Go beyond the curtains and backstage at The Cheltenham Playhouse and learn how theatre productions are brought to life at this historic building. Matt Nolan will guide you through all the backstage areas, and you will learn about the operations of the theatre whilst exploring the buildings' interesting past.

Fancy a dip into the history of the old Montpellier baths? Well, you'll even see the remains of the swimming pool!

An interesting perspective of one of Cheltenham's oldest buildings!

Approx 60 minutes, walking tour.

Please note this tour is throughout a complex historical building with various steps, unstable surfaces and other hazards; therefore, it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or young children. If demand exists, we are keen to also run more accessible versions of the tour for those who would benefit. Please let us know via access@cheltplayhouse.org.uk to register your interest.

Please note these tours will be taking place in a working theatre. This may mean the tours may vary depending on what is going on in the building.

Please Note: The tour starts on time, so to ensure access to the venue, please arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time. Bring an electronic or paper print out of ticket due to the box office not being open on the day.

Simon Yates of Touching the Void returns to the Cheltenham Playhouse following sell-out performances. Please note two different shows are available on this page, information below:

PLEASURE AND PAIN (New Talk) - Sat 18th @ 19:30 and Sun 19th @ 14:30

‘Touching the Void’ mountaineer Simon Yates is a veteran of over eighty expeditions to high and remote mountains around the globe. Now in his sixties, he is showing no signs of slowing down!

This is his story of the last decade, of new adventures and climbs in the far north and south, along with summits in South America, Central Asia and the Himalayas.

In 2023, Simon travelled with legendary British mountaineer Mick Fowler to attempt the un-climbed north face of Patkhor in Tajikistan. Their trip ran smoothly until the first evening on the mountain when they both contracted food poisoning from their freeze-dried food. After some debate they continued, but this was just the beginning of a series of events that would see them run out of food, retreat below the summit in a storm and Simon taking a bone-breaking 100m fall during the descent. After two days of lying on the glacier waiting for a helicopter, rescuers finally arrived but were unable to carry Simon down. Somehow, he would need to summon the energy for the painful three-day walk to safety.

A survival classic, with the added twists of a fast-paced thriller.

MY MOUNTAIN LIFE (Original Talk) - Sat 18th @ 14:30 and Sun 19th @ 19:30

On the remote Siula Grande in Peru in June 1985, mountaineer Simon Yates found himself in a desperately unenviable position. He was slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner, Joe Simpson, dangling on the rope 50 metres below. His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives in the epic survival that followed and with the publication of the book ‘Touching The Void’, later film and stage play, both climbers became household names.

It was an experience that could have put many off the sport of mountaineering – but not Simon. Over 35 years later, he is still a very active exploratory climber and guide, making several expeditions to the mountains each year. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Alaska to Central Asia there is hardly a significant range that he has not visited.

Come along and witness Simon’s tireless journey from that mountain in Peru to some of the remotest on the planet and share with him the drama, excitement and beauty of modern, lightweight alpinism. Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and film collected on his great climbs.

“Simon is a totally engaging speaker, who both entertains and inspires.”

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

Unforgiven (15)

USA | 1992 | 130 mins

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood| Gene Hackman| Morgan Freeman

In addition to their regular monthly club nights, Howlers Comedy Club will also be bringing regular touring solo shows to The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre.

This month Howlers presents one of Canada's finest exports, Tom Stade. Star of Live at the Apollo, The John Bishop show & Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Tom will be bringing his unique brand of comedy to the Playhouse in January 2025.

Direct from the Edinburgh festival, and his last smash-hit nationwide tour, the legendary stand-up star is back on the road with a brand-new show, Risky Business. An irrepressible tour-de-force with decades of touring experience under his belt, Tom upholds a reputation as one of the most prolific and distinctive stand-ups around. Tom’s funny and today’s funny don’t always see eye to eye, but that’s cool; it’s not Tom’s way to follow the herd. He much prefers to take the path less travelled.

It’s a risky business navigating the tightrope of today’s times but Tom’s approaching it with his usual gusto. Join him as he airdrops his ingenious and unflinching comedy into an ever-changing minefield.  After all, without risk there is no reward.

