The Roses' Chronicle | Spring 2024

The Roses’ Spring Chronicle 2024

Dear Friend,

I hope this latest issue of The Roses Chronicle finds you well and enjoying the first glimpses of Spring. Here at The Roses, we have been delighted to refresh our connection with Tewkesbury Abbey, cohosting Gaia which set the scene for Tewkesbury Culture’s inaugural Two Rivers Converge Festival. The opening night, and all that followed, offered a moment to reflect on the beauty of our planet, the importance of caring for the diversity of our world, and the developments in the last century. Technological advancements being particularly relevant at The Roses with our film projector recently seeing its last days. Whilst unsurprising as one of the oldest in the country, the route ahead for film is not straightforward. There’s a lack of industry wide change, films are still shown using old fashioned methods despite the rise of streaming technologies. Paired with the expense of modern equipment there’s a lot to overcome for a regional theatre to keep film available locally. As a significant part of Tewkesbury’s cultural landscape, dating back to the 1890s, and providing access to art, escapism, and foreign culture, preserving it now and for the next generation is paramount and with your support, we are determined to find a way. In other news, our Infinite Creatives programme for young people with additional needs has been a huge success with some young people even speaking for the first time because of the creative experiences they’ve accessed. Following feedback from parents we are now looking to expand the programme from monthly to weekly and offer this opportunity to more young people. To make this possible we are thrilled to announce that we’ve been pledged £10,000 in matched funds from the Big Give. This means for every pound donated to our campaign which will run from the 19th to 27th March, we are able to receive a matched pound of funding up to £10,000 from Big Give. We would be so grateful for your support in reaching this target and realising the maximum funds available. As ever we want to thank you as without regular support from people like you, we could not deliver the creative programmes on our stage, screen and to the community we exist to serve. And now, without further ado, we hope you enjoy this latest edition of The Roses Chronicle whether you’re looking for an insight into film, your next live event to attend, or a crafty cut out to try your hand at.

Warm wishes,

Grace

Grace End Development Manager

A Feature Focussed on Film

‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is a concept referred to in Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ a story produced for the screen now five times according to the Guardian’s 2023 review of the latest Gerwig adaptation. Both necessity and invention are familiar concepts in the world of film, where special effects have mastered the art of creating something from nothing for the past century.

Whilst well known for having a rich heritage of historic significance, Tewkesbury is perhaps not immediately obvious for its claim to fame for film. Perhaps surprisingly for a town of its size, it can be proud of its longstanding record having shown films since the 1890’s including the purpose built Art Deco, Sabrina Cinema. Fast forward to today, and The Roses finds itself at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the challenges of the global cinema industry. Such challenges including the lack of movement on how film contracts are negotiated, still based on the number of screenings played in a period and shown on film reels locked to technologies. Together with the rise of digital streaming services, this leaves small regional theatres caught in the middle of an ever-slimming gap between release dates and availability to watch new releases on personal devices.

The recent farewell to the film projector, more details on our website, has further marked the end of an era, leading to a poignant crossroads. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have reshaped the cinematic landscape, with streaming services soaring in popularity while traditional theatres faltered. The Roses experienced a staggering 50% drop in cinema income, plummeting from £153,000 in 2019 to just £77,000 in 2023 – a sadly common reality for the industry.

Operating as a charitable institution, The Roses relies on the unwavering support of its community to navigate the route ahead. Indeed, history teaches us that film and membership have sat hand in hand with supporter numbers soaring at the height of film in the 1930s and 40s and reducing in the years following showing just how much of an impact your support makes. Whilst it all seems a challenge at times, recent focus groups hosted at The Roses’ earlier this year to learn more of our audience’ preferences have taught us that from foreign film aficionados to die-hard fans of event cinema, the resounding message is clear: the love for cinema runs deep in Tewkesbury.

With the vision clear then, that The Roses’, like Dorothy in the timeless classic ‘Wizard of Oz’ hold close the value of community and ‘a place to call home’, The Roses’ capital campaign has been refreshed and is looking for supporters to help get backstage looking just as good as Front of House in time for The Roses’ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025. Full details of the updates to film at The Roses as well as information about the Capital Campaign can be found on The Roses website: www.rosestheatre.org/bloom

The Future’s Now: Free Immersive Film Festival

In a nod to the iconic film ‘Back to the Future’, where the future meets the present, we couldn’t just focus on keeping film alive. With innovation in mind and a true commitment to pushing boundaries, we are thrilled to announce our first free immersive film festival, ‘The Future’s Now’, taking place on Fri 5 Apr & Sat 6 Apr. Centred around the theme of exploring the intersection of technology and cinema, The Future’s Now promises a fascinating weekend of film and virtual reality (VR) gaming and storytelling.

Headlining the festival is the Open Cinema Stage; curated by local 15–20-year-olds, the twoday film programme offers a diverse selection of American and Japanese films delving into AI, VR gaming, automation, machines, and the societal impact of technological advancements. Festival-goers can revisit past films that made predictions about the future of technology, making a judgement on their accuracy. They’ll also get the chance to see highly anticipated blockbuster Dune: Part 2, paying what they can starting at a minimal ticket price.

