No gimmicks, bald wigs OR gorilla suits, just a genuine tribute to Phil Collins and Genesis.

A genuine tribute to the biggest artist and band of our generation. Packed with hits and fan favourites, this two-hour extravaganza will take you back to Phil and Genesis in their hey-day. Featuring the award winning tribute to the man himself and star of the Entertainers show “In The Air Tonight”, Chris Hayward and his world class 10 piece band, including the “Serious Horn Section” bring you Seriously Collins. Phil’s extensive catalogue has been meticulously studied and arranged to give the ultimate Phil Collins & Genesis experience. Featuring, In the air tonight – Another day in paradise – Easy Lover – Against all odds – Invisible Touch – Follow You Follow me – I Can’t Dance – Sussudio amongst others. Seriously Collins is the show that all Phil Collins and Genesis fans deserve.

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

This month, Howlers Comedy Club presents star of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, Angela Barnes, previewing her forthcoming show for this year's Edinburgh Festival. Also join Jack Skipper comedian and social media sensation as he delivers exciting new material.

Angela Barnes: Endinburgh Preview work in progress

Angela is a regular on BBC Radio 4, having featured on The Now Show and recently hosting The News Quiz.

Angela swapped a career in health and social care for stand-up in 2010 and has not looked back. Within just a couple of years she had won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2011 and toured around the country with her stand-up shows.

‘A gloriously down-to-earth, straight talking and extremely funny comic’

The Guardian

‘Great punchlines galore’

Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Please be aware that this is a Work in Progress show.

Jack Skipper: Work in Progress

Join comedian and social media sensation Jack Skipper as he delivers exciting new material in preparation for his first show. As well as gaining a large following from his online sketches, Jack placed runner up in both So you think you’re funny new act competition and Komedia new act award.

‘Delivery that commands the room and a no-nonsense outlook that gels into strong punchlines’ Chortle

Please be aware that this is a Work in Progress show.

18+

Acts could be subject to change

Comic Sans Script presents:

Whose Trophy is it Anyway - 1?

Fancy an evening of fast-paced off-the-cuff comedy? Then step into the hilarious and spontaneous world of Cotswolds' Improvised Comedy!

The empty stage becomes the canvas of creativity where our performers invent characters, relationships, and absurd situations right before your eyes. On this playground of imagination our teams will compete in a veritable variety of unscripted games and challenges to win the money-can-easily-buy 'Chuckle Cup' Trophy of Champions.

Like the popular TV show 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' you won’t find rehearsed lines here; only our finest local improvisers whisking whimsy like comedic alchemists, sowing seeds of mirth like giggling gardeners, and heightening hilarity-sky-scrapers like amusing architects.

This thrill of the unexpected is entirely based off your suggestions - and contains no script, no re-takes, no safety nets, and punchlines that contain enough knockout to floor even heavyweight boxers.

As it's fun for the whole family - we look forward to seeing you all there!

The Ultimate 50s and 60s show!

Early Bird tickets, giving an automatic 10% off all tickets at checkout, available until the end of June!

Performed by “The Mysterons” and “Milly White” this is a show for anyone who has a love of music from this special era.

The Mysterons perform songs by Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others from the 50s as well as The Beatles, Searchers, Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison and the Shadows + Others from the Swinging 60s.

Milly White comes to this awesome party with songs by Brenda Lee, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Petula Clarke as well as others.

Do not miss this One Night Only Extravaganza.

Let the memories come flooding back on this nostalgic journey.

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.

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.

This Is Queen are an authentic and rocking Queen tribute band playing spectacular shows since 2011. The live Queen experience is lovingly recreated with authentic costumes, equipment and 3-part harmonies, bringing everything from the squeal of Brian’s guitar solos (courtesy of Brian May Guitars artist Dave White) to Freddie’s signature exchanges with the crowd. Featuring all their greatest hits across the 70s and 80s from Bohemian Rhapsody through Don't Stop Me Now and Radio Ga Ga, this show is a must for any Queen fan!

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

Sallie Taylor - keeping the memory of Chapel Art alive

SWING FROM PARIS

"An evening of French-flavoured jazz and gypsy swing"

Returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse after sell-out performances earlier this year!

