of combined experience. Both blend rap with drama: Keiren was movement director and lead in Birmingham REP’s Grimeboy, while Corey acted, assistant directed, and was musical director. They appear in BBC/Netflix’s Champion, writing music for the show, with Corey as Music Executive. Corey’s debut play Rapsody won the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Theatre Reserve 2022. Now lyricists for a Rap & R&B Romeo and Juliet musical touring in 2025, they also champion rap as a tool for youth empowerment and creative education.
new life into them and keeping them relevant in the current climate. An inspired conversation, Act I of the evening offers a dissection of different art mediums and the important roles they play when innovating timeless plays.
Greg Doran has been described as “one of the supreme Shakespeare directors of our era” (Financial Times) and “one of the finest present-day directors of Shakespeare” (Sunday Telegraph). He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as an actor in 1987 and became its Artistic Director in 2012, stepping down in 2022. He has directed and/or produced every single play in the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays at Stratford-upon-Avon. He was named as the 30th Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University for the academic year 2023-2024 and, in 2024, he received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours.
Bruce O’Neil trained at Birmingham Conservatoire, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio. He currently serves as the Head of Music for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), where he has made a significant impact. As Music Director, he has worked on more than 50 RSC productions, contributing his musical expertise to a wide range of acclaimed performances. His credits include the international success Matilda and Shakespeare Live, a BBC TV live broadcast from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 2016, which commemorated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and was subsequently nominated for a BAFTA Television Award.
Michael Billington was theatre critic of The Guardian from 1971 to 2019 making him the longest-serving critic in recent times. He has also been theatre critic of Country Life since 1986. He is the author of several books including biographies of Harold Pinter and Peggy Ashcroft, a prize-winning study of modern British drama, State of the Nation, and a subjective account of world drama, The 101 Greatest Plays. Over the years he has been a frequent broadcaster and teacher of American students in London. Born in Leamington Spa, he has strong connections with the Midlands.
ABOUT GREG DORAN
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE
Rugby School Department of Music presents:
ROCK & POP
Internal School Event
This year’s student Rock & Pop events at Festival on The Close promises to be the best yet! Once again, we take to the Tandem Arena for an eclectic mix of high-quality student performances, and this year we have a number of different performances enabling us to showcase even more music. You’ll hear pop, rock, metal, indie and funk to name but a few! There will be solo performances, accompanied by our incredible staff band, and some high energy performances by student bands. The songs are all chosen by the pupils based on their skill set and tastes in music, and they practise all year to develop their ensemble, performance and individual playing ability to make high quality, polished events. Playing on the Festival stage is the highlight of our year.
Director: Stephanie Sanders
Performers:
1:30pm: Abigail Mandava, Alistair McIntosh, Anthony Cimurs, Beatrice Askin, Ben Tanner, Billy Wright Evans, Deborah Chin, Esther Olayemi, Evelina Billaud, Finn Coker, Fleur Topham, George Wilson, Harry Westlake, Ismael Dosoo, Ivany Mebou Talla, Jack McCallum, Joshua Clarke, Louisa Roberts, Lucca Chen, Lucia Lee, Lucy Young, Mary Maraiyebu, Nathan-Asher Oriakhi, Niyati Joshi, Petter Laosirichon, Raphael Abreu, Sammy Wakayu, Suki Chen, Tea Habib, Thatcher Lai, Venus Xue, Yasmin Woo