Adding to the excitement, those who attend can immerse themselves in the VR Stage in our studio, featuring VR experiences and games from award-winning Bristol producer ‘We Are Anagram’, among independent producers. Perhaps they’ll get a chance to be someone else, explore another place and get swept up in the story.

“The Future’s Now is a trailblazing opportunity for our town and beyond to experience our cinema and virtual reality for free. The local young community have put together an intriguing line-up of films that open-up conversations around the changes in technology and the impact on society, which couldn’t be more topical today given the speed of which technology is advancing and how that could change the world for generations to come.” Jess Brewster, Director of The Roses

The full line-up will be announced in the coming weeks and cinema seats can either be booked online or festival-goers can simply turn up on the day. www.rosestheatre.org/news/the-futures-now-free-immersive-film-festival

Arts for Impact – A Story of ‘Infinite Creatives’

From Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyears’ cry of ‘To infinity and beyond’ on the big screen to our very own ‘Infinite Creatives’. In a world where challenges loom large with a severe lack of provision for young people with special educational needs contributing to the wider mental health and social isolation concerns, The Roses is proud to share the heartwarming impact of its ‘Infinite Creatives’ programme. Since its inception in September 2022, this transformative initiative has provided a space for young people with special educational needs to explore their creativity and shine bright.

Defined as ‘limitless or endless in space, extent, or size,’ the ‘Infinite Creatives’ programme embodies its name, offering participants the opportunity to produce and use original ideas in a safe and supportive environment. Through monthly performing arts sessions encompassing drama, art, and music, children have found joy, built confidence, and improved their mental wellbeing.

Mum, Bethan shared the following, ‘Seren is home educated so these sessions where she is working with a group are very important. It’s not an opportunity Seren gets often and it’s somewhere she feels safe and valued which helps to build her confidence. These opportunities are hard to come by and this group of children are often excluded from having experiences like this where they wouldn’t find fitting in easy. The inclusivity is so important for socialising and mental health. Seeing young people passionate about the subjects covered gives us hope that they can continue to change the way the world sees them for their future. It really is something very special to be a part of.’

As we celebrate the profound impact of the ‘Infinite Creatives’ programme, we also look to the future with hope. The Roses’ Theatre has been pledged £10,000 of matched funding from the Big Give’s ‘Arts for Impact’ Campaign which means for every pound donated to the campaign which will run from Tuesday 19th – 26th March a further pound will be received from the Big Give. If we reach the £10,000 target, we will receive a total therefore of £20,000 which will enable us to deliver the programme again on a weekly basis and to reach many more young people.

Here’s what Director of The Roses, Jess Brewster had to say about the programme, “The Infinite Creatives aims to bring joy through creativity, and I consider it to be one of the most important pieces of work we do for the community. In similar school activities we have seen a 50% increase in confidence and literacy in children, compared to non-participants, and an overall increase in academic achievement. We aim to engage with over 1,000 isolated and vulnerable children and young people across Gloucestershire to develop creative skills, build social circles and create a supportive environment for care givers. But raising £10,000 in just one week is no easy task. We greatly need the community’s help so that our charity can continue to keep this vital initiative going and expand it to further its impact.”

If you would like to find out more about the programme or campaign use the QR code below or get in touch with the team directly by contacting the Box Office.

Images: Infinite Creatives

Creating a Culture of Joy in the Office

Members of The Roses team had the pleasure of attending the Gloucestershire Business Show, where there were a diverse range of businesses present and discussions on wellbeing in the workplace took centre stage. The event provided a platform for insightful conversations and fruitful exchanges, shedding light on the importance of fostering inclusive environments and supporting the health and happiness of employees.

Director, Jess Brewster, contributed to several panels raising questions around rest culture, flexibility and the challenge of achieving wellbeing with the constraints of limited resources in an arts charity. Particularly engaging was a panel considering the use of laughter in the workplace to influence mood, build resilience and lower stress levels. Drawing on her experience in theatre and comedy, Jess shared insights into the importance of tone and how humour can be used to influence atmospheres, build resilience, and foster social connections at work which are inclusive and not exclusive.

Top Tips for Workplace Wellbeing:

• Create some basic rules for office etiquette that are easy to do whatever mood the office is in: the little things matter and contribute to a culture led by kindness –be pleased to see each other, make each other cups of tea, say hi.

• Recognize and accommodate individual needs for wellbeing, whether it’s gym memberships, flexible schedules, or designated quiet spaces. Don’t hesitate to ask employees what they need.

• Foster a team culture that prioritizes mutual support and encourages both managers and employees to look out for each other’s wellbeing and take responsibility for their own.

• Workplace wellbeing is not some fluffy add on – a great, well structured organisation with good managers, regular check ins, clear roles and strong and safe communication is the heart and soul of great wellbeing at work. No amount of extra benefits will make up for this.

• Find the fun! We forget to do this in most workplaces but it’s so important to a resilient, healthy workplace

Reflecting on the event, The Roses team found resonance with their commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity. Programmes like Infinite Creatives provide safe, inclusive spaces for creative expression, while activities like the weekly knitting group promote social connection – a cornerstone of workplace wellbeing.