Swing from Paris

Often described as ‘the finest gypsy jazz in the Cotswolds’, Swing from Paris are a UK quartet of violin, guitars and double bass. Inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s, they present their own versions of music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, John Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. They’ve been seen on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers, and have appeared at major jazz festivals

including Cheltenham, Brecon and the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing.

Reviews:

“their arrangements are consistently intelligent, interesting and

inventive ... a band that has managed to put its own stamp on the genre.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ – The Jazz Mann

"Clever interpretations and adaptations ... what a performance by this Cotswold-based combo" – Nub News

MEET TOMMY ATKINS  ***Special 10th Anniversary Performance???***

Peter Gill's singlehander performance 'Meet Tommy Atkins' celebrates its tenth anniversary with a special performance at the Cheltenham Playhouse. Originally written to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War the play has since been performed all over the United Kingdom and also in France and Belgium to great critical and audience acclaim. During the covid pandemic Peter also turned the story into a very well received novel. The play takes the audience not just through Tommy's First World War experiences, but also his life back home in Britain post war. We learn of his life in the trenches - fighting on the Somme, at Passchendaele and Loos; and also of the boredom, the loss and indeed the comradeship. Returning to Britain, Tommy shows us how a generation of returning men were maltreated but how ultimately it was his generation that forced through the foundations of the Welfare State.

Expect to be shed a tear and release a laugh during this moving portrayal that is suitable for all audiences.

'Compelling, moving, insightful and believable....beautifully written and performed'

Stage Talk Magazine

www.petegill.org.uk

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

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.

Chic to Chic go to every length to capture the raw funk, soul & disco dynamics of Nile Rodgers' music and bring it to life on stage with a full 90 minute stage show. Their energy packed experience comes complete with costumes, fun crowd interaction and all of the trimmings that make a Chic to Chic live show so recognisable to Chic fans.

It is this attention to detail that makes Chic to Chic the most authentic tribute band on the circuit today. Our set features all the hits; Good Times, Le Freak, Everybody Dance and other Nile Rodger’s productions for Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Daft Punk and many more! Chic to Chic will have you on the dance floor all night long.

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 June 2024!

SARAH RICHES AND THE DREAMCATCHERS – COUNTRY SHOW

Singer-songwriter Sarah Riches and her 7-piece band The Dreamcatchers presents an evening of live country music, singing songs from her current album "I Don't Give Up Easily" which was recorded and produced in Nashville by legendary producer Fred Mollin. Sarah truly had a fairy godfather moment when Fred Mollin discovered her voice and music, which ranges from country pop to bluesy reflection. Mollin has worked with artists such as Jimmy Webb, Billy Ray Cyrus, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, and Joe Cocker, and many of the musicians that played on Sarah's album are regular artists at The Grand Ole Opry.

“I Don’t Give Up Easily” reached No 4 in the UK iTunes Country Album Chart. Sarah was a finalist in the 2023 UK Country Radio.com Awards in 3 categories: UK Country Album of the Year, UK Female Country Singer of the Year, UK Country Artist of the Year, and also a finalist recently in the 2023 British Country Music Association (BCMA) Awards in the Best Female Performer category.

“Sarah has an outstanding vocal range and is able to sing with power, tenderness and energy. There are vocal similarities to the late great Olivia Newton John. She has the added ability of writing songs which are relatable, written with raw emotion and imagery. To write your thoughts, feelings and memories into a song is no easy thing to do. Sarah does this effortlessly.” Country Music Avenue.

THIS LIVE SHOW ALSO CONTAINS SOME WELL-LOVED COUNTRY COVERS SPANNING SEVERAL DECADES

ALK Duo who will be supporting Sarah Riches and The Dreamcatchers

ALK are an acoustic duo from Gloucestershire consisting of Angel Gale (Vocals) & Luke Keveren (Guitar). They are influenced by many artists from all genres, including the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Amy Winehouse. Their debut EP is set to be released later this year. You can check out their content over on Instagram at @alk_music.