4:45pm: Ben Tanner, Celia Duffy, Dexter Barrett, Elden Wong, Elsa Melia, Esther Olayemi, Etana Khawam, George Revels, Anthony Cimurs, Hattie Talbot, Ismael Dosoo, Lucia Lee, Scarlett Penman, Tea Habib, Tirion Gimblett, Verity Browne, Yasmin Woo, Tom Bish, Maggie Poszewiecka, Sophie Chan
6pm: Benedict Lenton, Cecilia Marriott-Clarke, Eve Taylor, Jack McCallum, Laura Mossop, Lucia Lee, Serena Browne, Sophia Langley, Sophie Breslin, Tirion Gimblett, Nell Hornett, Amelia Tuff
Wednesday 25 June 1:30pm
Venue: NMR
Wednesday 25 June 1:30, 4:45, 6:00, 8:00pm
Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena
8pm: Abigail Mandava, Alexander Taylor, Alistair McIntosh, Anthony Cimurs, Arthur Tolson, Beatrice Askin, Bella Liu, Benedict Lenton, Billy Wright-Evans, Cecily Harley, Celia Duffy, Deborah Chin, Elden Wong, Elizabeth Meraiyebu, Elsa Melia, Esther Olayemi, Eve Taylor, Evelina Billaud, Finn Coker, Fleur Topham, George Revels, George Wilson, Harriet Talbot, Harry Westlake, Harvey Nix, Ismael Dosoo, Ivany Mebou Talla, Jack McCallum, Johnnie Diallo, Joshua Clarke, Kit Howells, Kush Kantaria, Laura Mossop, Louise Roberts, Lucca Chen, Lucia Lee, Lucy Young, Nathan-Asher Oriakhi, Niyati Joshi, Petter Laosirichon, Raphael Abreu, Sammy Wakayu, Scarlett Gannon, Sophie Breslin, Suki Chen, Thatcher Lai, Thomas Marriott-Clarke, Tirion Gimblett, Tommy Zhu, Venus Xue, Verity Browne, Yasmin Woo
Rugby School Department of Music presents:
GTA & FRIENDS CONCERT
Rugby School’s Music Graduate Teaching Assistant Rosanna Milner performs a solo vocal recital, joined by Rugby School’s Director of Music Richard Tanner on the piano. This enchanting performance delves into Shakespeare’s profound exploration of love and femininity through song.
The centrepiece of the programme is Cecilia McDowall’s Four Shakespeare Songs which reinterpret Shakespeare’s women through four different styles and genres.
The characters McDowall chooses to portray in this cycle — Cleopatra, Ophelia, and Titania — inspire the rest of the programme, with music from a variety of composers through the ages, and texts by Shakespeare and beyond.
Wednesday 25 June 8pm Venue: Macready Theatre
About Kings International Ballet
Founded over 7 years ago by two humble but hugely experienced, international performers, teachers, producers and choreographers, these Mothers, Tania Matos and Cheryl Thrush bring with them over 60 years of combined industry knowledge. Their dedication, passion, and motivation for this art form shines through in the dancers who train at this elite, coaching facility, known as Kings International Ballet Academy. Now in its infancy, together with the support and encouragement of the Macready Theatre and Rugby School’s management team, Ms Matos and Ms Thrush have recently developed the professional company; Kings International Ballet. As well as having its own independent performances and tours, the company works closely with the Academy, providing invaluable experience to its gifted students.
Kings International Ballet together with That’s A Rap Ltd presents:
BALLET AND THE BARD
From the drama of Macbeth, to the heartbreak of Romeo and Juliet, the magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and others, with a mix of both traditional and original choreography there is something for everyone.
That’s A Rap will offer an original and unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s prose to introduce what will be an evening of great entertainment. This talented group of rap musicians demonstrate this art-form’s viability as a vessel for uplifting and empowering young people, making Shakespeare accessible through the application of rap music to drama.
Kings International Ballet will join That’s A Rap on stage for a number and then takeover the evening, presenting their outstanding talent and skill.
About That’s A Rap Ltd
Kieran Hamilton-Amos and Corey Weeks are the Co-Artistic Directors of That’s A Rap - a company that uses rap with drama to uplift and empower young people who have become disengaged from mainstream education.
Growing up in inner city Birmingham, rap music was ingrained in the culture. Through their company, they create work which uses rap as a tool in theatre and film, as well as teach others or how to realise the potential of a piece of rap theatre.
