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WELCOME

Welcome to Macready Theatre. I am once again delighted to introduce this season’s programme to you. Whether this is your first time visiting our lovely theatre or you are a returning regular, we welcome you with a warm smile from our fabulous Front of House team, and the promise of seeing some of the best touring professional theatre in the country alongside some incredible student work from young actors from Youth Theatres and Schools across the region.

I am particularly excited to welcome a variety of shows from the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, including Hold On To Your Butts, WhyIStuck aFlareupMyA**eforEngland and DoNotPlayThisPiano, bringing new theatre right to your doorstep in the heart of Rugby Town.

We are proud to introduce a new, diverse music and dance programme, building on the success of our Pizza and Jazz nights, with the incredible Red Priest here in March with their popular take on Baroque favourites, as well as Graffiti Classics

bringing their hilarious comic spin on the classical String Quartet to us in April. We also are hugely excited to welcome Kathak dance company Sonia Sabri Company performing their award-winning show Roshni accompanied by live tabla, clarinet, flute, guitar and oud.

From children’s shows, to sell-out comedy with Manford’s Comedy Club and culminating in our annual large-scale Festival on The Close in June, we are once again proud to be Rugby’s Professional Theatre –serving Rugby and surrounding areas

The Frog & The Princess The Comedy String Quartet

Do Not Play This Piano

with live arts and culture, all at very reasonable prices.

As a theatre which is committed to inspiring future generations of artists, creatives and audiences, we are also proud to launch this year a fantastic new initiative – Kids4Freeto give children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds even more opportunities to be inspired by live professional theatre, right here in Rugby. By giving visitors to Macready the chance to ‘buy ahead’ the cost of a free child’s ticket for any of our public

professional programme, we hope to make more than 2,000 FREE tickets available each year to children who otherwise might not have the chance to see live theatre. If you would like to support us in this important work, or to find out more, please visit www.macreadytheatre.co.uk/kids4free

Dr Tim Coker, Artistic Director

Amie Johnson, Theatre Manager

Guide to brochure symbols

Age guidance (12+ 14+ 16+ and 18+)

Badge applied as a recommended minimum age for the production

Great for families

A production targeted at young children and their parents/carers

Stay after the performance to ask questions and interact with the cast or crew 14 +

Professional

Macready theatre is committed to programming touring professional work of high quality

Educational

Our educational programming aims to inspire people of all ages to develop skills and learn through making and enjoying theatre together

School discount

Macready Theatre provides a third of all professional theatre performance tickets to local state schools at a subsidised rate or free of charge during term time. Please email info@macreadytheatre.co.uk for details.

Post-Show Q&A

Hidden Powers

Gin and Jive

Roshni

Meet our new Patron Tristan Baker

“Macready Theatre offers a home for professional theatre in Rugby, where everyone is welcome. This venue is a creative hub bringing people together, to be transported to new worlds, hear diverse stories and share memorable experiences through live theatre. Each show is thoughtfully hand-picked to create a varied programme of comedy, new writing, social events, and family shows. As an Old Rugbeian, I have spent, many, many hours in this magical building acting, conducting, painting the set and this was the place that first gave me that overwhelming desire to be part of the entertainment world. I am honoured to be supporting Macready Theatre, a symbol of the power and importance of the arts in Rugby town.”

Tristan is an award-winning Broadway and West End theatre producer of numerous productions over the last 20 years including: 2:22 A Ghost Story, Conor McPherson & Bob Dylan’s Girl From The North Country, Disney’s Newsies, 101 Dalmatians, David Bowie’s Lazarus, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, The Railway Children and Guys & Dolls

Thursday 9 January, 19:30

Creative Industries Event January

Are you a young creative who is interested in learning more about the theatre industry? Join us for a special evening at Macready Theatre to hear from creative industry experts.

A fascinating event featuring a panel of professional artists working in the theatre and creative fields. During the evening, conversation will focus on ways into the

creative industries and how to maintain a successful and fulfilling career.

This event is free and open to young people curious to learn more about pathways into creative careers, their parents, and supporters of the arts who might be interested in what goes on behind the scenes.

Friday 24 January, 19:30 – Geoff Tooley Trio Friday 4 April, 19:30 – Jazz Not Jazz

Pizza and Jazz

Inspired by PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho, tuck into a delicious gourmet pizza fresh from the Pizza Express ovens, whilst enjoying live music in the Macready Theatre Foyer.