Matt Nolan Creative presents 'Let's Hear It For The Gurlz', a celebration of formidable female artists from over the decades. This is a nonstop pop romp through some of the greatest songs of all time! Whether you 'Wannabe' able to 'Dance With Somebody' or want to 'Feel Like A Woman', this brand new iconic show will take you to the 'Edge of Glory' with five sensational Gurlz who have vocals that will have you "Rollin'" through the aisles!

Directed by Meg Travers (The Femmes, The Play That Goes Wrong) and featuring five sensational singers - Ruby Earle, Vikki Riches, Lauren Bott, Cheyenne Callard & Jo Dark under the expert musical direction of  Lucas Abbott.

Get some slap on, throw on your dancing shoes, grab a glass of Prosecco or two and join the Gurlz with their live band for The Ultimate Gurlz Night Out!

Age: 16+

U2UK have won the hearts of U2 fans all over by performing across Europe and beyond, in countries such as Holland, Belgium, Bahrain, Romania, Cyprus and Malta.

Highlights include U2's after show party at the Heineken Stadium for two consecutive nights on the Dutch leg of the Vertigo Tour and the Ahoy Stadium in Rotterdam where U2 themselves played back in 1984.

“When it comes to tribute bands, U2UK is the closest you can get” - u2interference.com

“There was nothing but praise from the totally satisfied crowd…” - Stamford Mercury

“U2UK create the ultimate modern day U2 experience… a kicking live performance” - The Lancashire Telegraph

This year U2UK celebrate their 20th Year Anniversary Tour recreating the most captivating moments of U2’s live tours which have earned U2 their reputation as ‘The World’s Greatest Rock Band’. They have a hard-earned reputation for giving an explosive live performance, and have performed at racecourses such as Royal Windsor and Sandown, The Isle Of Man TT Races, corporate events across Europe for Carling, Heineken, Ducati, ING Bank, and as well as headlining tribute festivals both home and abroad enjoying sell out crowds in local renowned music venues. They can bring the big shows into to the small venues and make the big crowds feel like intimate sing-alongs. U2UK’s shows are a two-hour-plus celebration of U2’s history, featuring tailored lighting scenes, costumes and video playback to recreate the moments that fans loved the most about U2’s live tours over the past 40 years. Songs spanning U2’s entire career are played with immense passion, including favourites like Beautiful Day, With or Without You, Streets and Vertigo. A night not to be missed!

"Flawless. Had the audience in the palm of their hands from the opening song. The most accurate tribute band I’ve ever worked with.” - James Murden - QVC / Southwest Live.

"U2UK proved that they put down a live show that does justice to the magical concerts of U2” - TributeParty.nl

This fabulous two hour show starring Rick and Jodie McKay is a musical journey through five decades of hits by the legendary “Man In Black” with his wife June Carter, The Tennessee Three and their musical friends. It features Johnny's greatest hits including  Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk The Line, Big River, Ring of Fire, A Boy Named Sue, One Piece At A Time, Daddy Sang Bass, A Thing Called Love, Ghost Riders In The Sky, Without Love and duets Jackson and It Ain’t Me Babe. There is also a look at the resurgence of Johnny Cash’s career in the 1990’s featuring his Grammy award winning series of six American Recordings albums, including 2003’s incredibly powerful, Hurt.

Boasting a fabulous live supporting band who perform hits by Derek and The Dominoes, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins this is two hours of sensational musical entertainment.

Roll The Damn Dice is here to bring you a monthly dose of madness. 'A Night of D&D, Improv and Comedy' is a live, interactive, comedy Dungeons & Dragons show, where the audience gets to take over. Do you want to help or hinder the players? Maybe you want to rain down fire onto the battlefield, give us advantage or just throw a casual beholder at us? Get involved and come join the chaos at The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre. You don’t need to be a D&D pro to enjoy this show - It’s for everyone to be entertained by, so long as you embrace the chaos!

Roll The Damn Dice is a D&D 5e Actual Play YouTube show and podcast. We are a Gloucestershire-based group of friends made up of performers, stand-up comics, and a plumber. Roll The Damn Dice has been featured at MCM London and Birmingham Comic Cons, Cheltenham Literature Festival and is now joining the Cheltenham Playhouse family as a monthly regular and we couldn’t be more chuffed!