Want to know more? Hear Kieran and Corey speak about their approaches to Shakespeare as part of Sir Gregory Doran: The Michael Billington interview.
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE
Rugby School Department of Theatre and Performing Arts presents:
WEST END TO BROADWAY
Each year, Rugby School invite students to perform musical theatre numbers and crown the school year with a joyous showcase. With songs this year from such notable hit musicals such as West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate and Return to the Forbidden Planet, our fabulous ensemble will illuminate established numbers with fresh interpretations guaranteed to make you smile. Accompanied by our champion live jazz band, our talented musical theatre students will hit all the high notes with their brilliant performing. Not to be missed.
Cast: Abi Chan, Albie Tuckwell, Alex Bonsall, Alex Morgan , Alfie Fowler, Alfie Turner, Amelia Barton, Amelia Parker, Annabelle Wilson, Arthur Shaw, Billy Wright Evans, Celia Duffy, Chloe Beynon, Daisy Donne, Elsa Melia, Ely Arif, Emily Coe, Erin Margrave, Esther Olayemi, Finn Coker, Fleur Topham, Harry Westlake, Hattie Talbot, Ismael Dosoo, Jay Krishnamoorthy , Jessica Legge, Jessica Lo, Kalil Naziu, Lily Rose Pitcher, Lily Young, Louisa Roberts, Maggie Poszewiecka, Mily Zhang, Otto LloydBaker, Penny Fawdry-Jeffries, Poppy Ward, Precious Oduwole, Robbie RobinsonBaker, Rosanna Nealon, Ryan Docherty, Sammy Wakayu, Savannah Sellers, Scarlett Gannon, Theo Taylor, Toby Davies, Yasmin Woo
THURSDAY 26 JUNE
Thursday 26 June 6:30 and 8:15pm
Venue: OBS
Wednesday 25 June 6pm Macready Theatre
In The Round Theatre presents:
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
When the law of the land is preventing you from marrying the love of your life, there seems only one choice – to escape to a magical forest. Little do you know, at the heart of that forest, lies a King and Queen of the fairies who are very much at war. Oh, and a group of amateur actors hell-bent on rehearsing a play. The course of true love never did run smooth.
In the Round Theatre, Rugby’s local youth theatre return to Rugby School to present this innovative new immersive production with an 80s style makeover.
You’re all invited this midsummer, to escape with us into the forest of dreams…
“Their energy is infectious.” (Annie Tyson, Acting Coach and RADA Tutor)
Chaperones: Anne Campbell, Helen Lee, Laura Parker, Daisy Jones, Andrea Sloan, Melanie Liddle
Prompt: Annie Peverelle
WHAT’S ON at the Macready Theatre
THEATRE - DANCE - COMEDY - MUSIC - SPOKEN WORD
July
Friday 11 BYOB Comedy
Friday 18 Pizza and Jazz
Saturday 19 Manford’s Comedy Club
Thursday 24 Tales From The Lighthouse
Friday 25 One Man Poe
Saturday 26 Bonding
Tuesday 29 Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend
Wednesday 30 8-bit Dream
August
Friday 15 Gin and Jive
Friday 22 Sip & Paint
September
Friday 19 Pizza and Jazz
Saturday 20 Manford’s Comedy Club
Sunday 21 Inter Alia
October
Friday 3 Onyx Brass
Saturday 4 This Town
Saturday 4 In Conversation with Ben Crystal: Getting a Taste for the Bard
Thursday 9 Scholars’ Agents Showcase
Friday 10 Black is the Color of My Voice
Sunday 19 Teach Rex LIVE
Thursday 23 BYOB Comedy
Thursday 23 Swing From Paris: An Evening of Parisian-Flavoured Jazz and Gypsy Swing
Friday 24 Sip & Paint
Wednesday 29 Comedy Club 4 Kids Halloween Spectacular
Thursday 30 Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself
Friday 31 Pizza and Jazz
November
Saturday 1 Parody of the Rings
Sunday 2 Parody of the Rings
Thursday 6 LAMDA Showcase
Thursday 13 DOG/ACTOR
Thursday 20 Scholars’ Play
Friday 21 Scholars’ Play
Saturday 22 Manford’s Comedy Club
Sunday 23 Sip and Swing
December
Saturday 6 The Nutcracker
Sunday 7 The Nutcracker
Tuesday 9 The Nutcracker
Wednesday 10 The Nutcracker
Thursday 11 The Nutcracker
Friday 12 Gin and Jive
Friday 19 Sip & Paint
Saturday 14 December The Gingerbread Man – Sunday 4 January
Workshops
A.B.C. of World Music! Steel Pans with Fareed Siddiqui
Learn to play musical percussive instruments from Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean. Learn how the differing art forms originated and the cultural and historical significance of each genre. To conclude with a piece of music performed by you, the participants!