Great pizza deserves great company! Experience a memorable evening in our unique environment, offering a warm atmosphere, friendly service, and high-quality entertainment.

“Alovelyevening;fabulous music,intimatesetting, greatPizza,andawellstocked bar. The waitress servicewasveryspecial.”

- Pizza and Jazz attendee

“Itwasgreatasalwayswellorganised,goodmusic andtastypizza.Whatmore couldyouwant?”

- Pizza and Jazz attendee

£20

18+

18+ PRO PRO

Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January, 19:30

Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny present The Roxy Dog production of

Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England

Written and performed by Alex Hill Directed by Sean Turner

£15 | £12 14 + Q&A

It’s the EURO 2020 Final at Wembley and Billy’s gone viral for sticking a flare up his a**e!

Why I Stuck a Flare Up

My A**e For England is a blisteringly funny new play that comes to Macready Theatre directly from a sell-out, five-star Edinburgh Festival run. Written and performed by Alex Hill, it asks what it means to belong to a club that you live for.

Billy and his best mate Adam are die-hard football fans. It’s how they spend every weekend, without fail, it’s their escape, their religion and their life. But when they encounter a new group of mates, they start to take their support one step further.

60 minutes, no interval

There will be a post show Q&A on Monday 27 January

Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 February, 19:30

Macready Theatre together with Rugby School Department of Theatre & Performing Arts present

Oedipus Rex

by Sophocles, translated by Frank McGuinness

Directed by Tim Coker

Movement Director Ellen Finlay

Lighting Design Mark Watts

A nation ravaged by disease. Rioting, revolt.

A Government unprepared. Partying, out of touch.

Rugby School’s talented young actors tell the age-old story of a leadership torn apart by hubris, guilt and shame.

Set in a modern Britain, Sophocles’ tragedy becomes a parable for our times in this brand-new production for Macready Theatre.

120 minutes including an interval

FREE

Friday 14 February, 19:30 –Valentine’s Day Special

Friday 23 May, 19:30

Academy No1 together with Macready Theatre present

Gin and Jive

Our popular Gin and Jive social events are back for 2025 and this season, we have a Valentine’s Day special.

Learn new moves to great songs, try various flavours of gin distilled in Rugby and enjoy a memorable night out. Come as a group, bring a partner or fly solo. Everyone of all levels are encouraged and assured of a very warm welcome.

“Lovely atmosphere and great company. An excellent night out!”

£14

Because finding the right piano matters

Saturday 15 February, 19:30

Angus Baskerville presents

Hidden Powers

Experience an evening of magic, mind-reading and unbelievable trickery in the latest show from rising star Angus Baskerville.

Angus is an award-winning Magic Circle magician based near Stratford-on-Avon, and in 2024 took his first show to the Edinburgh Fringe with great success, receiving 5-star reviews and selling out shows. He has been a fixture at Rugby’s Festival on The Close in recent years and is now premiering his new show with us for one night only. Come ready to be amazed!

£12 | £10

PRO 8+

“Wonderful entertainment for all thefamilywithamix ofmagicaltricksand mindreadingthat keepsyouguessing.”

“Wealltroopedout afterthefinaletotally dumbfounded and amazed.”

Sunday 16 February, 14:30

Get

Lost and Found and The Roald Dahl Story

Company presents

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders can save the stories - and they need your help...

Join Terry Tibblestick and his assistant Brenda Bogg as they reveal their discovery of the missing words, sparking danger that they are being eaten by the dreaded Wurblegobblers.

Especially made for ages 5 and up, the show develops both creative and literacy skills through performance, games, and creative play, while exploring Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way.

£12 | £10

“Awondrousandengagingway tospendaSundayafternoon – theatre and education all wrappedintoonecharming, magicalpackage.”

Wednesday 19 February & Friday 4 April, 12:30

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy present

BYOB Comedy

Join us for an afternoon of award-winning comedy, where you can relax and have a good laugh at the best comedians in the UK, without needing childcare! There’s buggy parking, baby changing and more at our venue, so that you can take some time for yourself and just be entertained. The bar is fully stocked, whether you fancy a cuppa or even something a bit stronger. If you need to whip out a bum (the baby’s please!), a boob or a bottle, then please feel free… and our comics won’t mind being heckled by our younger guests!*

*Please note that we have a 15-month age limit for our little laughers, as our comedians will be performing their usual grown-up jokes!