“UNMISSABLE”

Edinburgh Evening News

“EXTREMELY APPEALING.  STADE IS A KIND OF DEBAUCHED TRUTH-TELLER… A WISDOM THAT IS BEYOND MERE ORDINARY MORTALS… PLENTY TO SAVOUR”

Guardian

“ROCK ‘N’ ROLL COMEDIAN. ABSOLUTELY BOXFRESH. NOTHING IS STAID ABOUT STADE. HOT FAVOURITE”

Evening Standard

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of November 2024!

Formed by veterans of the Queen tribute scene, Extreme Queen are here to turn your world inside out. Exploring this 70’s & 80s rock powerhouse’s eclectic repertoire, they will take you headlong on a journey across two decades of music. Delivering 2 hours of non-stop Queen fun, this is an invitation you can’t decline!

Extreme Queen as a fully live 5-piece Queen tribute, paying tribute undoubtably one of the best bands of all time.  We will rock you to the Extreme.

'Stories are wild creatures', the monster said. 'When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?'

Patrick Ness' piercing novel is brought vividly to life in this innovative creative adaptation.

Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved. But now his mum is sick and not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye.Then, one night, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

Using a combination of movement, ensemble work, story telling techniques and naturalism the Drama Scholars of Cheltenham College will take this modern children's classic from page to stage.

Please note that this production is only suitable for children over the age of 12 due to the potentially upsetting themes of grief and cancer treatment.

'A Monster Calls' is based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Company

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of November 2024!

THE VOX BEATLES - One of the UK's leading premier professional authentic Beatles Tribute bands

Their passion, enthusiasm and superb musicianship capturing their famous counterparts, along with years of experience and professionalism will guarantee this great Beatles tribute performance will definitely be one to remember and a roaring success!   The Vox Beatles tribute band have over 100 songs in their repertoire and these are rehearsed to perfection with every nuance played so that they really do emulate the Fab Four sound!   The sets played include songs from the Cavern Club & Hamburg early days, Beatlemania, Sgt Pepper/Magical Mystery Tour, White Album & Rooftop eras complete with costume changes.

On a more technical note, authentic Vox amplification, and instruments including Gretcsh, Gibson Les Paul, Rickenbacker, Epiphone and Hofner guitars are used to provide a high quality authentic sound you would expect to hear from a reliable and experienced Beatles tribute.  

Previous clients and venues played at include The famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, Q.E.2 in Dubai, Virgin Sport, the BBC, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, Santa Pod, British Embassy in Kuwait  and tours of Cyprus and India.  

Extremely popular with audiences worldwide, THE VOX BEATLES really do pride themselves on being one of the top ten Beatles tribute bands in the UK and abroad.  

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm.

Playhouse Company presents Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare

Much Ado About Nothing is perhaps Shakespeare’s most loved romantic comedy, in turns witty, hilarious, dark and touching. This adaptation by the Playhouse Company is set during the Second World War, where a group of servicemen in need of some R&R (romance and recuperation) stay at a country manor house populated by women who have discovered a newfound independence

Sallie Taylor - keeping the memory of Chapel Art alive

Edward Derbyshire presents:

An Overweening Rogue Or, ‘Malvolio between the Sheets’

Christopher Malvolio always dreamt of being a scholar and a playwright. Unfortunately, although he studied hard at his books, even gaining a place at Cambridge University at the tender age of 16, he was destined to enter service with the Lady of the Big House in the City, Olivia Anuliaurei. Nonetheless,

Christopher secretly continued his studies at night, by candlelight, though never under the covers. He was a serious young man, devoted to literature and music. Puritanical by nature, he controlled his wilder side until one stormy night when, outside the local tavern, he came across a letter addressed to him,

in which the Lady Olivia seemingly declared her love. Always one for an academic puzzle, the cryptic letter opened his heart and fired his ambitions in love. No longer was he to be the reserved, tee-totalling, critical Christopher of the past! Love conquers all…

Much of this is a story you may know. Join Malvolio on his tragicomic journey as he narrates how it all began, introduces you to some of his favourite live piano music, shows off his favourite colour and, against all the odds, has the final say…

Edward Derbyshire is an actor, director, examiner and teacher. His passion is for telling stories in words and music. In 2005, Edward founded the Gloucestershire Youth Players (www.gyptheatre.org), the UK’s only touring youth theatre performing solely Shakespeare. Edward is now pursuing a solo performance career, alongside his other professional work.

Welcome to Howlers at the Playhouse, the home of great comedy in Cheltenham. Every month at Howlers we bring you the very best in stand-up with top notch line-ups from the UK and beyond!

