The Roses’ Chronicle SUMMER 2023
Dear Friends,
Summer has zoomed by here at The Roses in a whirlwind of change and growth throughout 2023 so far. While some of this has happened behind the scenes, that you can read about inside, some is very much at the forefront – we finally installed our fabulous new ground floor foyer bar, upstairs kitchen and complete makeover of Front of House, supported by a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. With The Roses’ team firing on all cylinders, we are feeling super excited about our future. This sense of potential and opportunity is not only contained to The Roses: with the fastest growing population in the UK, a new and dynamic Vicar starting at Tewkesbury Abbey in September and the juggernaut success of new events like Tewkesbury Live and Tewkesbury Goes Wild there’s a real buzz in the air.
Most excitingly there’s also a growing culture of collaboration in the town: new networking groups are springing up and Tewkesbury Culture Consortium is expanding to the Tewkesbury Culture, Heritage and Nature Network as it continues to attract new members from across the area. In partnership with international engineering and tech company’s they will be launching a winter festival and conference in 2024 that will place the town at the centre of cutting-edge conversations about human futures, climate and resilience.
This new energy for connection can be seen at the Roses too – in less than 9 months we are almost at capacity for our Roses Young Creatives with nearly 100 young people expected to take to the stage next year. And only 2 months after it launched we have 7 Business Patrons, who alongside our brilliant membership (that’s you) provide us with vital support.
The Roses can only make a small fraction of its turnover from ticket sales, so our family of supporters is the reason we are punching way above our weight.
To each and every one of you, a huge thanks!
Jess Brewster Director
Growing Up and Bedding In
In the Spring edition of our Roses Chronicle we introduced you to our new Front of House and Facilities Manager, Paul, who was at the time our newest member of staff. We have since welcomed many new faces to our team including a Catering and Hospitality Manager, Finance Coordinator, Technical Assistant and Bar Supervisor. With our team having grown rapidly and our building closed for refurbishment in mid-August we took ourselves for some time away as a team to get to know one another better.
Routes to The Roses
Our first activity was to share an item to the group that represented our route to The Roses. Items included everything from keys as a representation of both returning home and new adventures, a programme of The Roses pantomime that staff had acted in during their youth, a trowel for planting new seeds and nurturing a community garden and a birthday card representing friendships formed over many years of working at The Roses. The takeaway of the day was that we all have connections with the place which run deep for many, and this sits at the heart of our passion to look after this wonderful venue for generations to come to enjoy as much as we have.
Conversations continued in this manner as we walked along the river and talked about highlights of the past 40 years at The Roses, or the Sabrina as we were formerly known, and our thoughts for the coming years too as we look ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2025.
Want to hear more tales of The Roses? Share stories from years gone by, ours and yours, by joining us for a drink in our new bar, dropping us a line on our socials or in the form of a letter if you so desire!
Reflections from a Community Producer
It’s always valuable to reflect on the past, to enjoy the successes and learn from the challenges. Here at The Roses we are enormously proud of our Community Programme, of all the friendships that have grown from people coming together each week to share in something they love doing. After a busy year here’s what our Community Producer, Megan Dunford, had to say…
“‘It seems bonkers to think just under a year ago we had a limited community offer and no youth theatre taking place in our beloved building. Fast forward to September 2023 our Roses Young Creatives continues to grow, with over 50 young people coming to weekly theatre classes –and can we just take a moment to reflect on the masterpiece that was ‘Matilda Jr!’ Well done to them and we look forward to getting to work on the next one. It’s a busy but exciting time and we’re loving getting to know our new communities as we grow our Get Creative offer!”
History on the High Street
Tewkesbury is full of history from its famed Battle of Tewkesbury during the Wars of the Roses to the alleyways peppering the town. The Roses Theatre sits proudly at the heart of the Tewkesbury Culture Network and working alongside Rachel Thatcher from the Heritage office and Georgia Smith our Highstreet Heritage Action Zone Officer a series of exciting pop-up events are planned for this year’s Heritage Open Days, which takes place from 8–17 September. Follow @tewkesburyculture for the latest news.