£12

WINNER: Best bring-along Baby Event (HOOP Awards)

WINNER: Best Mental Health Boost for New Parents 2022 (UK Enterprise Awards)

WINNER: Best Comedy Event for Families 2023 (Prestige Awards)

NOMINATED: Feed With Confidence Award 2018 (Lansinoh Awards: celebrating the people and places who support mums without prejudice)

“Yaaaas! This is the maternity leave I have dreamed of!” – BYOB Guest

90 minutes, including interval

Thursday 20 February, 19:30 & Friday 21 February, 17:00

Sally Cade Holmes and Heather Shields present Recent Cutbacks’

Hold On To Your Butts

65 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth…

30 years ago, a movie about dinosaurs ruled the box office…

This year, you are invited to HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!

Hold On To Your Butts is a must see “shot-for-shot” parody of the greatest dinosaur film of all time. After selling out in New York and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this wildly inventive tourde-force of comedy, Foley sound and physical theatre is taking the UK by storm.

Don’t walk, RUN to get your tickets!

“Painfully funny… made us cry actual tears of laughter…apurejoyfrom start to finish” – Critics’ Pick – Time Out New York

75 minutes, no interval

£18 | £16 8+ PRO

Friday 21 February & Friday 9 May, 19:00

nJoy Art together with Macready Theatre present

Sip & Paint

Led by professional artist Jan Taylor, Macready Theatre hosts a memorable night out. With a glass in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, delight in an evening of fun and creativity! Your first drink is on us and by the end of the night you will have your own unique masterpiece to take home and admire. Excellent for the beginner and amazing fun for all.

To book, please visit njoyart.co.uk

“Supportive,friendlyandmostofallitwassomuchfun!”

Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 March

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts Department together with Macready Theatre present

A-Level Scripted Showcase

17:30 -19:00 – Monologues and Duologues in Macready Armoury Studio 19:30 – 21:30 – Group Pieces in Macready Theatre

Watch A-Level students take scripted work from page to stage in this showcase of monologues, duologues and group pieces. Be whisked away by the department’s talent as they provide snapshots of a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary plays.

14+ due to potential triggering themes and explicit language. FREE 14 +

Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 March, 19:30

Rugby Connected Youth Theatre present Mia and the Fish

Written by Satinder Chohan

“Every cast member brought energy and enthusiasm, and I loved the idea bringing two schools together to learn fromeachotherandbringoutthebest in each other, to make one great show.” – Audience Feedback

A joint production between Rugby School and Rugby Free School, ‘Mia and the Fish’ is a modern retelling of the ancient Indian myth Manu and the Fish.

National Theatre Connections is the largest youth theatre festival in the world and gives young people the opportunity to work with new plays by established playwrights. This Rugby Connected Youth Theatre production will transfer to the Nottingham Playhouse in April.

Friday 14 March, 19:30

Red Priest present

Truly, Madly, Baroque

A stunning programme of truly baroque classics, exploring themes of love, joy and madness, arranged and performed with Red Priest’s trademark energy, virtuosity and creativity.

The programme will include:

VIVALDI – Concerto in A minor RV580 from L’Estro Armonico

BACH – Adagio in Bb (theme from ‘Truly Madly Deeply’)

HANDEL – Trio Sonata in F Major Op 2 No 4

BACH – Brandenburg Concerto no. 5

TELEMANN – Largo and Gypsy Rondo

HANDEL – Aria Amoroso

CORELLI – La Folia (Madness)

alongside a colourful array of works by lesser-known baroque masters.

Piers Adams – recorders

Julia Bishop – violin

Angela East – cello

David Wright – harpsichord

“For sheer technical wizardry, charismatic showmanship and expressive devilment, Red Priest is in an exhilarating class of its own.” – BBC Music Magazine

£16 | £12

Thursday 20 March & Thursday 5 June, 19:30

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts Department together with Macready Theatre present

LAMDA Showcase

Ahead of their LAMDA exams students take to the stage to perform one of their monologues, which showcases their charasterisation and stagecraft. LAMDA offers exceptional vocational training in the performance and production profession.

We can guarantee surprises and extremes of dramatic tension. Hold on to your seats!

14+ due to potential triggering themes and explicit language.

