Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Spring edition of The Roses Chronicle, your exclusive members-only magazine, with a fresh new look to mark 50 years of The Roses.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that sometimes, to move forward, we must look back. Tewkesbury has a long and rich history of film, so we’ve decided to focus on this subject in this issue. Culture has a way of coming full circle—whether through the resurgence of big-screen cinema, the rediscovery of classic films by new generations, or the shift from collective theatre experiences to the immersive world of virtual reality (VR).
The film industry continues to evolve at pace, with shifting audience habits, technological innovation and changes in production trends all shaping the landscape. From streaming services and virtual reality to renewed interest in community cinemas, these developments have had a ripple effect even in towns like Tewkesbury. While challenges remain, there is a growing sense of momentum and reinvention across the sector. This Chronicle explores how these wider changes are reflected in our own journey at The Roses, as we continue to adapt and thrive in a world where cinema is being reimagined.
This issue is full of reinventions and fresh perspectives, including:
• Opportunities to get involved and share your memories of The Roses
• Personal stories from audience member Andrea Preston and longtime projectionist Linda Pike—offering both sides of the screen
• A spotlight on The Future’s Now Festival, celebrating gaming and film, and encouraging a new generation to engage with cinema in innovative ways
• News of a co-produced walking map of Tewkesbury, focused on accessibility and creativity
• Plus, our Creativity Corner—a space for everyone to contribute and be part of the making
In a time when the arts are constantly evolving, The Roses remains grounded in something timeless: the power of people coming together to imagine, escape and connect.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Warm wishes,
Grace End Development Manager
Screen Magic
ENJOY ANDREA’S JOURNEY THROUGH FLICKERING SCREENS, FAMOUS FACES AND TIMELESS STORIES.
As we celebrate The Roses’ 50th Anniversary and delve into memories from across the decades, we’re delighted to share this special contribution from local writer and film-lover Andrea Preston. Andrea’s reflections on falling in love with cinema during the 1970s offer a vivid snapshot of a golden age of film, perfectly echoing our 50 Years of Stage & Stories campaign and the spirit of the Roses Rewind project. Alongside The Roses’ Projectionist, Linda’s, talk on the history of Tewkesbury cinemas, and our call-out for your Roses stories, this piece reminds us how deeply film can shape our lives—and how important our cinema continues to be today.
Why Don’t You Go To The Pictures?
By Andrea Preston
I had left school and didn’t want to go to college. I wanted a job so that I finished work at 5.00pm and could come home and spend the rest of the day writing. I didn’t want to have to start my evening doing coursework. My parents wanted me to carry on studying but I lived only to write. Mum, the ever practical, reminded me it didn’t have to be all work and no play. I agreed to take a business studies course, thinking the typing part would be very valuable when I started sending manuscripts to publishers. It would also keep everyone quiet for two years and allow me to work hard at my writing. And I started going to the pictures.
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At first it was a cheap night out, nothing more. Soon, though, I began to take it more seriously. I fell in love with film. I’m still in love with it.
I came to film at a time when, I think, it really matured. By the 70s, actors knew they didn’t have to act the part, they had to be the part. This was the age of the big names—Glenda Jackson, Janet Suzman, Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Michael York, Alan Bates, Dirk Bogarde and, across the pond, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Gene Hackman (still my favourite), Candice Bergen … and many, many more.
I came to know not just the actors but also the directors. I knew anything directed by Ken Russell would likely be completely over the top but at least good for a laugh on the bus going home. I went to the cinema with friends, I went on my own, I bought every movie magazine on the shelves of WHSmith and even did a little dealing in film memorabilia which helped the student grant stretch to more cinema tickets. Stafford had two cinemas, the Odeon and the smaller, cosier Picture House. Each would run a programme on Saturday afternoon and a different one in the evening so I could go twice. I went, usually to the Odeon, with a group of chums every Monday. On Thursdays, I went home with
a friend who lived at Barlaston, her mother would feed us and her father would drive us to a cinema in North Staffordshire. From the lush Odeon in Hanley to the fleapit in Longton, we came to know them all.
As well as seeing new releases, I would watch films on TV and always made a point of being home for the Friday night Hammer horror. It was not unusual for me to see eight films a week and given that there were no videos, DVDs or internet, and every new film had to be on general release for five years before it could be shown on TV, that was quite something. It was a wonder I got any coursework done. A bonus was that all this obsessive film-watching inspired many ideas for my writing projects, not least pinching actors and basing characters on them.
YouTube is one of the best things that has happened to me. Forget putting my glad rags on Saturday evenings and going out (unless it’s to something really special)—give me a film! I can watch anything I missed in the cinema or re-view my favourites. Most films, I’ve found, deserve multiple viewings because of the sheer richness of the content. But happy as I am to sit with laptop on knees and headphones on, nothing matches the thrill of the house lights going down, the censors’ certificate appearing and Paramount’s stars swirling round the mountain peak or the MGM
lion roaring. The film is about to begin—wallow in it!