Adding our own stamp to the street
Our K2TOGS knitting group which meets weekly on Wednesday mornings continues to brighten the town by adding their own creations to the High Street. If you spot their latest post box topper do share photos and make sure to tag us @rosesgetcreative
Step back in time with a walk around Tewkesbury’s historic landmarks
Battlefield Tours of Tewkesbury are FREE and organised by the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society frequently. For more information head to: www.tewkesbury.org.uk/events-walks
Explore the heritage of the town in creative ways this September with a special Alleycats photography walk exploring Overlooked Tewkesbury, all those taking part will have their work featured in an exhibition at the library afterwards’ Follow Tewkesbury Culture Facebook page for more info Check out The Secret Garden developed by Peter Healing and belonging to the Abbey Lawn Trust. Access is free from the street behind the John Moore Museum.
From the past to the future, turn a new leaf this Autumn…
Whether you want to grow your ‘me time’ or grow your skills, let your creativity or new friendships blossom, we’ve all our existing groups running from September including board games, quiz nights, bingo, knitting, choirs and a whole host of groups for young people and several NEW groups too!
Thursday mornings in the bar will be home to ‘Acting Up!’ a weekly theatre session for those wanting to learn ways to build their confidence and socialise through drama.
In partnership with TADS we bring you One Size Fits All a monthly open mic night!
Head to our website for full details.
Bloomin’ Good Business
As one of the fastest growing boroughs in the UK, it’s no surprise that Tewkesbury is a great place to do business. In the past year we have been delighted to get to know our neighbours and have enjoyed meeting local business owners in a multitude of ways, from sharing breakfasts from the Jelly Roll café fortnightly on Friday mornings at The Exchange, to the installation of our top notch blackout blind by Laskey’s Blinds, to arranging photographs of many a beverage or bunch of friends by Meg Anderson Images we are always delighted to be able to partner with local businesses.
New for 2023 we have launched our very own Business Patron package including:
• 20 tickets to our film programme
• Access to a range of hospitality packages
• Discounted advertising in our quarterly brochure
• Invitations to networking events
For more information head to our website www.rosestheatre.org/support-us/business-partnerships Have an idea in mind? Contact our Development Manager, grace.end@rosestheatre.org and we can start talking. Or, better yet, join us for our first networking event and get the ideas flowing over post-work drinks!
The Roses Networking will be followed by another new group, Drink & Draw...
The Roses Networking Group
Tuesday 26 September 5.30–7pm
Price: £10.00 (Business Patrons £5.00)
Come and join us for a night of networking, to connect with other businesses, explore cultural and commercial opportunities and enjoy a drink in our newly refurbished bar. Each evening will start with a round of introductions with a creative twist, followed by a keynote discussion and a closing opportunity to make direct asks for business requests with plenty of time to mingle peppered throughout. Book your spot through Box Office or online.
Drink & Draw
Tuesday 26 September 7.30pm
Price: £10.00
In these monthly evening sessions you’ll have fun, learn useful drawing advice and get the chance to unwind with a glass of something whilst flexing your doodling muscles. For everybody, including the creatively challenged! Materials are included but you are also welcome to bring your own.
Pre-booking is essential.
www.rosestheatre.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us
SAVE THE DATE
The Roses Annual General Meeting
THURSDAY
19 OCTOBER
Join us as we launch our newly renovated bar and café area and try our new menu and drinks whilst enjoying some very special performances. There will be time to learn about the latest impact of your generosity, tell us your thoughts, and hear about all our plans for the coming year. Official invitations to follow, we hope you will join us!
New Shows
Many theatres, including The Roses, used to launch their events in seasons, often just a month or two prior to their start.
Over the years the industry has moved away from this (although we still produce our well-read season brochure) as the longer an event is on sale, the better it does (and thanks to our incredible audiences, yourselves included, we now do sell out most events here).
Promoters like to get on sale the moment the ink is dry on the contract, often so they can start furiously marketing it themselves, and for this reason you can often find shows on sale over a year ahead of their visit to us. Here’s a round up of shows we have put on sale but haven’t actively announced yet.
90s Live!
SAT 16 MAR 7.30PM
Get ready as we spice up your life, take you back for good and hit you one more time with the ultimate 90s party night out!
The music of a generation brought to life with fantastic vocals, genius costumes and of course; all the dance moves you know and loveand don’t worry if you’ve forgotten; we’ll remind you!
UK Pink Floyd Experience
FRI 22 MAR 7.30PM
Celebrating over 50 years of one of rock music’s most influential bands, UK Pink Floyd Experience recreate the sights and sounds of the legendary band in concert. This highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live. Featuring top-flight musicians and complete with video projections, a stunning light show and of course, over 2 hours of incredible music!
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
FRI 26 APR 7.30PM
Over two hours of classic rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few.
