Welcome
Welcome to another fantastic season of entertainment
in the heart of Rugby from the town’s professional theatre. From returning favourites to new surprises, we hope there’s something here to catch your eye. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, looking for your next family day out, a classical music buff or a theatregoing regular looking for something a little different, Macready Theatre is here for you. Take a look through our brandnew programme for Autumn/Winter 2025 and book your tickets now.
Dr Tim Coker, Artistic Director
Welcome from our Patron Tristan Baker
It is a wonderful privilege to welcome you to another inspired season of professional theatre, live music, family shows and much more from the creative minds at Rugby School’s Macready Theatre. This theatre has long been a place where imagination comes alive, where stories leap from the stage and touch our hearts, challenge our minds, and connect us in shared experience. As an Old Rugbeian, I have experienced this many, many times first hand as both a student treading the boards and as an audience member being transported to new worlds through the powerful medium of theatre. As Patron of Macready Theatre, I am continually inspired by the talent, dedication, and creativity of the artists, directors, technicians, and countless others who bring each production to life. Their passion is the soul of this theatre, and we are all the lucky recipients of their hard work. Thank you for being here — for picking up this programme, for booking a ticket, for supporting the arts, for celebrating live performance, and for believing in the power of storytelling. Whether this is your first visit or your hundredth, I hope you find something magical in what unfolds before you.
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.
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
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
Stay after the performance to ask questions and interact with the cast or crew
Live Film
Macready live professional theatre screening
Friday 11 July, 12:30
Thursday 23 October, 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
Friday 18 July, 19:30
Friday 19 September, 19:30
Friday 31 October, 19:30
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.
£20
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
“Alovelyevening;fabulous music,intimatesetting, greatPizza,andawellstocked bar. The waitress servicewasveryspecial.”
– Pizza and Jazz attendee
“Itwasgreatasalwayswellorganised,goodmusic andtastypizza.Whatmore couldyouwant?”
– Pizza and Jazz attendee
Macready Fringe Preview
Thursday 24 – Wednesday 30 July
Thursday 24 July, 14:30
Little Seeds Music present
Tales From
The Lighthouse
Prepare yourself for a musical voyage full of stories, songs and the sea…
Upon a distant shore, a lonely lighthouse keeper has grown fearful of the sea and its wild and stormy nature. But when a mysterious stranger appears with songs of the sea’s magic and power, the keeper is forced to confront his fears and slowly rediscover the beauty of the ocean that surrounds him.
Featuring storytelling, traditional music, original songs and spellbinding puppetry, this is the perfect show for anyone captivated by myths, magic, music and folklore.
Written and performed by Oliver Bishop, with original songs by David Gibb, and live music from two-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award
Nominee Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Tales
From The Lighthouse is the perfect voyage into the world of theatre, puppetry and music for children aged 5+ and their families.
£12 | £10
Experience new talent before it transfers to the world famous Edinburgh Fringe More to be announced
Friday 25 July, 19:30
Threedumb Theatre presents
One Man Poe
A marathon of the macabre. Using Edgar Allan Poe’s original text from the 1840s, award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith faithfully brings to life two of the most terrifying examples of the gothic genre from the pioneering Godfather of Gothic Horror.
In The Tell-Tale Heart, we meet a madman, trying his hardest to convince us of his sanity, whilst explaining the meticulous details of a murder he committed.
Then, in The Pit and the Pendulum, we join a prisoner trying to escape the various torture devices of the Spanish Inquisition.
Winner of BEST HORROR SOLO SHOW of Edinburgh Fringe 2024
“Superlativeperformance... Thisshowquiteliterallytook mybreathaway”
– Everything Theatre
“EdgarAllanPoehimself wouldlovethispowerful performance”
– The Derek Awards £12 |
Macready Fringe Preview
Thursday 24 – Wednesday 30 July
Experience new talent before it transfers to the world famous Edinburgh Fringe More to be announced
Saturday 26 July, 19:30
Seabright Productions present
Bonding
Cyril Blake’s sell-out hit from the Edinburgh Fringe explores the myth, legend and legacy of James Bond - and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love. Stephen has always wanted to be James Bond. He’s got a tux, a fancy watch and he shakes everything he drinks. But is this a good idea? Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, right?