Recently I watched Out of Africa. I saw it on release in the 80s but wanted to watch it again. I was riveted. I can enjoy a film for the set, photography and soundtrack and that’s without even thinking about the (usually) wonderful work of scriptwriter and cast.
Stafford’s Picture House, which swallowed up so much of my pocket money in the 70s, is now a Wetherspoon pub but films are still shown there once a week. There might still be a few people about who boast that they ‘haven’t been to the cinema for twenty years’, as if that is some great achievement, but I think as a nation we do still love films. And there’s no better way to watch them than in a purposebuilt cinema, being shown to an audience who—every one of them—absolutely adores film. I was delighted when I discovered The Roses’ cinema in Tewkesbury.
I receive information about forthcoming films by email and I also pick up a copy of their monthly printed brochures so I can browse in an odd moment —when I’m waiting for the bus to arrive, the kettle to boil or my phone alarm to tell me I need to rescue my laundry. I usually manage to see two films per month. I love the little studio cinema upstairs with its mere twenty seats but I also love the main house downstairs because the screen is huge.
If you haven’t yet been to The Roses cinema do think about giving it a try. The programmes are varied and there should be something to please everyone. The prices are good, the seats comfortable and the staff friendly. But above all, the quality of the performance is always superb. Gone are the days when film arrived in a pile of flat, circular boxes and the projectionist had to keep two projectors loaded so as one 20-minute reel ended the next one automatically kicked in. Now it’s all on disc and there are no hisses, crackles or little flashes because by the time the film has been shown a dozen times the tape has picked up more than a few scratches.
The Roses’ cinema is part of The Roses Theatre in Sun Street. Information is always available at the box office during opening hours and tickets can be booked there as well as online. There is a bus stop outside which couldn’t be more convenient.
My mother, also an avid film fan, had her own gauge for measuring the success of a movie. She regarded it as a triumph if “I think about it the next morning.” To this day I still apply this test to my own film experiences. So if anyone passes me in a corridor, and I seem to be on another planet, I’m probably thinking about the film I saw the day before. And if I am, it will have been one of the triumphs.
If you’ve been inspired by Andrea’s memories and are keen to see a classic take a look at our Roses Rewind series celebrating top films from each decade since the 70s. More info at rosestheatre.org/roses-rewind
◀ Exterior of The Roses
▶ The Roses Auditorium
If you’d like to contribute an article for a future edition of The Roses Chronicle, we’d love to hear from you—get in touch by emailing grace.end@rosestheatre.org
A Century of Cinema
FROM PENNY TICKETS TO PACKED PREMIERES, TEWKESBURY’S CINEMA STORY IS STILL BEING WRITTEN—BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
This article is adapted from a longer talk given to the U3A by our very own Projectionist Linda Pike, who many of you will know from behind the glass upstairs! It traces the remarkable story of cinema in Tewkesbury—from the earliest silent films to The Roses you know and love today. When you sit down to watch a film at The Roses today— surrounded by digital projection, surround sound and the comfort of a well-loved local venue—it’s easy to forget how far cinema in Tewkesbury has come. That journey spans over a century, and it’s a story woven through with community spirit, resilience and no small amount of passion from people like you.
Cinema arrived here around 1909. By 1912, the Picture House had opened on Barton
Street, later known as The Picturedrome. Tickets were a penny for children and twopence for adults. Then came the Sabrina in 1938—Tewkesbury’s grand new cinema, seating over 600, all red plush and blueuniformed usherettes. Many still recall queuing for South Pacific or clinging to their seats during Jaws. Tickets started at just 7d. But the arrival of television took its toll. The Sabrina closed in 1962, and the town’s cinema story might have ended there. That it didn’t is down to bold ambition—and the community’s belief in the power of shared cultural spaces.
Curtain Up: The Roses Begins
The Roses opened in 1975 as the first purpose-built theatre in Gloucestershire in the 20th century. With its modern design it offered something new: continental seating, a fly tower,
and space for live shows and film. But it nearly didn’t happen. Council changes in 1974 meant the project passed to a new authority, many of whom had little connection to the town— and even less interest in the arts.
Delays and cost overruns followed. There was fierce debate about whether it should even go ahead. But eventually, with support from a tenacious local campaign and a royal gala opening attended by HRH Princess Anne, The Roses was born.
The early years were tough. The theatre needed 467 full houses a year to survive. Sunday shows were off the table. But with creativity and determination— including Saturday matinees and themed film seasons— it began to find its feet.
