The Room Where It Happened

by Aimee Shields and The Company

Performed by the Middle and Senior Musical Theatre Classes

The year is 2021 and the students of Rainton School are finally returning to in-person classes after months of isolation during the pandemic. Beloved Drama Teacher Mrs Wood retired whilst school was closed and the Drama Group are tasked with clearing out the costume cupboard before the new recruit can start next week. Despite the protests from the Head Girl, the thespians can't resist reliving their stagey memories.  

Presented by Dyad Productions

The award-winning Dyad Productions (Lady Susan, That Knave, Raleigh, Christmas Gothic, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, A Christmas Carol and Austen’s Women) return with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s blisteringly brilliant pre-TED talk.

Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith! Introducing a different way to look at our creativity, it even comments on what life will be like in the 2020s! Come and be amused, challenged and changed.

Rebecca Vaughan performs Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.

‘If you haven’t seen Dyad Productions’ work before, you simply must’ (British Theatre Guide)

‘Some of the most electrifying character work available, up to and including Berkoff’ (Fringe Review)

‘Towering… luscious… assured… rich’ (The Scotsman)

THREE WEEKS Cumulative Body of Work Award-Winners, 2018

★★★★★ ‘Intelligently adapted, beautifully performed... entrancing’ (British Theatre Guide)

★★★★★ ’Richly re-imagined, exquisitely evocative' (Edinburgh Guide)

★★★★★ ‘Pure brilliant theatre.' (TV Bomb)

‘Perfection… Vaughan is simply sublime’ (Huffington Post)

It began as a sudden strange fancy… Polly Perks had to become a boy in a hurry. Cutting off her hair and wearing trousers was easy. Learning to fart and belch in public and walk like an ape took more time…

 And now she’s enlisted in the army, and is searching for her lost brother. But there’s a war on and whatever anyone says, their side’s coming off worse. Polly and her fellow recruits are suddenly in the thick of it, without any training, and the enemy is hunting them.

All they have on their side is the most artful sergeant in the army, a vampire with a lust for coffee and a readiness to fight dirty. And as they take the war to the heart of the enemy, they have to use all the resources of… the Monstrous Regiment.

Adapted from the Discworld novel by Pratchett’s long-time collaborator Stephen Briggs, RADS invite you to ride along on the tide of his outlandish invention…

Presented by Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society and directed by Charles Lambert. Adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs.

Step right up for a thrilling week of musical theatre magic in Smoke and Mirrors—a workshop like no other! Designed for students aged 11 and up, this immersive experience explores a sinister circus world filled with mystery, illusion, and unforgettable characters. Through singing, acting, and movement, participants will develop performance skills while working together to create an original show full of eerie spectacle and dramatic twists. With professional guidance, students will build confidence, unleash their creativity, and step into the spotlight under the big top. Join us for a hauntingly fun adventure where nothing is quite as it seems.

After his 2023/24 sell-out smash tour Gobsmacked, this marvellous Manc is back with his best show yet.

A TV favourite, and now an aspiring doctor’s wife, Josh Jones is now knee deep into his 30's and nothing thrills him more than a Greggs Sausage Roll and an M&S food shop. Living a more sedate life isn’t without its challenges though - he’s still trying to earn his cat’s respect!

Josh is hitting the road with a show packed full of laughs and he's keeping it light - nothing super political, nothing controversial and it’s definitely not going to change your life, but you can be sure of a fab night out filled to the brim with jokes about history, cats, his love of wrestling and much more. Please come, he'd really like to buy a new sofa.

Star of Would I Lie To You? (BBC1), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (CH4), Comedy Central Live, Out of Order (Comedy Central), House of Games (BBC2), Battle in the Box (Dave), Dancing On Ice (ITV), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and much, much more.