Journey through 60 years of Bond and 30 years of Stephen as we find out if he can fulfil his father’s idea of masculinity without becoming toxic.
This sellout hit is directed by nine-time nominee and two-time OFFIE winner, Matthew Parker and stars Cyril Blake as Stephen.
£16 | £14
Tuesday 29 July, 19:30
Stratford Productions present
Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend
This highly-acclaimed solo play - written and performed by Mark Stratford - tells the compelling story of the great Victorian actormanager, William Charles Macready - the Old Rugbeian who our Theatre is named after and to whom Charles Dickens dedicated his novel NicholasNickleby
A must for drama fans, this remarkable true tale captures the sheer joy, graft and tribulations of a life lived in theatre.
With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters, Stratford takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of Victorian theatre and the extraordinary, yet conflicted life of Macready, from his first tentative steps on stage in a tatty country theatre to his final ever performance at the mighty Drury Lane!
£12 | £10
“Stratfordgivesa polished,confident and relaxed performance.He knows his character inside out...This doesn’t feel like acting...itfeelsasif wearehearingfrom the man himself”
The Myth, Legend and Legacy of Bond
PRO 12+
Friday 3 October, 19:30 Onyx Brass
Niall Keatley & Alan Thomas – trumpets
Andrew Sutton – horn
Amos Miller – trombone
David Gordon-Shute – tuba
Acclaimed quintet Onyx Brass celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and continues to be the leading light in establishing the brass quintet as a medium for serious chamber music, combining “staggering virtuosity” (Sarah Walker, BBC Radio 3) with the entertaining and articulate style that has become the group’s trademark.
Onyx has toured extensively: there are very few corners of the UK that remain unvisited! The group has also performed regularly at festivals and concert halls in the USA, Ireland, France, Sweden, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Nigeria, Bermuda and Borneo to unanimous critical acclaim.
The group’s extensive discography has received huge critical acclaim: “Some of the most thrilling chamber brass-playing of its kind” – Gramophone “Wonderful,virtuosicbrassquintet” – Record Review
£18 | £16 | £10
Saturday 4 October, 19:30
Saturday 4 October, 14:00
Macready Theatre together with Rugby’s Literary Festival present
This Town
This Town is a modern-day epic narrative poem, performed and written by exciting new talent Rory Aaron (BBC New Creatives, Southbank Poetry Collective). An ode to home, This Town uses powerful spoken word to transport us to a post-industrialised landscape, weaving together stories of loss, PTSD, and friendship.
Join Rory after his performance for a free creative writing workshop. Where do you belong? What makes your town, your town? In this workshop, we’ll be exploring the themes of place, identity, and community, just like in Rory Aaron’s “This Town.” We’ll be writing poems that capture the sights, sounds, and feelings of our own neighbourhoods. Whether you’re a storyteller, a word nerd, or just curious, come and discover how poetry can help you map your world.
£7
Macready Theatre together with Rugby’s Literary Festival present
In Conversation with Ben Crystal: Getting a Taste for the Bard
Spend an evening with Ben Crystal as he discusses all things Shakespeare. His ShakespeareonToast:Gettinga TastefortheBardhas been described as “AMasterclassfor modernbeginnersandoldhandsalike.”Ben makes sense of Shakespeare by putting him back into context. He’ll explore what a trip to a Shakespeare play in 1600 would be like, give a master-class on the poetry style Shakespeare wrote in, and he’ll offer a taste of Original Pronunciation (the accent Shakespeare would have spoken in). This is relevant for all ages - younger people experiencing the Bard for the first time through to older audience members who love Shakespeare and want to learn something new.
£7 PRO
Comedy Club 4 Kids Halloween Spectacular
Join us at the Macready Theatre for a Halloween Spooktacular from Comedy Club 4 Kids!
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families but without the rude bits! Twenty years later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up, and hosting our own
Radio Nonsense podcast to bring the sillies to families all over the world. The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience claiming to be called Bob. Or indeed, at this particular gig, all be dressed as vampires.
Fancy trying stand-up for yourself? After the show, Comedy Club 4 Kids Comedians will be hosting a 2-hour comedy writing workshop for kids! Limited availability, so book now to avoid disappointment.