African Dance & Drumming
Experience the exhilarating vibrations of African drums. The sizzling beats combine with the essential components of stamp, sliding dance footsteps of movement. Learn the history of these sounds and how they were used as warning sirens, songs and stories to bring alive their history in village life and traditional ceremonies within the community.
Arabic Calligraphy
Immerse yourself in the beautiful and intricate world of Arabic Calligraphy! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use traditional bamboo pens and hand-mixed inks to learn the elegant strokes of Arabic Nastaliq script. Discover the fascinating history behind this ancient art form and experience the meditative process of creating your own calligraphic masterpieces. Perfect for beginners and those looking to deepen their appreciation of this timeless craft.
Beatboxing
Learn the art of beatboxing with expert artists who will coach you to explore this fun and fascinating skill to explore percussion. This beatboxing workshop explores rhythm, introducing participants to new ways of making sounds and music, individually and in teams.
Bhangra Beats
Get your heart pumping and your feet moving with this high-energy Bhangra dance workshop! Blending the powerful, celebratory moves of traditional North Indian folk dance with a fresh, modern twist, this session is all about rhythm, joy, and full-body fun—no experience needed, just bring your energy!
Chinese Arts
Experience a panoply of Chinese Arts in this workshop which explores games, dancing and puppetry with a 34ft Chinese dragon! Learn how to use the dragon puppet and try dance routines inspired by Kung Fu and traditional styles.
Clowning Around
Step into the spotlight and discover the joy of clowning in this highenergy, laughter-filled workshop! Through games, improv. and playful exercises, you’ll explore what it means to connect with an audience—not by performing for them, but by playing with them. Uncover your inner clown, embrace the fun of failure, and build the courage, honesty, and resilience that every great performer needs. Come ready to take risks, make mistakes, and most importantly—have a ridiculous amount of fun!
Dance with Boy Blue!
Join the UK’s most celebrated hip-hop dance theatre company, Boy Blue, for an unforgettable workshop experience at Festival on The Close. Participants will learn the foundations of Boy Blue’s powerful movement style—rooted in hip hop, shaped by storytelling, and accessible to all levels. Led by professional artists from the company, you’ll explore rhythm, expression, and the dynamic choreography that has captivated audiences from the Barbican to the Olympics. The journey ends with a short flashmob performance at the festival after the workshops, giving everyone the chance to perform as part of the Boy Blue movement. No experience needed—just passion, energy, and curiosity to try something new!
Digital Theatre Workshop: Creating One-Shot-Live-Films
Step into the future of performance with this dynamic, hands-on workshop led by multi-award-winning digital theatre creator Stephen Smith (Threedumb Theatre). Learn how to craft bold, cinematic storytelling in real-time using the one-shot-live-film technique – a groundbreaking fusion of theatre and film where everything is captured in a single, continuous take. This workshop explores how to rehearse, stage, and perform with precision and spontaneity, embracing the creative limitations of the form to unlock its raw, immediate power. Whether you’re curious about digital performance or ready to take your screen work to the next level, this is your chance to experiment, collaborate, and discover the thrilling potential of live, uncut storytelling.