‘Each year Josh’s star rises, he is a naturally funny performer’ ★★★★.5 (RGM)

‘Confident and assured comedy from a hugely likeable and talented man ...rays of sunshine like him are sorely needed in a dark and depressing world’ ★★★★ (London Theatre)

★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals

★★★★ The Comics Comic

★★★★ The List

★★★★ Beyond The Joke

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Whitechapel. 1888. A series of women are brutally murdered. The identity of the killer remains a mystery. Until now..?

An Evening with Jack the Ripper will delve into the sordid realms of Victorian London in an attempt to finally unmask the man with the blackest of hearts who preyed upon the most vulnerable members of society.

Award-winning producer and broadcaster Steve Morgan has captivated thousands of people on his celebrated ‘Ripper walks’ through the east end of London, now he invites you to spend an evening in the company of Jack the Ripper and live to tell the tale.

Suitable for ages 12+

This show goes on sale on Thursday 3 July.

2025 marks the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen's birth, and what better to way to celebrate her life than to delve into the world of one of her finest novels.

The Dashwood sisters have a very different approach to their love lives. Elinor has much more sense, but Marianne has a great deal of sensibility. Whilst uninterested in the affections of a middle-aged man Marianne just can’t help herself when a dashing young hero appears on the scene.

Heroes, heartbreak and debonair villains, all topped off with a dashing duel, will remind you why Austen was a master of her craft.

A cast of five actors and DOT Productions’ renowned comedic style make this comedy of manners a production not to be missed.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

The music of the Eagles is etched into our culture and defines the sound of the 1970s. The Bootleg Eagles take audiences on a powerful journey through the band’s career, from their country-rock roots to global chart-toppers.

An evening with The Bootleg Eagles is jam-packed with unforgettable hits and best-loved album tracks, performed with the amazing musicianship and stellar harmonies they deserve — every note live, every guitar lick and hook delivered without a safety net. Featuring musicians who have worked with stars from Mark Knopfler to The Hairy Bikers, this is an authentic Eagles experience packed with energy, soul and breath-taking accuracy.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Mikron invites you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3.

In a non-descript mansion house, in a non-descript town, a group of extra-ordinary men and women worked to provide intelligence that would help to win the war. But shhhhhh, you’d better keep it under your hat, because as far as the rest of the world is concerned, Bletchley Park doesn’t exist.

Peggy Valentine arrives at Bletchley in 1940, 18 years old, headstrong and gifted. Finding herself in a world of boffins, soldiers and debutantes, Peggy has to shoulder the burden of high pressure war work whilst navigating a new world of feuds, friendships and growing up in a frame of absolute secrecy.  

But what of the world beyond Bletchley? As the war rages on in Europe, the stakes are raised for Peggy and her friends as they work to protect their loved ones fighting abroad.

Integrated Audio Description

This performance has integrated audio description, which means it is accessible for visually impaired audiences, without the need for headsets.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

The West Yorkshire Savoyards, celebrating their 50th year, make a welcome return to The Georgian Theatre Royal with the magical Gilbert & Sullivan comic-opera, Iolanthe.

One of the most popular of the ‘Savoy operas’, Iolanthe sees Gilbert & Sullivan at their sublime and satirical best. The world of politics and the world of fairy-tale collide in this irreverent send-up of Parliament set to some of the most beautiful music ever written by Sir Arthur Sullivan.

Be prepared for laughs, thrills and fabulous music in this touring production directed by Graham Weston, who also plays the Lord Chancellor, with a professional orchestra conducted by Oliver Longstaff.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July

Following the success of The New York Times bestseller The Dressmakers of Auschwitz, historian Lucy Adlington’s new book Four Red Sweaters bears testament to the memories that the most fragile garments can hold, and to the love that never unravels even in the darkest moments of history.

Join her as she recounts powerful true stories of friendship, survival and resilience in the Holocaust, from the horrors of theKindertransport to a daring armed revolt, all centering on knitting skills and an intriguing selection of humble woollens.