At Howlers we are serious about our comedy. With some of the brightest new talent appearing on stage alongside some of biggest names on the stand-up circuit, Howlers at the Playhouse is fast becoming one of the biggest nights out on the Cheltenham social calendar. Doors open at 19:15 and the showtime is 8pm to 10pm approximately.

Howlers usually sells out so please buy in advance to avoid disappointment.

 Over 18s only.

Acts may be subject to change.  Please note Carl Donnelly and Eleanor Tiernan have been replaced by Sully O' Sullivan and Steve Bugeja

Bringing you the best of UK and international stand up!

Following on from their critically acclaimed run of Macbeth, Grove Productions bring you Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

This new stage adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic brings to life the story of Gabriel Utterson as he tries to unravel the mystery of his friend Dr Jekyll's new associate Mr Hyde. Why would Jekyll change his will to leave everything to a man who has "Satan's signature written upon his face"?

Can Dr Jekyll keep control of Mr Hyde? And will Utterson discover the terrible truth behind their friendship

Casting the Runes

Two ghost stories by M R James

M R James wrote his ghost stories to perform to friends in the years leading up to WW1. Today they’ve lost none of their power to terrify and amuse. Now Nunkie Theatre Company returns with two more James classics, in another thrilling one-man show.

In Casting the Runes we meet the unforgettable Mr. Karswell – magic lanternist, occult historian and scourge of academe. It’s partnered here by James’s most neglected masterpiece The Residence at Whitminster in which a dark shadow looms over the precinct of a peaceful English church…

www.nunkie.co.uk

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of December 2024!

Politically Incorrect is a 90 minute show of the best-loved songs of the master satirist Tom Lehrer. Written over 60 years ago Lehrer's songs and his irreverent attitude have survived the passage of time, though his satire is now perhaps darker and more politically incorrect than most of today's wits would risk.Join pianist, vocalist and all round entertainer Peter Gill in a wonderful performance, reliving the golden days of cutting satire to hear such gems as Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, I Got it from Agnes, The Masochism Tango, The Irish Ballad, I Hold Your Hand in Mine, Pollution, Smut, When You Are Old and Grey and Oedipus Rex.

www.petegill.org.uk

Following their sold out shows in January 2024, nationally acclaimed Kate Bush tribute, Moments of Pleasure, will be returning to Cheltenham Playhouse for three nights in February and March 2025, presenting three brand new shows that celebrate Kate’s rich and varied musical career.

Featuring the stunningly authentic vocals of Lisa-Marie Walters, backed by a full Live Band, the Shows will have a different theme each night;

Thursday 27th Feb will see them presenting a selection of songs from two of Kate’s finest albums, 1989’s aesthetically beautiful The Sensual World and the pop purity of 1993’s The Red Shoes. This will be accompanied by all the big hits from across Kate’s career.

Friday 28th Feb will be a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Kate’s definitive 1985 album, Hounds of Love. Featuring Running Up That Hill, Hounds of Love, Cloudbusting, and more, and including songs from the ground-breaking song suite The Ninth Wave. This show will also include Kate’s big hits from across her career.

Saturday 1st March will be celebrating all things Kate. With all the hits plus a carefully hand-picked selection of additional material taken from across all her albums from 1978’s The Kick Inside through to 2005’s Aerial. These shows will be something no Kate Bush fan will want to miss. If you’re a super fan, perhaps you might feel the urge to come every night so you can experience The Whole Story!

The students of Thomford Academy, ages 5 to 17, will be performing in Mini Musicals!  More information coming soon.

Welcome to Howlers at the Playhouse, the home of great comedy in Cheltenham. Every month at Howlers we bring you the very best in stand-up with top notch line-ups from the UK and beyond!

At Howlers we are serious about our comedy. With some of the brightest new talent appearing on stage alongside some of biggest names on the stand-up circuit, Howlers at the Playhouse is fast becoming one of the biggest nights out on the Cheltenham social calendar. Doors open at 19:15 and the showtime is 8pm to 10pm approximately.

Howlers usually sells out so please buy in advance to avoid disappointment.

Over 18s only.

Acts may be subject to change.  

Bringing you the best of UK and international stand up!

Get ready to leave your cares behind and celebrate good times with the Hey Yahs. Enjoy a night of feel-good hits through the decades, with a captivating mix of songs from Chic, Beyonce, Tina Turner, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder and many more.