Come along and join in!

Caution: May not contain dungeons and/or dragons.

The GUNS N' ROSES Experience are a true professional International touring act and bring 80's Guns to life with a full on High octane show as witnessed by 100's of thousands back in the day of the classic Line up.

With a true Guns N Roses sound and stage show, Gn’RE meticulously recreate every visual detail and every musical note to capture that reckless spirit of the original Guns N Roses legendary high octane live performances

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

Due to significant initial demand, two extra matinee performances have been added on Thursday and Sunday!

Matt Nolan Creative presents: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time adapted by Simon Stephens, based on the Novel by Mark Haddon.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

Hailed as ‘extraordinary,’ ‘dazzling’ and ‘unmissable’ by Time Magazine, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a theatrical phenomenon simply not to be missed.

This amateur production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

Age Guidence: 10+

* The role of Christopher is shared between Freddie Flood & Jack Parrott. Please see below which performances each of them will be leading.

Weds 4th Sept - Evening - Freddie Flood

Thur 5th Sept -  Matinee - Jack Parrott

Thur 5th Sept -  Evening - Freddie Flood

Fri 6th Sept - Evening - Jack Parrott

Sat 7th Sept - Matinee - Freddie Flood

Sat 7th Sept - Evening - Freddie Flood

Sun 8th Sept - Matinee - Jack Parrott

Sun 8th Sept - Evening - Jack Parrott

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

Rififi (12)

France | 1955 | 118 mins

Directed by: Jules Dassin

Starring: Jean Servais | Carl Möhner | Robert Manuel | Jules Dassin

In the ABC of Cinema, D is for Jules Dassin, US-born actor, writer, producer and director.

In Rififi, Tony, an ageing jewel thief, just out of prison, is persuaded to take on another job, which he enlarges into a much more audacious and lucrative robbery. The theft itself is the centrepiece of the film, showing how the thieves enter the premises and work together to evade the security system and break the safe. With no dialogue or music, this half-hour scene is probably the most famous heist sequence in film history.

Despite a very low budget, Dassin produced a heist movie par excellence, also reckoned to be one of the best examples of French film noir. And it won him the Best Director Award at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.

As part of the wider Cheltenham heritage open days 2024, The Playhouse will be open for Tours.

Tours are every 30 minutes starting at 11am.There will be  8 tours in total. There will be a maximum 8 places per tour.

Tours must be booked in advance

Converted to a theatre in 1945, the Playhouse has an astonishing history dating back to 1806; it has been a salts works, slipper baths, steam mill, bakery, medicinal

spa, indoor cycling school, gymnasium, ARP centre and a swimming pool – which still exists under the auditorium.

Please note some of the tour contains stairs. Please email admin@cheltplayhouse.org.uk if you have any access requirments.

Aisha (12A)

Aisha, a young Nigerian woman seeking asylum in Ireland, is floundering in a maze of social services and bureaucracy. Alone and unwilling to sacrifice her dignity to satisfy the demands of the authorities, she finds an ally in Conor, an employee at her residence home, a local young man with a troubled past of his own. Together they struggle to maintain their tender friendship in the face of Aisha’s increasingly dire predicament and her rapidly diminishing options. Starring Letitia Wright and Josh O'Connor.

Sallie Taylor - keeping the memory of Chapel Art alive

Impromptu concert with Robin A Smith

Music from the American song-book featuring :  Randy Newman, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Carole King, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers -  all of  Robin’s favourites.

With Guest Marcello Constantinou

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!

21st Century Abba: Bringing the music of Abba to a new generation! Returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse on Saturday, 23rd September, after sell-out performances earlier this year! ??

Remember the days of sequins, flares and platform boots? Remember the songs you know and love: Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, Super Trouper and many, many more? Want to be taken back to a time when the airwaves were filled with Agnetha and Frida’s infamous harmonies and the dancefloor was packed with people moving to the unforgettable music of Benny and Bjorn?