This show is part of the Richmond Walking and Book Festival.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Megan McCubbin is a wildlife presenter, conservationist, and author, known for her engaging science communication and conservation work. A familiar face on BBC’s Springwatch, Winterwatch, and Animal Park, she shares her passion for biodiversity with national audiences.

Megan bridges the gap between academia and public awareness through broadcasting, writing, and social media. With a growing following on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, she captivates audiences with stunning visuals and educational content, inspiring global action to protect the natural world.

This show is part of the Richmond Walking and Book Festival.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Why do families make such fertile ground for fiction? Novelists Marina Kemp and Joanna Howat will meet to discuss the joys and challenges of bringing a family to life in their work.

Acclaimed author Marina Kemp will discuss her second novel, The Unwilding, a stunning literary work about power, desire, and family secrets. Described as ‘powerfully compelling’ by The Guardian and ‘subtle, complex and ambitious’ by The Times, Marina has been shortlisted for The Sunday Times Young Writer and The Times Breakthrough Artist Awards, and the Pat Kavanagh Prize.

In conversation with Marina will be North Yorkshire-based author, Joanna Howat. Joanna is a former BBC journalist who lives near Bedale. Her debut novel, Crescendo, is a darkly funny literary tale of loss, redemption and complex family dynamics. Crescendo has been described as ‘this beautiful, intricately-woven novel will echo in your heart long after you turn the last page’.

This show is part of the Richmond Walking and Book Festival.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Enjoy a fantastic afternoon of uplifting music with Musicality – a dynamic blend of choral harmonies, gifted soloists, and captivating ensembles.

Their eclectic programme spans Broadway favourites such as Sweet Charity, Sister Act, and timeless Gershwin, alongside pop classics by Paul Simon, The Beatles, and Coldplay. You’ll also hear beautiful sacred pieces, folk songs, and works by celebrated choral composers past and present, from Mozart to John Rutter. It’s a sensational celebration of song – joyful, inspiring, and not to be missed!

The performance, a fundraiser in support of the Theatre, is led by Musical Director Andrea Rhodes with accompaniment by Gillian Ash.

Life is hard. Come and have a laugh about it.

After his nationwide critical-smash sellout 2023/24 tour, Andy is back with a brand-new show. As seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and his 2025 NextUp standup special.

‘Hysterical. Andy Parsons is on fire’ The Mirror 

‘Very funny’ The Times 

‘Laugh Out Loud Funny’ Sunday Telegraph 

‘It's great to welcome sharp, topical comedy and Parsons remains one of its most skilful exponents’ The Guardian 

‘Potato-headed’ Evening Standard 

 STRICTLY 14+

This show goes on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Gepetto decides to make a marionette from a magic piece of wood and he calls his puppet Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is a mischievous, naughty puppet who is easily distracted by the Fox and the Cat. We follow his adventures which include him being turned into a donkey and being swallowed by a shark.

The show includes mime, puppetry, original music and audience participation.

Suitable for children aged 4 – 9 years old.

This show will go on public sale on Thursday 3 July

Step into a whirlwind of music, theatre, and unexpected twists as Marske Choir takes you on a playful and imaginative journey through the history of musical entertainment from a Richmond point of view.

Soon events take a curious turn… when a certain local literary legend crashes the party. Suddenly, reality bends, characters unravel, and the stage is set for a delightfully weird and wonderful adventure.

Blending choral performance with drama, humour, and a touch of the surreal, The Alice Issue is a unique musical play that celebrates Richmond’s rich cultural past—with a wink to its stranger side!

This is a fundraising event for The Georgian Theatre Royal.

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Join the Alastair James Band for a captivating celebration of the music of Paul Simon — one of the most highly revered songwriters of the 20th and 21st centuries.

With carefully crafted arrangements inspired by Simon’s iconic live and studio performances, the show features classic hits including You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Mrs Robinson, Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover, Still Crazy After All These Years, Late in the Evening and many more. A rare opportunity to hear these tremendous songs brought to life by Alastair James and his superb 7-piece band.