Hey Yahs are a fun and lively 11-piece show band from the West Midlands, made up of professional touring and session musicians. They feature fabulous male and female lead and harmony vocals, fantastic horns, and a floor-filling rhythm section. With their spirited combination of classic and contemporary greatest hits, they guarantee to get you in a good time mood.

Enjoy this high energy and vibrant live production, with their impressive musicianship, sublime harmonies, and great showmanship. Suitable for all ages.

So let’s get together and let those good times roll.

“Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!  The whole of the audience is on its feet throughout the performance creating a fantastic atmosphere. With their awesome sound, stage presence and brilliant musicianship. Hey Yahs are an exceptional band, amazing people and I cannot rate them highly enough.” – Ian Archer, Artistic Director - The Courtyard Theatre, West Midlands

“The Hey Yahs are absolutely amazing! With incredibly talented musicians and singers, and a perfect choice of medleys, mash ups and tunes. I can't imagine you'd find any better.” – Audience

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of November 2024!

Returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse in 2024, after sell-out performances in 2024! 🎵

This Carpenters Masquerade are coming to The Cheltenham Playhouse!

Witness the highs and lows of the incredible music of The Carpenters, performed by an ensemble of some of the top professional musicians and vocalists, hand-picked to do justice to the stunning catalogue of songs. So, sit back, relax, and celebrate the legacy of The Carpenters.

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm.

In addition to their regular monthly club nights, Howlers Comedy Club will also be bringing regular touring solo shows to The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre.

This month Howlers presents Andrew Bird. Andrew has been a regular headliner for our club shows for many years and we are super excited to be bringing his tour show to Cheltenham for the very first time.

The Wilde Show - Live Game Show Experience!

In a world where NOTHING is certain and EVERYTHING is up for grabs...

This is not just a show—it’s a chaotic collision of comedy, competition, and complete unpredictability. Step into the theatre and the spotlight could land on YOU at any moment.

'The Wilde Show' is the live event where the rules are simple: Every challenge, every contestant, every prize—decided on the spot. 

Will it be a test of skill, a stroke of luck, or sheer hilarity? Even WE don’t know until the moment arrives.

The Contestants? Plucked from the audience.

The Challenges? Picked at random. 

The Prizes? Let’s just say...anything is possible.

Hosted by the magnetic Archie Wilde, this show will have you on the edge of your seat, roaring with laughter, and secretly hoping you’re next. Will you rise to the occasion, or crumble under the weight of improvised madness?

This is not just a night out—it’s an EXPERIENCE. It’s wild. It’s unpredictable. It’s comedy at its most chaotic. 

So, take your chances. Spin the wheel. Draw your destiny. Because here, in the world of 'The Wilde Show'… anything can happen.

Get ready for a show where EVERYONE is part of the action. 

Are you brave enough to step into the madness?

Ticket Holders, please note:

The first four rows are reserved for those who are willing to actively participate on stage during the show. If you’re ready to dive into the chaos and potentially become a star of the night, these are the seats for you!

If you’d prefer to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the hilarity, feel free to select any other seat in the theatre.

Regardless of where you sit, everyone will still play a part by cheering on contestants and team captains—because the energy of the audience is what makes The Wilde Show come to life. 

Make your choice and prepare for an unforgettable evening.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of December 2024!

A Night with the DIVAS!

Prepared to be dazzled by extraordinary vocals from Pippa Monstad, Catrin Peace, Georgina Steggles and Lauren Bott as these four DIVAS take to the stage to blow your mind!

Join these four DIVAS as they endure each other to out sing one another by celebrating DIVA artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ross Donna Summer, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Adele and much more!

With their live band, this one night only show, will bring the DIVA out in all of us.

So unlock your DIVA, dress to the nines and be spellbound by the vocal masterclass at A Night with the Divas!

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the 5th of February 2025!

UKs Premier Tribute to Meat Loaf are returning to the Playhouse after sell-out performances last year! 

MeatLoud cover songs from a range of MeatLoaf’s albums from Bat out of Hell in (1977) to Bat out of Hell III (2005).

With a rich blend of backing vocals, driving piano, out of this world guitar playing, a rocking rhythm section and the outstanding vocal talents of Sally Rivers and of course MeatLoud himself, Andy Plimmer - They deliver a night never to forget.