Tickets £31.00–£24.00
Tickets All £28.00
The Manfreds
FRI 3 MAY 7.30PM
Following the huge success of their 60th anniversary tour in 2023, The Manfreds will be making their way back to The Roses in 2024 for a much awaited reappearance.
Frankie’s Guys
SAT 4 MAY 7.30PM
Featuring stars from the global smash-hit musical Jersey Boys, Frankie’s Guys have become internationally renowned in their own right for their astonishing vocal harmonies, slick dance moves, and the electric atmosphere they bring to the stage!
Tickets All £29.50
Tickets All £30.00
Tickets £31.00–£24.00
Seven Drunken Nights
SUN 24 MAR 2.30PM & 7.30PM
Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners returns to theatres in 2024. In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.
Tickets All £30.00
This Flight Tonight – The Songs of Joni Mitchell
SAT 13 APR 7.30PM
UK singer/songwriters Zervas & Pepper present what they consider to be the nucleus of Mitchell’s work, that pivotal break-out period 19681976 with the voice, guitar and piano front and centre.
This intimate acoustic evening will make you feel like you’re having a private listening session at Joni’s house in Laurel Canyon during the summer of love.
Tickets All £24.50
The Bon Jovi Experience
FRI 19 APR 7.30PM
Celebrating 30 years on the road this year, The Bon Jovi Experience is back with a brand new production for 2024. Get ready to rock your way through an unforgettable journey with the only show to be endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself!
Paul Young –Behind The Lens
FRI 10 MAY 7.30PM
Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home).
Now, on the 40th anniversary of No Parlez, he’s releasing a remarkable new record and publishing his extraordinary memoir; both called Behind The Lens.
Tickets From £32.50
Totally Blondie
SAT 18 MAY 7.30PM
Since forming early in 2018, Totally Blondie have rapidly gained a reputation as the best Blondie tribute band in the UK! With a stunning lookalike and soundalike singer, an exceptional, professional live band, their fullon, passionate performances are winning over audiences up and down the country.
Tickets £27.00–£22.00
Twist & Shout
SAT 20 JUL 7.30PM
An all-star cast from the West End deliver a musical powerhouse of a show that starts with the explosion of Brit Pop in 1962 through to the era of Flower Power and Free Love of the late Sixties.
Tickets £28.00–£21.00
Tickets All £27.50
Food for thought: Why it’s important to grow local
As a small, independent theatre, we have always had a soft spot for our local community and the opportunities that come with the people and businesses around us. Whether that be the people who come to watch our shows, engage in our community groups, or help us with our fundraising and giving campaigns, We are eternally grateful for every person around us who helps us to grow and be successful. So, when I started, my first question was – why aren’t we building on that with our hospitality sector? We have so many amazing local beers, ciders, farms, and food businesses around us and, much like many within the industry, we instead relied upon national or multinational companies for our food and drinks selection. We have now started the process of buying local produce and products, including some amazing beers like Cotswold Pale Ale from Hook Norton Brewery, or Phantom of The Orchard (a non-alcoholic cider) from the Cotswold Cider Company.
Creativity Corner Crackin’ Cress Heads
Ingredients
2 eggs
2 tsp cress seeds
2 cotton wool balls
felt-tip pens or acrylic paints
Method
1. Carefully remove the tops from the eggs, leaving the bottom two-thirds of the shells intact.
2. Empty the shells (save the eggs for another time), then carefully wash them out.
3. Decorate the shells with pens or paint, then leave them to dry.
Along with these changes, we have a brandnew kitchen, which means that we can lean into food produce and farms within the area. Within the next 18 months, we hope for 80% of our products and suppliers to be from this county, or any adjacent counties. I want to be the biggest champion of the opportunities that surround us and create the local connections that can sometimes feel lacking in this modern world. Let’s get back to community driven commerce and a holistic approach to how we buy and interact with each other.
Rachael, Catering and Hospitality Manager
If you are a local supplier interested in working with us please contact Rachael Head on rachael.head@rosestheatre.org
4. Dip the cotton wool balls in a little water, squeezing off any excess.
5. Place 1 ball inside each shell, then sprinkle 1 tsp cress seeds onto each one.
6. Sit the filled shells in eggcups and leave in a dry, well-lit place for a week –a windowsill is perfect.
7. Your cress will start to grow within a few days, perfect for making egg & cress sarnies!
Recipe: www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/crackin-cress-heads
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