21st Century Abba faithfully recreates all the greatest hits of the Super Swedes, using latest technologies combined with live musicians that will rock your socks off! Wearing those costumes you know and love and taking you back to the decade where Abba ruled the world, having audiences cheering for more and leaving as Dancing Queens!

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

Playhouse Company Presents: Brontë by Polly Teale  

Running Time: 140 minutes

This amateur production of “Bronte” is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic £2.00 off tickets until the end of July 2024!

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

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!

DS:UK comes full circle and return in 2024 with their

highly anticipated “Alchemical Tour” - their tribute to

the Dire Straits infamous live “Alchemy” album, which

was released as the first live album recorded during the

final nights of the 1982 - 1983 - Love over gold Tour.

Since starting to tour in 2018, “DS:UK... in tribute to Dire Straits” have become the quintessential tribute to one of the worlds most loved bands due to their obvious affection for Mark Knopfler’s music and attention to detail that fans

truly appreciate.

The Alchemical Tour features music and stories from Dire Straits early career and including a very special inclusion that you wouldn’t expect.

DSUK have been selling out venues across the country with their Brothers in ’85 and ON anoTHEr NIGHT Tours - “Alchemical” Is going to be something special.... Let’s let it rock and let it roll!

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

The Wedding Singer takes us back to when hair was big, collars were up and the wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the Hollywood box office smash of the same name that starred world-class comedian Adam Sandler, this laugh-a-minute show is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and a groove in those dancing feet.

It’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancee leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Ticket prices:

Friday 11th October at 7:30pm - £24 - Tickets are currently £20 for opening night, until 50% of the show has sold!

Saturday 12th October at 2:00pm - £22

Saturday 12th October at 7:30pm - £24

Wednesday 16th October at 7:30pm - £22

Thursday 17th October at 7:30pm - £22

Friday 18th October at 7:30pm - £24

Saturday 19th October at 2:00pm - £22

Saturday 19th October at 7:30pm - £24

Early Bird tickets available, giving an automatic discount of 10% off tickets, until 01.06.2024!

Please note this is a bespoke interactive event for a smaller audience.

'Don your deerstalkers and sharpen your pencil because, after sell-out performances last year, Ghostlight Productions are back with another immersive, interactive murder mystery!

The year is 1959 and tragedy has befallen the Playhouse once again. It is up to you to interrogate witnesses, search for clues, and make your deductions.

With a whole new cast of characters and a brand-new mystery to solve, we need your help to figure out whodunnit!

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

The Innocents (12A)

UK | 1961 | 100 mins

Directed by: Jack Clayton

Starring: Deborah Kerr | Peter Wyngarde | Megs Jenkins

With the spooky season upon us, it’s a good time to screen this adaptation of the Henry James ghost story The Turn of the Screw.

The narrative follows Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) as she applies to become the governess of Flora and Miles, orphans under the guardianship of their uncle. Miss Giddens must take full responsibility for the children and the uncle is not to be troubled with any problems. The previous governess, it transpires, died suddenly in circumstances not entirely clear.

To the inexperienced Miss Giddens the children behave oddly and seem unusually secretive. She is soon aware of voices and the apparitions of a man and a woman, with whom the children seem to be communicating. But is this paranormal activity or the hyperactivity of Miss Giddens’ sexually repressed mind?

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!

Step into the supernatural world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer like never before with 'Once More with Feeling: A Live Musical Concert Tribute.' Get ready to slay the night away as talented performers bring your favorite characters to life through iconic song and dance in this electrifying tribute to the incredible musical episode. Sing along to the memorable tunes, feel the nostalgia, and immerse yourself in the magic of Sunnydale in this one-of-a-kind live musical experience!

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

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

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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.

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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.

The Cotswold Savoyards are back at the Playhouse this November with Beauty and the Beast JR!

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

Gravity (12)

USA/UK | 2013 | 91 mins

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón

Starring: Sandra Bullock | George Clooney

The film opens in the endless expanse of space during routine maintenance by a Space Shuttle crew: the confident, easy-going Kowalski (George Clooney) and the nervous, inexperienced Stone (Sandra Bullock). A voice from Mission Control reports that an unrelated missile strike on a satellite has created a field of debris orbiting the Earth at lethal speed. They are hit, severed from their safety tethers, sent careering into the blackness and left to find a way to get home.

Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón's 2013 Sci-Fi epic Gravity, won 7 Oscars from 10 nominations, but the direction is arguably secondary to the immersive cinematography from his compatriot Emmanuel Lubezki. With few visual bearings to anchor us in space, our perspective is constantly shifting in some of the most dynamic camerawork ever seen. It is visually stunning and perfect for the big screen.

Hancock’s Half Hour – The Lost TV Episodes

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Adapted by John Hewer

Presented by Hambledon Productions in association with Tessa Le Bars Management

From the award-winning theatre company Hambledon Productions (‘Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show’, ‘Steptoe and Son’) comes the Godfather of all sitcoms, live on stage!

In 1954, comedian Tony Hancock burst onto the BBC with a comedy show unlike anything the British public had experienced before.

Surrounded by a stellar cast including ‘Carry On’ greats Sidney James, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams, the series proved just as successful when it transferred to television.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’ redefined comedy and continues to entertain audiences to this very day.

Hambledon Productions are delighted to be recreating three, ‘lost’ episodes from the original television series. Missing from the BBC archives, this UK Tour will mark the very first time these hilarious scripts have been brought to life since their original broadcast.

Commemorating 100 years of Tony Hancock, and 70 years of ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’, take a trip to 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam and join Kenneth, Hattie, Sid and ‘The Lad Himself’ for three classic TV episodes of this ground-breaking, timeless comedy.  

They’ve Done Shakespeare, Done Whodunnit, Done the Dead and now the multi-award-winning Northern Comedy Theatre are back with their latest comedy DOING THE MAGIC by David Spicer starring STEVEN ARNOLD who played Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street for 15-years.

Terri and Tom’s touring magic show has seen better days and is more delusion than illusion. Desperate to inject new life into their show they enlist Ebon an unsuspecting magician who appears to have the gift. Does he have the magic words that can change their fortunes? Can he pull a rabbit out of the hat to save the day? Or will it end up more tragic than magic?

Don’t miss this laugh out loud comedy full of illusion and confusion as it goes on its world premiere UK Tour this autumn.

Howlers Comedy Club Presents the brilliant solo show from Jeff Innocent. Please note this is not the usual Howlers club night.

After a hugely successful first leg, British Comedian of the Year Winner and social media sensation Jeff Innocent is back with for the second half of his debut nationwide tour, Smart Casual.

Jeff will be bringing his unique and hilarious cultural insights on the road for the first time in a career that has spanned almost three decades and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest living comedians the country has to offer.

Highly anticipated and long overdue. This will be an hour of standup comedy that you do not want to miss.  

"It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He's that funny."

Evening Standard

"Jeff Innocent delivers a masterclass in stand up comedy every time he performs”

The Times

Presented by LDN Comedy.

18+ (with warning of adult themes, sex, drugs, strong language)

Wrong Jovi are widely considered to be “the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world!” So much so, that even the former Bon Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora, has personally thanked the band for their hard work and unforgettable performances.

In their 7 years of touring, the band have performed across the world and featured on the BBC prime-time TV show, Even Better Than The Real Thing. 2019 saw Wrong Jovi perform over 100 shows around the world. Selling out music venues and theatres across the UK and headlining festivals in Malta, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as back home in the UK - including a headline slot on the Electro Love stage at 2019’s Isle Of Wight Festival. Performing a set of greatest hits, live favourites and rarities, the band ensure that there is something for the casual follower and even the most die hard of Bon Jovi fans.

So, are you ready for One Wild Night of Bon Jovi hits, live favourites and rarities? Wrong Jovi will transport you back to the days when Bon Jovi were the best live act on the planet and transform venues and theatres into stadiums for the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show. Get your dose of Bad Medicine with Wrong Jovi - “The Best Bon Jovi Tribute Band In The World!”