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.
“Ahighlightforchildrenin recentyears,givingthem a taste of some of the biggestnamesincomedy... withthefun,rowdyfeelof arealcomedyclub” – The Guardian
£12 adult £10 Child/Concession
£16 show and workshop per child
The Nest (pre-school) enjoying a campfire in the woods Our new boarding house ‘hub’ Our BG choristers Drama is part of the curriculum
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.
Thursday 6 November, 19:30
Rugby School Department of Theatre & Performing Arts presents
LAMDA Showcase
Ahead of their LAMDA exams, Rugby School students take to the stage and perform one of their monologues which showcases their characterisation and stagecraft. We can guarantee surprises and extremes of dramatic tension. Hold on to your seats!
14+ due to potentially triggering themes and explicit language.
Thursday 13 November, 19:30
Threedumb Theatre present
DOG/ACTOR
Two explosive and comedic short plays written by Steven Berkoff, performed backto-back by Stephen Smith. Without the use of any set or props, DOG/ACTOR presents a masterclass in physical theatre and comedic storytelling, promising a thrilling theatrical experience.
The first play: DOG follows a day in the life of a racist football hooligan and his beloved pitbull terrier, Roy, who changes his life.
The second play: ACTOR is a spoken word monologue which delves into the heart of the acting industry, humorously and poignantly portraying the trying life of a struggling artist.
Off West End (OFFIE) Award WinnerBest Camden Fringe Show of 2023
“AnexceptionalexampleofBerkovian theatre,hispresentationofDog/Actor notonlybringstheworkofBerkofftonew audiences,butshowcasestheskillsets essentialtoagoodactor.”
There will be a post-show Q&A at this event.
£12 | £10
In a world where it’s increasingly hard to know who to trust, we can help you. If you are looking for local tradesmen, suppliers and services then you can trust our printed magazine, hand-delivered to your door.
Thursday 20 & Friday 21 November, 19:30
Rugby School Department of Theatre & Performing Arts presents Scholars’
Play
Rugby School’s Performing Arts scholars and APP students will hit the stage with fresh, bold and exciting versions of abridged Shakespeare plays. Self-directed, the plays will be a platform showcasing the students’ creativity and teamwork.
14+ due to potentially triggering themes and explicit language.
FREE 14 +
Sunday 23 November, 16:00
Macready Theatre presents Sip and Swing with Frankie Lee and the Casuals
Upgrade your Sunday to all new levels with our Sunday Sip and Swing social. Kick back and enjoy live swing music in an intimate setting. With access to the bar, drink on arrival and nibbles, Macready Theatre offer the ideal Sunday afternoon. Sit back, sip and enjoy some of the best swing music from the region.
Experience your favourite rock anthems reimagined in the style of the roaring twenties through to the fabulous fifties, from Queen’s Don’t Stop Me now swinging like it’s 1925 to AC/ DC’s Back in Black with a jazz-age twist! Local to the midlands, Frankie Lee and the Casuals offer a unique swing sound that hits the spot!
£12 16 + PRO
“ReallygreatwaytospendaSunday afternoonlisteningtoFrankieLeeandthe casualsgivingtheiruniqueswingversionsof someofthebestrock,popandjazzmusic fromthepast.Theintimateatmosphereof theMacreadytheatretogetherwithdrinks fromthebarandnibblesmadeforarelaxing andveryenjoyableafternoon.”
Saturday 6 December, 14:00 & 19:00
Sunday 7 December, 16:00
Tuesday 9 December, 19:30
Wednesday 10 December, 19:30
Thursday 11 December, 19:30
King’s International Ballet together with Macready Theatre present
The Nutcracker
You are invited to step into the enchanting world of Kings International Ballet’s rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’.
Where holiday magic intertwines with breathtaking dancers, follow young Clara as she embarks on a mesmerizing journey through a whimsical winter wonderland, filled with lively dances, fantastical characters, and heartwarming moments.
‘The Nutcracker’ is a beloved ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells the story of a young girl named Clara who on Christmas Eve, receives a magical nutcracker doll from her Godfather “Drosselmeyer”. Later that night, Clara dreams that her Nutcracker comes to life and leads her through a fantastical journey to the Land of Sweets, where she encounters various enchanting characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and the Snow Queen.