Football Freestyle
Take your football skills to the next level in this focused freestyle workshop. Learn control, balance, and tricks with the ball, from basic footwork to advanced techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this session will help you improve your ball skills and express your creativity through the game.
From Fireballs to Frostbite: The Chemistry You Never Knew You Loved
Join us for a fascinating lecture exploring the history and Chemistry of explosives, from the discovery of gunpowder in 9th-century China to modern research and development. Learn how surface area can dramatically and unexpectedly affect the flammability of materials, before diving into the world of very cold Chemistry at -196°C with liquid nitrogen. The lecture will conclude with live demonstrations, including freezing everyday objects and making ice cream using liquid nitrogen — an event not to be missed!
Fun Summer Sports
Join us for a fun-filled workshop featuring a mix of classic and unexpected outdoor games. From friendly races to engaging challenges, this session is all about enjoying the thrill of movement and team spirit. Whether you’re looking to stay active or just have fun, it’s a great way to embrace the energy of summer and try something new!
Get Playful with Parkour!
Always wanted to try parkour? Join this creative workshop using set and movement inspired by free running
with Ascension Dance. Led by Qualified Parkour coaches using the Ascension bespoke set, participants will experience the joy of movement in these short, high-energy sessions.
Grill & Think: A relaxing Barbecue
Join us for a relaxed and engaging afternoon around the grill! In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the basics of grilling meat under the expert guidance of Mr Bayly. Together, we’ll prepare one large cut of meat for everyone to sample, accompanied by simple, delicious side dishes that participants will help cook as well. But this isn’t just about food, it’s also food for thought. While cooking together, we’ll open up a casual, thoughtful discussion about traditional gender roles, especially around food preparation and domestic tasks. Why is it often men who take charge of the grill but not the kitchen sink? Why do certain roles still fall along outdated lines, and how can we challenge that in everyday life? Led by Caroline Schmitz-Valckenberg (Head of House, Griffin) with support from Celeste Oki-Wood (DEIB Levee).
Health & Wellbeing –Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety
We can all get a little stressed during exam season, so come and experience a little tranquility in this workshop, designed to provide practical guidance for students to manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. You will learn about guided breathwork and EFT tapping, techniques you can take away and put into practice to restore calm and balance.
adding texture and dimension to your creations. No experience needed—just imagination and a steady hand!
Hidden Powers – Angus Baskerville Magic
What if your greatest challenge became your superpower? In Hidden Powers, Warwickshire magician Angus Baskerville returns to Festival on The Close with a brand-new show full of magic, humour, and heart. After a breakthrough performance last year, Angus—an award-winning, autistic performer—blends mind-reading, illusions, and personal storytelling in a show that celebrates neurodiversity and the hidden strengths within us all. Expect non-existent playing cards, SpongeBob SquarePants, audience participation, and even a little bit of time travel (sort of!).
Latin Rhythms: Salsa & Merengue
Join us for a vibrant journey into the world of Latin dance! In this workshop, you’ll learn the infectious rhythms and moves of Salsa and Merengue, two of the most exciting Latin dance styles. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this fun and energetic session will have you moving to the beat in no time! Perfect for anyone ready to embrace the spirit of Latin music and dance.
Magic Workshop with Angus Baskerville
Learn magic with a professional magician and mind reader featured recently on ITV News & Autism’s Got Talent! In this workshop, Angus will share his secrets and teach magic tricks that will captivate your friends and family; come and learn magic and it may just change your life in ways you would not have imagined!
Henna-Inspired Art & Papier-Mâché
Explore pattern, culture, and creativity in this hands-on art workshop. Start by tracing your own hands or feet, then fill them with intricate, henna-style designs using permanent pens. With cultural music and visual inspiration to guide you, you’ll bring your patterns to life with colour and expression. The session may also include a chance to explore simple papier-mâché techniques—perfect for
Maypole and Morris Dancing
Maypole, Morris Dancing, and games. Learn intricate moves and dancing with our full-sized maypole. Learning folkloric English Morris dancing with the use of bells, sticks and scarfs for the ultimate traditional experience.