Stars, Setbacks and Stan Stennett
In the 80s and early 90s, The Roses became a buzzing venue for film, theatre and music. It was run by entertainer Stan Stennett, who brought with him professional pantomimes, bigname acts and a sense of fun. He even persuaded his close friend Eric Morecambe to perform— an unforgettable night in 1984 that would sadly be Eric’s last. Linda says “Around this time, I joined the team (I’m still The Roses’ Projectionist today!). I worked alongside Stan and helped steer the reels through the decades to come.”
In 1993, when council support was withdrawn, the theatre closed. After a short revival attempt, it shut again in 1995. But the community wouldn’t give up. A charitable trust was formed, and with renewed backing, The Roses reopened— this time as a true community theatre, supported by its audiences and run with heart.
Today and Tomorrow
Today, The Roses welcomes over 80,000 visitors a year and is a vital part of Tewkesbury life. It offers film, live events, outreach, education and a creative home for all ages. Much has changed— digital projection, modern facilities, a renewed focus on access and community—but the spirit remains the same. And crucially: so do you. As Friends and Patrons, you are not only our most loyal audiences—you’re part of the reason The Roses exists at all. Your support ensures our stage lights stay on, our doors stay open and our legacy continues.
Your Cinema Memories Wanted Were you at The Sabrina for The Sound of Music? Did you volunteer at the Box Office or bring your children to Saturday matinees? Do you have a programme tucked in a drawer or a photo we haven’t seen?
We’re gathering stories from those who helped shape cinema in Tewkesbury—we’d love to hear from you.
Visit rosestheatre.org/ standing-ovation
“◀ Linda Talking to the U3A ▶ The Roses information Stand
From silent reels to digital screens, Tewkesbury’s cinema story lives on thanks to a town that never stopped believing in the magic of film.
A Celebration of Gaming & Film!
A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF FILM, GAMING AND FIRST-TIME EXPERIENCES AT THE ROSES’ FUTURE’S NOW FESTIVAL.
What a day! The Future’s Now Festival, back for it’s second year, lit up
The Roses on Saturday 12th April.
Last year, we were lucky to receive funding from the BFI specifically aimed at helping us develop and engage younger audience. Although this year we didn’t have funding support we weren’t going to let that stop us. We were determined to keep the magic alive and make the festival even more exciting, accessible and fun. And we did just that.
The event grew in all the right ways. We reached a wider audience, welcomed many new faces and offered a brilliant range of experiences—all completely free. For many people, it was their first-ever visit to the cinema, which made it even more special.
“My sons Rory (6) and Eddie (18 months) had their first shared cinema experience with WreckIt-Ralph. Eddie lasted about 30-minutes but Rory wanted to stay and was very brave and understanding. It was a very wholesome experience.”
- Attendee
Feedback like this captured what the festival was really about—sharing stories, creating memories and making people feel welcome.
The film lineup was a hit, offering a fantastic mix of video gameinspired movies, from the charming Pokémon Detective Pikachu to the animated fun of Wreck-It Ralph, and the actionpacked Tomb Raider (2018)
The night wrapped up with the thrilling Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Each film was a celebration of how video games have influenced cinema, and it was amazing to see the energy in the room as people laughed, cheered and gasped together.
But this festival wasn’t just about watching films—it was about diving into the world of gaming! Attendees got handson with virtual reality (VR) experiences and explored our retro gaming zone, reliving classic games and discovering new ones. It was interactive, fun and unforgettable.
We were especially grateful for the support of Adam at The Lab, Tewkesbury, who provided the VR headsets and gave people the chance to step into new worlds— many for the very first time.
A busy retro gaming area
▶ An attendee playing on the standing retro gaming cabinet
“It’s been such a joy working on this festival and to see so many people come through the doors of The Roses to experience the magic of film and gaming.”
- Danielle, Event Manager
We’re so proud of how the festival turned out—despite the challenges, it was a huge success and a real celebration of creativity, community and fun. It showed that it’s absolutely possible to offer free, high-quality experiences that everyone can enjoy. We’re over the moon with how the weekend went, and we can’t wait to bring The Future’s Now Festival back even bigger and better next year!
Help Shape the Future
of The Roses: We’re Recruiting a New Chair of the Board of Trustees
Over the past three years, The Roses Theatre has experienced remarkable growth. Thanks to the support of friends and patrons like you, we’ve increased our revenue by 60% through innovative approaches, developed a flourishing youth and community programme that meets the needs of our local area, and secured £400k in capital funding to transform our Front of House and stage—making it easier for more people to engage with theatre and the arts.
As we enter the next exciting phase of our journey, we are seeking a dynamic and inspiring Chair to lead us forward. This key role will help guide The Roses as we continue to grow as a community-led creative hub, bringing art and culture to Tewkesbury and North Gloucestershire.
Could you or someone you know be the leader we need to help take The Roses into this next chapter?