With stunning costumes and exquisite choreography to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this beloved classic is brought to life in a spectacle of grace, beauty and festive cheer. This production promises an unforgettable Christmas experience for audiences of all ages.
£16 | £12
Sunday 14 December – Sunday 4 January
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre present
Directed by Niki McCretton
Sunday 14 December 17:00
Monday 15 December 10:30 & 13:30 School shows
Tuesday 16 December 10:30 & 13:30 School shows
Wednesday 17 December 10:30 & 13:30 School shows
Thursday 18 December 10:30 & 13:30 School shows
Saturday 20 December 11:00 & 14:30
Sunday 21 December 11:00 & 14:30
Monday 22 December 11:00 & 14:30
Tuesday 23 December 11:00 & 14:30 (PJ Performances)
Friday 2 January 11:00 (Relaxed) & 14:30
Saturday 3 January 11:00 & 14:30
Sunday 4 January 11:00 & 14:30
Imagine being born in an oven and the first person you meet wants to dunk you in his tea!
Come and see the adventure of the deliciously smelling GINGERBREAD MAN and meet the bravest biscuit of all times!
Stuff and Nonsense apply their usual brilliance with a mix of puppetry, live action, great music, humour and a stunning staging of this well-loved classic tale.
“Abrilliantlyworkedoutshowwithamasterful combinationofphysicaltheatre,actingandpuppetry.” – Audience Member
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
Meet the Macready Team
Technicians:
Artistic Director – Tim Coker
Theatre Manager – Amie Johnson
Kyle Arrowsmith, Alice Maxim, Cameron Ward, Molly Sewell, and Joel Hassall.
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.
Front of House:
Sarah Heales, Kate Jones, Jennie Fitzstanley, Mandi Reynolds, Georgia Heales, Faye Young, Chloe Cross. Sophie Pulley, Victoria Saunders and Jackie Skipp.
July
Friday 11 12:30 BYOB Comedy
Friday 18 19:30 Pizza and Jazz
Saturday 19 20:00
Manford’s Comedy Club
Thursday 24 14:30 Tales From The Lighthouse
Friday 25 19:30 One Man Poe
Saturday 26 19:30 Bonding
Tuesday 29 19:30 Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend
Wednesday 30 18:00 8-bit Dream
August
Friday 15 19:30 Gin and Jive
Friday 22 19:00 Sip & Paint
September
Friday 19 19:30
Pizza and Jazz
Saturday 20 20:00 Manford’s Comedy Club
Sunday 21 19:00 Inter Alia
October
Friday 3 19:30 Onyx Brass
Saturday 4 14:00 This Town
Saturday 4 19.30 In Conversation with Ben Crystal: Getting a Taste for the Bard
Thursday 9 19:30 Scholars’ Agents Showcase
Friday 10 19:30 Black is the Color of My Voice
Sunday 19 10:00/12:30/15:00 Teach Rex LIVE
Thursday 23 12:30
BYOB Comedy
Thursday 23 19:30 Swing From Paris: An Evening of ParisianFlavoured Jazz and Gypsy Swing
Friday 24 19:00 Sip & Paint
Wednesday 29 14:00 Comedy Club 4 Kids Halloween Spectacular
Thursday 30 19:30 Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself
Friday 31 19:30 Pizza and Jazz
November
Saturday 1 19:30 Parody of the Rings
Sunday 2 18:00 Parody of the Rings
Thursday 6 19:30 LAMDA Showcase
Thursday 13 19:30
DOG/ACTOR
Thursday 20 19:30 Scholars’ Play
Friday 21 19:30 Scholars’ Play
Saturday 22 20:00 Manford’s Comedy Club
Sunday 23 16:00 Sip and Swing
December
Saturday 6 14:00/19:00 The Nutcracker
Sunday 7 16:00 The Nutcracker
Tuesday 9 19:30 The Nutcracker
Wednesday 10 19:30 The Nutcracker
Thursday 11 19:30 The Nutcracker
Friday 12 19:30 Gin and Jive
Friday 19 19:00 Sip & Paint
Sunday 14 December – Sunday 4 January The Gingerbread Man