FREE 14 +

Monday 24 March, 19:30

Sonia Sabri Company present Roshni

Roshni is an intimate crafting of Kathak dance and live global music, inspired by the stories and experiences of everyday people. Featuring three distinctive dance pieces: The Call, The Light and The Wave, Roshni explores the highs and lows of life today and provides hope in an ever-changing world.

Be taken on an emotional journey through wordless storytelling, eclectic music, percussive dance and upbeat audience interaction, Roshni is both deeply moving and gloriously entertaining. With improvised and spoken word/beatboxing sections like no other, and a world class live musical ensemble, not one performance of Roshni is the same as the last!

120 minutes, including interval

£15 | £12

“Featuring beautiful,energetic, and visually stunning dance, exquisite costumes and live music”

Saturday 29 March, 19:30

Edy Hurst presents

Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself

60 minutes, no interval

£12 | £10

16 + PRO

Grab your broom sticks and join Edy Hurst on a wyrd and wonderfull journey of self-discoverie through the realms of the Lancashire Witch Trials, The Vengaboys and absolutely nothing else.

Startling revelations about Edy’s ancestry have led him upon a pathway to convene with powers beyond our world, and now Edy must attempt to harness the power of his ancestors to navigate modern society. But around every corner there seems to lurk a darkness, the siren call of the Vengaboys, what’s all that about?

Combining comedy, clowning, live music and a giant cauldron, Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself is a new magical and mystical comedy theatre show that offers a humorous, heartfelt and unique insight into the shifting and sometimes mysterious world of late-stage ADHD diagnosis.

Commissioned as part of The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ Programme and supported by Arts Council England.

“A Complete Hoot - Well conceived and excellently delivered” – The QR

“A fine example of Neurodiversity in Action”

– The Scotsman

Sunday 6 April, 14:30

Box Tale Soup in association with the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham present

The Frog & The Princess

When a Storyteller appears, everyone is enchanted... Beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, but all Froggy really wants is to hear a story starring someone like him. Head into the woods with Hansel & Gretel, help little elves make beautiful shoes, meet the princess who’s champion of hide-and-seek, and see if Froggy finally gets his wish!

Box Tale Soup present a stunning adaptation of Grimm’s most magical tales, featuring wonderful puppets and spellbinding original music... Now let’s have a story about a Frog!

“Theyarewonderful.” – The Times

55 minutes, no interval

£12 | £10 PRO

Quality care and education on our idyllic 90-acre site

Outdoor classrooms & Forest School

Free-flow access to gardens & play areas

Multi-sensory baby spaces

Nurturing & safe environment

Outstanding provision for ages six months to five years Pathway to Bilton Grange or to local primary school

littlegrangenursery.news/macready

Friday 11 April, 19:30

Graffiti Classics present

The Comedy String Quartet

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices in 1 electrifying and hilarious musical show! Graffiti Classics, is a comedy string quartet that never sits down, bursting the perceived elitist boundaries of traditional classical music with its hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy show.

Wickedly funny, the group energetically leaps and clowns its way through an eclectic musical landscape from Beethoven to Elvis, all virtuosically accompanied on their own string instruments, this groundbreaking group is on a mission: to make classical music irresistibly fun.

This isn’t just a classical concert—it’s a virtuosic mix of musical comedy, gypsy-folk, opera, bluegrass, stand-up comedy and dance! Expect lots of laughs, dancing and singing, all tied together with cheeky audience interaction.

“Brilliant musicians and a fantastic comedyact” “You just have to smile and tap your feet, they are infectious.”

120 minutes, including interval

£20 | £16 | £10 PRO

Monday 14 April, 14:30

Will Pickvance presents

Do Not Play This Piano

Written and performed by Will Pickvance

William’s school report? Not great. But when it comes to flashy piano tricks, he’s a superstar! His teachers are so impressed, they’ve chosen him to perform at the big Mozart birthday concert in Salzburg. The catch? William’s all about the tricks, not the music. Uh-oh!

This hit Edinburgh Fringe show features Mozart with a twist of blues, tango, rock’n’roll, and even gaffer tape! Join the chase through Salzburg’s streets, a moonlit haunted house, a forbidden piano, before an appearance by Mozart himself!

