Hello!
I’m thrilled to introduce the very first edition of our brand-new What’s On for Families brochure!
This is your ultimate guide to an exciting lineup of programmes and events designed for families. At The Roses, we are passionate about connecting with families and young people across Gloucestershire and beyond, and this is where you can find out everything to entertain and inspire young people from those aged 3 to 18.
Highlights include:
• Roses Young Creatives (RYC) Youth Theatre: Discover the inspiring work of our youth theatre, including their special invitation to perform at the historic landmark, Gloucester Cathedral, by the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.
• RYC Minis: Introducing our new Saturday group for ages 4 and 5—a fantastic way for little ones to explore their creativity.
• Infinite Creatives: A dedicated programme for neurodivergent and learningdisabled young people aged 10–18, nurturing creativity and connection.
• School Holiday Workshops: From Play in a Day to our ever-popular RYC Summer School, there’s something for everyone during the holidays.
And that’s not all! Our live family-friendly events include exciting shows and activities, plus a special Tewkesbury Live programme in July.
Join us as we celebrate creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences for all ages!
Georgia Shire Youth & Education Producer
RYC Youth Theatre
Page 04-05
RYC Minis
Page 05
Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
Page 06
RYC Summer School
Page 07
Infinite Creatives
Page 08
Half-Term
Activities
Page 09
Family Live Shows
Pages 10-11
Birthday Parties
Back Cover
RYC Youth Theatre
Roses Young Creatives (RYC) Youth Theatre is the perfect place to spark imagination, build confidence and develop theatre skills. Embracing the diversity of young people and their individual talent, we create an inclusive environment where they can share the same passion for the arts and create life-long friendships.
Held every Tuesday on our stage, RYC equips young people with essential skills for a career in performing arts. From learning theatre etiquette to gaining handson experience in backstage operations, our programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of theatre. We take pride in creating a fun yet professional environment, preparing participants for their next steps in performing arts education and offering valuable industry insights.
A highlight of the year is our summer musical, where all the skills developed in acting, singing and dancing come together in a thrilling on-stage production. Have you seen RYC performing in the community? Our youth theatre performs locally and has been invited to take part
in several special occasions and events around the county.
For those interested in other aspects of theatre-making, we incorporate production design into our sessions, giving participants a voice in shaping their performances. Additional opportunities include specialist workshops and invitations to watch professional theatre productions, with past guests including Vamos Theatre and Thunder Road Theatre.
Meet The Team
Dan Jepson Director
Dan was a member of the Roses Youth Theatre over 10 years ago and cowrote the first show that The Roses Theatre toured at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since graduating from East 15, Dan has created an awardwinning video production business working with clients all over the UK.
Archie Watts Assistant
Archie graduated from Identity School of Acting, London. Archie is an actor and has performed on TV, at The Roses Theatre and other theatres around the southwest.
Emma Aubury Student Helper
Emma is currently a student, and is a member of our RYC Company group.
RYC Youth Theatre Plays!
Join us for a double showcase as the talented young performers of RYC Youth Theatre take to the stage. Each group has prepared their own performance, presenting a delightful mix of stories that will entertain the whole family.
Enjoy a fresh take on fairytales, a Shakespearean adventure, an original devised play, and two compelling scripted pieces including one from the prestigious National Theatre Connections.
When Sun 16 Feb
Time 2.00pm: Beginners, Juniors & Intermediates
6.00pm: Seniors and Company
Price £3–£5 (family discount available)
Join RYC at Gloucester Cathedral!
Our Company group has been invited by the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire to perform an extract from their play at Gloucester Cathedral. We are delighted that our young creatives have been recognised and we can’t wait for them to showcase their brilliance to the rest of the county.
When Fri 21 Feb
Time 7.00pm
Venue Gloucester Cathedral
Price Free (book on the venue website)
RYC Minis
RYC Minis is a playful and imaginative way for your little ones to explore the world of creativity.
Specially designed for children in preschool and reception, our sessions combine music, drama,and movement to help children build confidence—all while having heaps of fun!
By celebrating each child’s uniqueness, we encourage teamwork, friendships in a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels included.
This year, our Minis will navigate the magical stories of Shakespeare, the wonders of mythology, and the colourful world of Commedia dell’arte (improvised character comedy). With masks, props, and puppets in hand, they’ll bring stories to life, sparking their imagination.
Sign up at rosestheatre.org/ryc-minis
Meet The Team
Florrie Taylor Group Leader
Florrie is a theatre maker, director and performer specialising in devised original work. She trained at the University of Exeter, earning a BA and MA in Drama and Theatre Practice. In 2023, she graduated from École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris.
RYC Summer School
This summer, give your child an unforgettable experience at The Roses!
Age 5 – 18 years
When Mon 28 Jul–Fri 1 Aug
Time 9.30am–4.30pm
Price £200 (sibling discount available)
Early bird discount: book before Mon 31 Mar and save £20
From Mon 28 Jul to Fri 1 Aug, The Roses becomes their creative playground.
Packed with exciting workshops led by industry professionals, your child will explore:
• Clowning
• Drama and theatre-making
• Pilates
• Singing and musical theatre
• Songwriting and music production
• Street and jazz dance
They’ll learn from returning favourites like H Dance Collective, Sound Dog Studios, Nicky’s Workouts, Hannah Paybarah and Dan Jepson. Plus, meet Florrie Taylor, our new Commedia dell’arte specialist, and Sam Strachan, who brings songwriting and clowning into the mix!