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This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July

The perfect show for Shakespeare lovers and sceptics alike!

Journey to medieval Scotland for this perfect introduction to Shakespeare for audiences young and old.

Just Macbeth! is by far the stupidest version of Shakespeare’s great big gory tragedy you might ever see. Our story follows school-aged Andy, Danny and Lisa as they prepare their homework presentation: an extract featuring the three witches.  On reciting their lines and concocting their potion, they are transported back to medieval Scotland!  

Exploring the themes and story of Macbeth through the eyes of our three hapless heros, this hilarious and irreverent take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy will have the audience in stitches!

A new production by Our Star Theatre Company, written by Andy Griffiths.

Age Suitability: 7+

This show will go on sale on Thursday 3 July

Whether it's the nostalgia of Gone with the Wind or the sassy fashions of Katharine Hepburn, women have long been inspired to recreate the glamour of film stars, hoping to feel halfway to Hollywood themselves through movie-imagined clothes.

Like picture-goers of the thirties and forties, the History Wardrobe invite you to escape into the world of cinema’s golden age, as they explore sensational styles as well as stories from behind the camera, before revealing their own show-stopping transformation…

This show goes on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Prepare for an evening of wit, tuneful tomfoolery and dodgy history lessons! Join local legends Adrian Bramley and Gregan Davis as they revive the timeless songs of Flanders and Swann, stir in a little Tom Lehrer mischief, and breathe life into Marriott Edgar’s brilliantly daft monologues.

Adrian (usually only recognised by the back of his head when he is in the pit as Musical Director) will be at the piano, while Gregan (usually hiding his face altogether as the elusive Director of local amateur shows) steps up to take centre stage.

All proceeds go to supporting The Georgian Theatre Royal and helping to keep theatre live in Richmond.

This show goes on sale on Thursday 3 July.

Join us at The Georgian Theatre Royal – the UK’s oldest working theatre in its original form - for an atmospheric night of storytelling and suspense, where theatrical history and ghostly legend intertwine.

 As twilight falls, you’ll be guided through backstage spaces and dim corridors, where ghostly stories and mysterious happenings bring the building’s rich history to life. Expect an atmospheric experience filled with whispers from the past – all served with a free drink to steady your nerves!

Places are limited and these spine-tingling tours are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is strongly advised.

 Suitable for ages 14 and over.

This show will go on public sale on Thursday 3 July.

The story Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin…

Follow half-orphan Pip's extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn! Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate?

 Mark Evans' stage play Bleak Expectations is a hilarious, chaotic caper, featuring dastardly villains, preposterous names, pulse-quickening romances, heart-rending death scenes, and definitely, probably, hopefully a happy ending.

Based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, the play opened at The Watermill Theatre, Newbury in 2022. It transferred to the Criterion Theatre in London's West End in 2023, where it featured a medley of many well-known actors and comedians.

A gloriously daft Dickensian romp which will have the audience joyfully transported and begging for more!

This show goes on sale on Thursday 3 July.

The dark legend of Sweeney Todd comes thrillingly to life in this gripping tale of obsession, vengeance, and grisly enterprise.

Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.

The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun!

Polish your glass slippers and get ready for a sparkling adventure. Running from 2 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, this much-loved fairytale promises to enchant audiences of all ages.

Join us as we tell the timeless story of Cinderella, her wicked stepmother, a magical fairy godmother, and a dash from the ball before the clock strikes midnight. But this is Richmond, so you can expect so much more!

Our legendary pantomime will be packed with all your favourite ingredients. There will be side-splitting comedy and toe-tapping songs, along with our famous panto knitting to keep you in stitches.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic and mayhem that makes our pantomime the highlight of the festive season.

The 2024 hit Treasure Island - our most successful pantomime yet - sold out very early so book your tickets for Cinderella now to avoid being late for the ball!