Microbial Art Workshop
Have you ever seen art created in a petri dish using living, growing microorganisms? That’s agar art! Creators use either naturally colorful microbes, like the red bacteria
Serratia marcescens, or genetically modified microbes to create weird and wonderful petri dish paintings!
Mini Matchbox Art
Get creative on a tiny scale! Join professional illustrator Jessica Hartshorn (Jessi Illustrates) to design and paint your own miniature masterpiece inside a matchbox. Using acrylics and plenty of imagination, you’ll explore how small art can make a big impact— perfect for all skill levels and ages.
Modern Jive
Get ready to move and groove in this high-energy Modern Jive workshop! With its blend of smooth footwork and quick spins, Modern Jive is a fun and accessible partner dance that’s perfect for all levels. Whether you’re new to dancing or looking to sharpen your moves, you’ll learn to dance to upbeat music, build confidence, and have a great time on the floor. No partner needed—just bring your rhythm and energy!
Physical Theatre with Resound Theatre
Step into the world of physical theatre and live sound with Resound Theatre’s immersive workshop! This introductory session will explore the alchemy of movement, rhythm, and percussion, helping you develop key skills in ensemble theatre practice. Through engaging movement games and play, you’ll build confidence in working as a group while exploring rhythm through both the body and percussion. A dynamic and creative experience for all!
Playful Sounds Music Production
Join Amber Music Group in a fun and unique music production workshop. Learn to create your own music by experimenting with drum machines, keyboards, samples and editing software. You can also explore songwriting, with tips from artist Nicole Justice. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, you’ll also be given the opportunity to record your vocals!
Pond Life Explorers!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and become a nature detective in this handson Natural History adventure! We’ll
start by pond dipping to discover the incredible creatures that call the water home. Then, take a closer look through a binocular microscope and uncover the tiny details that make these pond dwellers so fascinating. Finally, bring it all together as we build a giant food web, connecting predators, prey, and plants to understand how everything fits together in the wild world of the pond. Perfect for curious minds and budding biologists—expect splashes, surprises, and a whole lot of fun!
Printing & Collage Workshop
Join professional illustrator Jessica Hartshorn for a creative session combining printing and collage. Learn how to design and carve your own foam printing block, then use printing ink to layer bold, eye-catching patterns onto a collaged background. A fun and hands-on workshop perfect for exploring texture, colour, and composition—no experience needed!
Rapping
Ever fancied yourself as an MC? Try your hand at spitting some bars in this fun workshop exploring rap, rhythm and freestyle. Using poetry, spoken word, word association, rhyming and rapping, this workshop covers any topic you want to bring to the mic, from bullying to personal identity issues.
Rock Up! Drumming Tips and Tricks
Experience world class drumming in this workshop. Each participant will sit at their own practice pad in which to play alongside the creative director of Palace Drum Clinic, Matt Green. Improve technique, practice methods, learn tricks of the trade, ending in a Q & A session.
Roller Skiing
Join us for an exciting roller skiing workshop at Festival on The Close, Rugby! Experience the thrill of crosscountry skiing on wheels as you glide around The Close. No snow required— just grab a pair of roller skis and enjoy this unique off-snow adventure! Perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.
Rugby Real Bread Hosts - Lets All Celebrate The Cheesecake!
The classic dessert that comes in a multitude of different shapes, sizes,
varieties and flavours. A dessert that’s so good it’s on virtually every menu in the country. As well as learning about the cheesecake, there will be a competition to make one. Entrants are judged on creativity, execution and how well they work. Everyone will take away their cheesecake, two people take away a winner's prize too!
Rugby Real Bread Hosts –The Art of Truffles: The savoury ones and the sweet ones!