As The Roses continues to champion wellbeing, we are constantly developing the artist wellbeing offer for live performers such as the wellbeing packages for voice and body care backstage and having Mental Health

First Aiders on hand for performers who are with us during panto season, reinforcing their dedication to supporting the holistic health of their team.

The Roses’ Staff Party

New Shows

Here’s a round up of just a few of the shows we have put on sale recently... these have not appeared in a brochure yet!

Oddsocks: Julius Caesar

SUN 14 JULY 6.30PM

Rome 44BC. Egotistical Emperor Julius Caesar is sweating (and it’s not just the heatwave). The peasants are revolting as the most famous political coup in literature is given the Oddsocks treatment. Expect the tearing of togas, the swishing of roman swords, some preposterous puppetry and the biggest battle scene five actors have ever created.

The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is

SAT 12 OCT 7.30PM

This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!

Tickets £18.00 – £20.00

Man Of The World: The Music of Peter Green

FRI 18 OCT 7.30PM

Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green’s career.

Hear such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

80s Live

FRI 2 AUG 7.30PM

Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK - 80s Live!

The show includes hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, The Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me?, Relax, Never Gonna Give You Up, It’s Raining Men, Rio and the list goes on.

Tickets £24.00 – £31.00

Country Superstars

SAT 19 OCT 7.30PM

The world’s biggest country music tribute touring show is coming with an award winning cast!

As Seen in London’s West End Leicester Square Theatre, Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s Broadway.

Tickets £32.00

Tickets £17.00 – £24.00

Tickets £28.50

Jenny Ryan: Out Of The Box

FRI 13 SEP 7.30PM

Jenny Ryan – better known as the dream-crushing brainbox

The Vixen on the hit ITV quiz The Chase – breaks away from teatime telly and invites you to an evening of song, storytelling and even some showbiz secrets.

Cara Dillon

SUN 29 SEP 7.30PM

In the world of music, few luminaries shine as brightly as Cara Dillon. This Irish singer seldom fails to leave audiences spellbound with her breathtaking voice and emotional delivery and has remained at the very pinnacle of the folk genre for over two decades.

Steeleye Span

SUN 6 OCT 7.30PM

New album the Green Man Collection brings together tracks from their recent releases with new versions of three classics (including a reworking of ‘Hard Times’ featuring Status Quo’s Francis Rossi), a cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’ and the title track, a previously lost Bob Johnson song from the 1980s.

The Gigspanner Big Band

THU 24 OCT 7.30PM

Legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight is joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet, guitarist Roger Flack, multiinstrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Duo’) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers.

Get It On

SAT 2 NOV 7.30PM

The costumes, the make-up, the biggest glam rock hits of T.Rex, Mud, Slade, Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, Sweet and more, live on stage.

From the producers of Lost in Music... come on feel the noise and dress to impress for the brand-new, feel-good show of the year!

Dreamcoat Stars

THU 7 NOV 7.30PM

Dreamcoat Stars is back for their 3rd UK tour, bringing incredible live musical entertainment to the nation! Experience the UK’s biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert featuring brand-new songs and arrangements. Starring Any Dream Will Do’s Keith Jack; TV star and UK tour Joseph Sam Cassidy; West End’s leading man Graham Tudor; and introducing our first Pharaoh Andrew Geater.

Tickets £28.50

Tickets £32.00

Tickets £31.50

Coming Up Roses: A New Way to Network

A year ago, The Roses’ launched a new Business Patron offer, it was a huge success and we are so grateful to our current Business Patrons for taking a punt on us.

Having learned lots over the past year we are now gearing up to revitalize our offer. We’re currently gathering feedback from our current supporters and are excited to shortly unveil a new series of opportunities for businesses. Stay tuned for more details!

If you’d like to find out more about our Business Patron, Sponsorship, advertising, space hire or catering opportunities in the meantime please head to our website or contact the Box Office for more information. Attendees of a Chair’s Circle event

Creativity Corner

DIY Constellation Projectors

Materials:

• Cardboard Tube

• Torch

• Black Marker Pen

• Piece of white cardboard

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Compass

• Pushpin

Steps:

1. Prepare the Cardboard Tube: Use the black marker to cover the outside of the cardboard tube completely. This will help to block out excess light and create a better projection.

2. Create the Starry Night Sky: Use the pushpin to poke holes randomly on one end of the cardboard tube. These holes will represent the stars in the night sky, so feel free to get creative with different sizes and patterns.

3. Cut Out the Star Chart: Using the pencil and compass, draw a circle on the white cardstock or paper. This will be the base of your projector. Then, use the pencil to sketch out the constellations or star patterns you want to project.

4. Cut Out the Circle: Carefully cut out the circle along the pencil lines. This will be the backdrop for your constellation projector. © greenkidcrafts.com

www.rosestheatre.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us

KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT LIKE TO READ OUR QUARTERLY CHRONICLE?

On the 1st April 2023 we relaunched our membership scheme and introduced a new subscriber level so for just £20 a year people can now support The Roses and receive the Chronicle. Full details on our membership scheme including details on how to sign up can be found on our website.

www.rosestheatre.org/support-us/memberships