Presenting a number of MeatLoaf's greatest hits mixed in with songs by Jim Steinman for Bonnie Tyler plus songs by Cher. 

MeatLoud create an incredible experience for all MeatLoaf fans.

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic ticket price of £19 until the end of January 2025!

Oasiis: The Ultimate Oasis Tribute Band. Bringing the iconic sound and spirit of Oasis to life on stage. Since since 2003.

Oasiis have been and still are one of the most authentic tributes to the legendary UK rock band of the 90’s.

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm

Gloucestershire Schools Poetry Slam Final

Like gladiators to the coliseum, these young poets come to wage a battle of words ... but in a nice way. Some may fall, though some will emerge victorious and go home with a nice trophy and no detentions for a week. The Gloucestershire Poetry Slam Final is a culmination of months of workshops around Gloucestershire Schools carried out by former Poet Laureate of Birmingham, Spoz.

Come and cheer the kids on!

Welcome to Howlers at the Playhouse, the home of great comedy in Cheltenham. Every month at Howlers we bring you the very best in stand-up with top notch line-ups from the UK and beyond!

At Howlers we are serious about our comedy. With some of the brightest new talent appearing on stage alongside some of biggest names on the stand-up circuit, Howlers at the Playhouse is fast becoming one of the biggest nights out on the Cheltenham social calendar. Doors open at 19:15 and the showtime is 8pm to 10pm approximately.

Howlers usually sells out so please buy in advance to avoid disappointment.

Over 18s only.

Acts may be subject to change.  

Bringing you the best of UK and international stand up!

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the 5th of February 2025!

West Coast Eagles are one of the most authentic tributes to the Eagles.

Formed from dedicated professionals they will bring to you great songs such as Hotel California, New Kid in Town, Lying Eyes, Desperado to name but a few.

The evening will be filled will all of the Eagles masterpieces that you will know and love.

This is a great night out for all ages and you will be amazed by the authenticity and accuracy of “West Cost Eagles” portrayal of their heroes – The Legend that is The Eagles.

Thought Control are pleased to bring their Tribute to Pink Floyd to the Cheltenham Playhouse. We present over two hours of classic songs with an unforgettable spectacle of sound and light.

On stage, we will carefully recreate all-time classics such as "Another Brick In The Wall", “Money”, "Comfortably Numb" and "Wish You Were Here", along with epics such as"Echoes" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". The lighting, projection and laser effects create the perfect backdrop.

This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of both the successful “The Division Bell” album, and the landmark “PULSE” live tour, highly regarded to this day as pivotal in what a show

should look and sound like.

Whether a die-hard fan or new to Pink Floyd, let Thought Control immerse you in the magic of one of the greatest bands of all time.

Theatre Studio returns in Easter half-term 2025 celebrating 40 years of the drama school with their production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition!

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn't quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. 

Supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight. 

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true. 

Parental Guidance

Musicals at the Cheltenham Playhouse are sponsored by www.glos.info and www.GlosJobs.co.uk 

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of November 2024!

Celine  - A Theatre Tribute Show to Celine Dion

Wyrley Music and Promotions presents Celine. This is the Ultimate tribute to Celine Dion. Experience almost 2 hours dedicated to celebrating the fabulous music of the queen herself.  

Don’t “Think Twice” about booking tickets for this awesome spectacle. It’s a must for people who appreciate the work of this incredible singing legend as well Die Hard Celine Fans.  Prepare for a performance full of highs and lows that will take you to Immortality.  

Featuring a live band of experienced professional musicians and vocalists, performing bespoke arrangements of all the hits and favourites, you’ll certainly leave feeling that these are special times.  

Celine  - Not just a theatre show….. It’s a Passion

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off until the end of January 2025!

Entertaining crowds from coast to coast, Steve knight embodies the spirit and energy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself - Elvis Presley. With uncanny vocal prowess, dynamic stage presence, and uncanny resemblance, Steve has mesmerized audiences with electrifying performances that transport spectators back to the golden age of rock music. From Las Vegas to London Steve has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, earning a reputation as the most captivating and believable Elvis impersonator in the business. Prepare to be all shook up as Steve backed by his full band takes you on a musical journey through the hits that defined a generation.

The Bar will be open from 6:45pm, the show will start at 7:30pm.

SAVS are back in May 2025 with Rock of Ages!

It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock ’n’ roll fairy tale is about t