For more information or to apply, please visit our website or contact our Director, Jessica Brewster at jessica.brewster@ rosestheatre.org. The application deadline is Sat 31 May.
A Bright Future for Film: Upgraded Cinema Screen at The Roses
We’re delighted to share that cinema at The Roses continues to go from strength to strength. We’ve been awarded some capital funding from Tewkesbury Borough Council, and with generous support
from local businesses and an individual, we’re installing a new lightweight cinema screen in our main auditorium. More details to follow—we can’t wait to enhance the cinema experience for all our visitors!
New Community-Created Map of Tewkesbury Unveiled
A brand new, communitycreated map of Tewkesbury has been unveiled, thanks to a special collaboration between The Roses Theatre, Art Shape and Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership.
The project brought together a range of local groups to creatively explore and represent the town. The K2Togs Knitting Group contributed their unique flair by incorporating knitted elements into the design, which are now featured on the map by The Roses Theatre. Their work was also on display at the official exhibition opening held on Wed 23 Apr.
Another key contributor was the CCP Walking Group, who meet monthly for guided walks. The group shared beautiful wildlife drawings and thoughtful insights into Tewkesbury’s natural features. Their contributions appear on the map near Tewkesbury Nature Reserve. The finished map, which highlights a range of accessible
walking routes—from riverside paths and hidden alleyways to green spaces and historic landmarks—will be available in the coming weeks. Copies can be picked up from The Roses Theatre and Visit Tewkesbury. This vibrant, locally-inspired map is designed by the community for the community, and is set to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the town in new and creative ways.
Call Out for Props for Our Next RYC Show!
For our upcoming Roses Young Creatives Production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition we are on the hunt for the following props.
• Sepia/greyscale fabrics
• Hessian sacks/fabric
• Wicker basket
• Satchel (plain/neutral colour)
• Witch’s hat & cloak
• Straw hat
• Oil can
• Tin/Metal Bucket
• Drawstring bag (plain/ neutral colour)
• Crystal ball
• Fake hay
• Stuffing/wadding
• Fake flowers
If you can lend us any of these for our rehearsals and show please get in touch with our Children and Young People Producer, Georgia Shire georgia.shire@rosestheatre.org
Creativity Corner
FANCY GETTING INTO THE 70s SPIRIT DIY YOUR OWN OUTFIT
Ready to groove into the 70s spirit for The Roses’ 50th Anniversary celebrations? Here are a few fun costume ideas inspired by the groovy culture of the 70s!
Costume Ideas to Inspire You:
Flower Power Peace Sign – Embrace the love and peace with a colourful peace sign and floral prints. Make Love, Not War – A classic slogan with a hippie twist.
Boho Vibes – Sun & Moon – Channel the earthy vibes of the bohemian movement.
Psychedelic Swirls – Go all out with tie-dye in vibrant, swirling colours.
DIY Ribbon Choker:
What you need:
• A piece of ribbon (about 30–35 cm)
• A large bead, pendant, or charm
• Glue or a safety pin
• Scissors
Instructions:
1. Cut your ribbon to fit around your neck with a little extra for tying.
2. Attach your charm:
• If it has a loop, just thread it on.
• If not, glue it to the center or secure it with a small safety pin (which is very punk/70s anyway!).
3. Finish the ends: Tie it in a bow at the back of your neck—or double knot it.
Optional: Use a lighter to slightly melt the ribbon ends to prevent fraying.
How to Make Your Own Tie-Dye Shirt:
What you need:
• A plain white t-shirt (cotton works best)
• Tie-dye kit or fabric dye (in your favourite 70s colours like neon pink, purple, yellow, and orange)
• Rubber bands
• Plastic squeeze bottles or spray bottles (for applying the dye)
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic bags (for wrapping your t-shirt)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Shirt: Wet your t-shirt and wring out any excess water. Lay it flat on a surface.
2. Tie it Up: Twist and fold the t-shirt, then secure sections with rubber bands. The tighter the rubber bands, the more distinct your colour pattern will be.
3. Apply the Dye: Using the squeeze bottles or spray bottles, apply different colours of dye to the shirt. Be creative and mix up the colours for that psychedelic look!
4. Let It Set: Once you’ve applied your dye, wrap the t-shirt in plastic and let it sit for 6-8 hours, or according to the instructions on your dye kit.
5. Rinse and Dry: Once the dye has set, rinse the t-shirt under cold water until the water runs clear. Let it dry completely before wearing!
Now you’re all set to shine in your 70s costume—whether it’s flower power, disco fever, or psychedelic vibes, you’re sure to stand out in style!
Please Keep Spreading the Word
If you enjoyed this edition of The Roses Chronicle, please pass it along to a friend. Or better yet—bring them with you next time you visit! We’re always looking to grow our community, and there’s no better recommendation than yours. Thank you for your continued support and for spreading the word.