“Wonderfullyengaging storytelling,lovelypiano playinganddelightful animations”

– The National 60 minutes, no interval £12 | £10 6 + PRO

Expert Probate Support and Advice

Probate advice and support

Providing honest, friendly and professional advice

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Peace of mind, knowing that you are in control of your future

Deputyship

Helping you apply so you can legally make decisions on behalf of a loved one

Understanding your Will

Supporting our local communities and businesses.

We understand it’s hard to work out what’s fake online and what’s not! If you are looking for local tradesmen, suppliers and services then you can trust our printed magazine, hand-delivered to your door.

Make 2025 your best year yet!

letterboxes every other month. Choose The Village Emporioum to connect with local customers.

Thursday 17 April, 14:30

Norvil & Josephine Productions Ltd present

Rabbits out of the Hat

Rabbits Out of the Hat is a whimsical play about a magic show. By turns amazing, inspiring and comical, you’ve never seen a show quite like this.

Vaudevillian duo Norvil & Josephine present their magical extravaganza. It’s 1905 and their world will never be the same again. They seem to be the traditional magician and doting assistant but it’s time for the magician to find new dreams while the assistant calls the shots!

With breathtaking magic and circus feats plus showstopper songs, Magic Circle magicians Norvil & Josephine share a humorous and heartwarming story about being yourself, no matter what.

Supported by Arts Council England

“Clever,funnyandjawdroppingforallages!”

– Audience Member “Beautifullypaced andspellbinding.”

– The Stage

65 minutes, no interval

£12 | £10 7+ PRO

Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 April, 19:30

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts Department together with Macready Theatre present

A-Level Devised Showcase

Shining a spotlight on Rugby School’s Year 12 students as they present their devised examination work ahead of their exams. Come along and support this group of talented students.

14+ due to potential triggering themes and explicit language.

May

Thursday 22 May, 19:30

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts Department together with Macready Theatre present

Dance Showcase

Featuring the work of talented and enthusiastic dancers as well as our in-house dance ensemble Macready Company and high-calibre ballet from Miss Leigh-Anne’s students, the dance showcase features impeccably performed dance in a range of styles.

Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May, 14:30

Little Seeds Music present

Cinderella Ice Cream Seller

Get your dessert spoons ready for a tale of perseverance, princes,palace balls, glass slippers and, um, ice cream?

Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble street seller with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire business woman with her own ice cream empire?

Perfect for children and families alike, this exciting musical retelling of a fairytale classic promises a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic that will capture your heart and tickle your taste buds.

“Ifoundmyselfsmiling inthewaythatyoudo whensomethingwarms yourheart.”

60 minutes, no interval £12 | £10 5 + PRO

2024 Highlights

macreadytheatre

Macready_Rugby

Your Visit

We look forward to welcoming you to Macready Theatre. On this page you will find all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the venue.

Macready Theatre

Lawrence Sheriff Street

Rugby, CV22 5EJ

Email: info@macreadytheatre.co.uk

Webiste: www.macreadytheatre.co.uk

Helpful Information

BABIES IN ARMS

Children aged 18 months and under may sit on a parent or guardian’s lap for most shows free of charge. More details are available from the box office.

CONCESSIONS

Concession rates are available for students in full time education, under 16’s, over 60’s, disabled customers and carers, school groups and groups of 10 or more tickets.

Macready Theatre’s mission statement pledges to provide a third of all live professional theatre performance tickets to local state schools for FREE during term time. We encourage teachers to support the theatre’s aim to inspire and educate. Email info@macreadytheatre.co.uk for more details or to apply.

PARKING

Pay and display parking is available in town centre car parks. The closest car park is Little Church Street.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Our venue is a 15 minute walk from the station or a 5 minute taxi ride. Taxis are available outside Rugby Station.

ACCESS

It is our aim to be accessible and welcoming to everyone and we are committed to making your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. Advance booking is always recommended so that our staff can readily provide assistance when required.

MACREADY THEATRE

Macready Theatre can be fully accessed via a ramp from street level. Inside the venue there is an accessible lift from the bar to the auditorium.

• Macready Theatre has 4 wheelchair positions available. Please specify when booking.

• There are male & female toilets located on the ground floor of Macready Theatre, which are open to members of the public during events only.

• There is a unisex accessible toilet available in Macready Theatre with grab bars and emergency pull cord. This facility is available during Box Office opening times as well as during events.

• Baby changing facilities are available.

• To discuss full access requirements please contact us on 01788 556 203.