On Friday afternoon, parents and guardians can join us for an open sharing, where they’ll see a selection of what participants have learned in a no-pressure performance.
Infinite Creatives
Weekly activities for SEN Young People
Experience joy, build confidence, and form friendships in a welcoming, creative environment guided by an experienced team of SEN specialists!
Infinite Creatives is a weekly programme designed for neurodivergent and learning-disabled young people aged 10 to 18, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. This group is ideal for young people in specialist provision or home education. Many of our current participants have autism or ADHD, and some experience anxiety or challenges in social situations.
Since 2020, North Gloucestershire has lost all out-of-school extracurricular activities tailored to children with special educational needs. At The Roses Theatre, we’re stepping in to help fill that gap, recognising the profound impact that creative expression can have on the confidence and wellbeing of young people with neurodiversity.
If you have any questions about our access provision or the suitability of this programme for your young person, please do get in touch with georgia.shire@rosestheatre.org
What To Expect
Each week, participants will explore their creativity through crafts, drama and music. Supported by our experienced team of SEN facilitators, they’ll have the chance to build friendships and express themselves with confidence. We are dedicated to creating a safe, accessible environment where young people can truly flourish.
When Every Sat (term time)
Time 12.00–1.30pm
Where The Roses, Upstairs Bar
Age 10–18 years
Cost Free
“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.”
BETHAN, MUM OF PARTICIPANT
Meet the team and sign up at rosestheatre.org/infinite-creatives
Half Term Activities
Play in a Day!
Does your child dream of creating their very own story? Join theatre maker and RYC resident Florrie Taylor for a fun, imaginative workshop where they’ll dive into storytelling through games and drama exercises!
Let their creativity run wild as they build a unique story from scratch. At the end of the day, family and friends are invited to enjoy a short, informal sharing session to see their new creation come to life.
When Mon 17 Feb
Time 10.00am–3.00pm
Ages 7–11 years
Price £20 (sibling discount available)
All Aboard: A Pirate Picnic!
Before the All Aboard: A Pirate Adventure begins join us for a free pirate picnic!
Ahoy matey, what’s on the horizon?
• Captain crafts
• Sailor stories
• Treasure treats
• Bandit board games
Bring your own packed lunch or buy our pirate pizza by the sizzling slice!
When Tue 27 May
Time 12.00pm–1.00pm
Price Free (with a ticket to All Aboard: A Pirate Adventure) See page 11
Big Top Basics! A Circus Skills Workshop
Step right up for 75 minutes of circus fun—on stage!
Perfect for 7–11 year olds, this hands-on workshop teaches juggling, spinning plates, hula hoops, flower sticks and poi. Led by friendly tutors from ArtSpace Cinderford, it’s all about building confidence, coordination, and having a laugh.
When Thu 29 May
Time 10.00–11.15am
Ages 7–11 years
Price £10 (sibling discount available)
Exciting Science!
SAT 15 MAR 2.00PM
With fun & fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster!
Tickets: £16.50–£18.50
Pinocchio
WED 16 & THU 17 APR
Anton Benson Productions presents a hilarious Easter Pantomime! Join Pinocchio on his journey to Fantasy Island, learning right from wrong and chasing his dream to become a real boy.
Tickets: £18–£20
All Aboard: A Pirate Adventure!
TUE 27 MAY 1.30PM
Ahoy, mateys! Join the crew of the Good Ship Barnacle Bottom for pirate jigging, singalongs, games, and prizes. Dress as a pirate and set sail for fun and adventure!
Tickets: £18–£20
Dinoaur Adventure Live!
WED 23 JUL 2.00PM & 4.30PM
Get ready for a brand new adventure with Dinosaur Adventure Live! Join the mission to save the island from a jurassic storm, meet new dinosaurs, and help the rangers—if you’re brave enough!
Tickets: £19
The Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute
THU 28 AUG 2.30PM & 7.00PM
Calling all Swifties! Celebrate the music of Taylor Swift in a show packed with her greatest hits. Dance, sing, and relive the magic in the ultimate tribute to a global superstar!
Tickets: £23–£28 (meet & greet tickets available)
Make Your Child’s Birthday Unforgettable!
Looking for a fun, hassle-free way to celebrate your child’s special day? Give your child and their friends a birthday party to remember with our Children’s Birthday Party Packages. They’re packed with excitement, delicious treats and lasting memories.
Children’s Party | Bar (up to 30 Children)
£10
+VAT pp (minimum of 20 people)
Host a lively party in our light and airy upstairs bar:
• Pizza, sweets, healthy snacks and soft drinks for the children
• Tea, filter coffee included, and a paid bar serving additional drink
• Music with access to The Roses Theatre’s Spotify playlist
• Bring your own entertainment, such as games or a DJ
Children’s Film Party | Cinema Studio (up to 22 Guests)
Create a private cinema experience in our cozy cinema studio:
• Bring your child’s favorite film (Blu-Ray only) or let us source it at cost
• Pizza, sweets, healthy snacks, and soft drinks for the children
• Tea, filter coffee included, and a paid bar serving additional drinks
£10
+VAT pp (minimum of 20 people)
Let The Roses make your child’s celebration truly special. Contact Box Office on 01684 295074 today to book your party!