Included in this 90-minute session will be information and tasting of the truffle mushroom as well as a mini bake-off style event making chocolate truffles to take away. You’ll learn the classic chef’s technique; Making a Quenelle. If you master it, there are prizes waiting!
STEAMFest
By popular demand STEAMFest is back! With its incredible planetarium dome, dozens of interactive STEMbased activities, careers advice and more in this immersive experience where creativity is unleashed in every corner of the Collingwood Centre. Strum & Ring!
Join us for a unique musical mash-up at Festival on The Close! In this lively workshop, you’ll spend half the time learning fun, easy ukulele tunes—no experience needed—then step into the world of English-style bellringing with the amazing Touring Tower, a mobile belfry designed to bring the sound of bells to festivals, schools, and beyond. Come strum, ring, and discover two joyful ways to make some serious noise!
Why Four Weddings and a Funeral is the Greatest Film Ever
No prior knowledge is required for this workshop. We’ll be looking at clips from this landmark British comedy classic, and dissecting some of the moments that make this, possibly, the Greatest Film of All Time, before deciding why the film continues to resonate three decades on. This workshop will give an insight into filmmaking and offer useful tips for any would-be film directors, writers or producers.
Proudly funded by our generous partners CEMEX for the third year running, our STEAMFest enterprise will once again provide local primary school children with a carousel of STEM and art-based activities. Most noteworthy is an immersive 360-degree digital dome, where students will experience planetariums shaped around the current national curriculum, covering more than 10 subjects. Other irresistible activities exclusively featuring in this aspect of the workshop programme includes specially designed STEM-based board games and virtual reality headsets.
Brought to you in partnership
RUGBY SCHOOL SERVICE DAY FEATURE
Rugby School Service Day marks the culmination of our Rugby 360 year, offering students the chance to give back to the communities that have welcomed and supported them. At Rugby School, every student takes part in Service, developing empathy, perspective, and a deeper understanding of others. Central to the Rugby 360 programme is our belief that time and attention are far more valuable than financial contributions. We aim to instil lifelong values of altruism and responsibility.
This year’s Service Day takes place on Thursday 26 June and forms a key part of the Festival on The Close. Sixth form students will once again take the lead, acting as chaperones and workshop leaders for over 650 local primary school children. Through the First Schools Teaching Programme, also part of Rugby 360, they have spent the year preparing for this, gaining experience in local classrooms and developing the confidence to lead sessions in Performing Arts, Languages, Classics, Design, Sport, Art, Engineering, Maths, Humanities, and Science.
Jeremy Brown, Head of Service and CAS
Year 11 students will volunteer across a wide range of sites. Some will head to the Peak District to support rewilding work and forest restoration. Others will contribute to conservation efforts through Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, work with Hillmorton Community Garden, or partner with the National Trust at Packwood House. A group will also support the Friends of St Cross with gardening and maintenance, and others will take part in a river clean-up along the Leam or a towpath restoration project near Crick in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust.
Year 10 students will complete their year in CCF with a final expedition, while Year 9 will take part in ‘Giving Back to Their House Day’, working alongside Matrons and House staff. They will support the running of the House, help with practical tasks, and spend time outdoors with the gardening team to better understand the role they play in maintaining their House communities.
We learn from each other, and we learn together.
From transformation to success
KEEPING
RUGBY SCHOOL EXPLORE
Steeped in fascinating history and positively crammed with old world charm, a tour of Rugby School and its museum is not to be missed.
Top of many international visitors’ ‘must–see’ venues in the UK, the impressive school buildings and hallowed rugby ground alone never fail to impress. Contact us to book: 01788 556169 schoolshop@rugbyschool.net
We believe children who are thrilled will learn
At Bilton Grange, we aim to develop children with a zest for the adventure of learning, who are willing to give things a go, remain positive and have fun. In this fast-moving world, our pupils have time to enjoy their childhood while simultaneously developing the skills of self-discipline, enterprise and collaboration that will be so important to their future.
The Nest (pre-school) enjoying a campfire in the woods
Our BG choristers
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
Outdoor adventures at every opportunity
Fabulous facilities for all ages including a 25m pool, sports pitches D&T hub and science labs
State-of-the-art boarding house opening this year
Huge range of co-curricular options – beekeeping anyone?
Award-winning Pre-Prep
Come and see us to experience the true joy of meeting our happy pupils and outstanding teachers.
Drama is part of the curriculum
Our new boarding house ‘hub’
THANK YOU
This event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together the remarkable talents of artists, the generous support of local businesses, the influential workshops led by industry experts, and the enthusiasm and creativity of our regional schools. Each of you has played an invaluable role in creating a vibrant celebration of the arts that enriches our community and inspires us all.
To our artists, thank you for sharing your creativity, your time, and your talents. Your work breathes life into our community and reminds us of the transformative power of the arts. To the local businesses, your support has been invaluable in ensuring that this event remains accessible and inclusive for all. And to the schools and students who have participated so eagerly — your energy, imagination, and fresh perspectives are the heart of what makes this festival so special.
We would also like to extend a very special thank you to our sponsors; Tandem Property Management, CEMEX, and Stepnell. Your generosity and belief in the importance of the arts have made it possible for us to present this festival for the eighth consecutive year to our community. Your support has helped provide a thrilling line-up of entertainment, educational workshops for students, opportunities for artists, and free events that everyone can enjoy. We are truly grateful for your commitment and partnership.
It is through relationships like these — between artists, businesses, schools, sponsors, and the wider community — that we continue to nurture cultural growth, inspire future generations, and celebrate the creative spirit that unites us all.
Thank you for your involvement, your generosity, and your enduring support of the arts.
PRINCIPAL PARTNER SUPPORTED BY FESTIVAL FRIENDS
PATRONS
Festival On The Close is fortunate to be championed by supportive patrons: John Agard, Prof. Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Anthony Horowitz, Mark Pougatch. Honorary Patron: Dame Judi Dench
TEMPLE SPEECH ROOM
MACREADY THEATRE
MACREADY ARMOURY
CHAPEL
TANDEM OUTDOOR ARENA AND FESTIVAL VILLAGE
MEMORIAL CHAPEL
FLT
LEWIS GALLERY
COLLINGWOOD CENTRE
FESTIVAL CREDITS
Festival Directors: Tim Coker and Richard Tanner
Festival Manager: Amie Johnson
Production Team: Kyle Arrowsmith and Juice Sound Limited
Stage Manager: Alice Maxim
Workshop Coordinator: Ellen Finlay
Festival Steering Committee: Tim Coker, Richard Tanner, Amie Johnson, Andrew Davey, Ian Foster, Ellen Finlay, Lee Shepherd and Meg Watt
With Thanks to: Rugby School Staff, Tandem Property Management, CEMEX, Stepnell, Rugby Estate, Chartwells, Cleaning Teams, Security, Estates and Grounds Team, Vicky Henderson, Jeremy Brown, Rugby First, Rugby Town Council, Immersive Experiences, John Good Print, Chris Browning, Sammy Farmer, Felicity Passmore, Nora Johnson, Rebecca Taylor, Stephanie Sanders, Matthew Sandy, James Williams, Emily Browning, David Bird, Ellie Bindman, Olivia Mann, Sam Aires, Joanne Aires, Leigh-Anne McGaughey, Print Giants, Ryan Goode, Bradby Club, Stefan Musgrove, Cameron Ward, Joel Hassall, James Tanner, Molly Sewell, Sarah Heales, Jennie Fitzstanley, Mandi Reynolds, Kate Jones, Georgia Heales, Faye Young, Chloe Cross, Sophie Pulley, Victoria Saunders, Jackie Skipp, Rugby School Levee, Aimi Knight-Allen, Merchants, Hunts Bookshop, and staff from local education settings.