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

Returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse after a sell-out performance earlier this year! 🎵

The Tom Petty Legacy

Europe’s Number one tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.Hear and see all the big hits including: I wont

back down, American Girl, Running down a Dream Don’t come around here no more and many more. Also selected tracks from the Traveling Wilburys, Stevie Nicks, The Byrds and Thunderclap Newman.

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

The Passenger (15)

Italy | 1975

Directed by: Michelangelo Antonioni

Starring: Jack Nicholson | Maria Schneider

We screened an earlier Antonioni film last year as the first instalment of The ABC of Cinema. That was Red Desert (1964), starring Monica Vitti and Richard Harris. The theme of alienation pervades Antonioni’s films. In the earlier film it was Monica Vitti alienated from modern life; in The Passenger it is Jack Nicholson.

Nicholson plays a washed-up war correspondent who takes the unusual step of adopting the identity of a dead man. Complete with the passport and appointments schedule of the deceased, the life of a correspondent becomes more purposeful, exciting … and dangerous. Along the new road taken, Nicholson is joined by Maria Schneider, and together they take a trip into the unknown through (red) desert country – a road-trip to disaster.

Sallie Taylor - keeping the memory of Chapel Art alive

João Menezes Trio

Returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse after sell-out performances earlier this year!

João Menezes is a Portuguese guitarist and singer who specialises in Brazilian music.

He has been performing in the UK and Europe, both solo and with his band, exploring the different rhythms of Brazil like Bossa Nova, Samba Jazz and MPB. Expect an exciting evening with music from Djavan, Tom Jobim, Tim Maia, João Bosco, Gilberto Gil and many others.

Roll The Damn Dice is here to bring you a monthly dose of madness. 'A Night of D&D, Improv and Comedy' is a live, interactive, comedy Dungeons & Dragons show, where the audience gets to take over. Do you want to help or hinder the players? Maybe you want to rain down fire onto the battlefield, give us advantage or just throw a casual beholder at us? Get involved and come join the chaos at The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre. You don’t need to be a D&D pro to enjoy this show - It’s for everyone to be entertained by, so long as you embrace the chaos!

Roll The Damn Dice is a D&D 5e Actual Play YouTube show and podcast. We are a Gloucestershire-based group of friends made up of performers, stand-up comics, and a plumber. Roll The Damn Dice has been featured at MCM London and Birmingham Comic Cons, Cheltenham Literature Festival and is now joining the Cheltenham Playhouse family as a monthly regular and we couldn’t be more chuffed!

Come along and join in!

Caution: May not contain dungeons and/or dragons.

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!

Comic Sans Script presents:

Whose Trophy is it Anyway - 2?

Following the unrivaled success of 'Whose Trophy is it Anyway - 1' which was condemned at the UN Security Council for being 'too funny' (note to Playhouse - delete this part if it turns out to be not true) we have the sequel!

If you fancy another evening of fast-paced off-the-cuff comedy, then step into the hilarious and spontaneous world of Cotswolds' Improvised Comedy!

The empty stage becomes the canvas of creativity where our performers invent characters, relationships, and absurd situations right before your eyes. On this open field of imagination our teams will compete in a veritable variety of unscripted games and challenges to win the money-can-easily-buy 'Chuckle Cup' Trophy of Champions.

Like the popular TV show 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' you won’t find rehearsed lines here; only our finest local improvisers jousting jokes like comedic knights, gathering gaffs like bumbling berry-pickers, and quilting quips like a laugh-inducing loom.

This thrill of the unexpected is entirely based off your suggestions - and contains no script, no re-takes, no safety nets, and wit so razor sharp you could shave off them...

As it's fun for the whole family - we look forward to seeing you all there!

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

Let us show you the way of the Rockin' 70s, the brand new theatre tour recreating the sights and sounds of the era that changed music.

Sit back and listen to the music brought to you live by a band of 4 top class musicians, with hits from bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jethro Tyll, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doors and may more!

Children of Eden

Jacobs Well return with an epic musical from the creator of Godspell and Wicked.  At the beginning of all things, creation unfolds, but lurking in the background is an ancient evil with a temptation too desirable to resist.  So begins a fall from grace and the start of a sweeping story of forgiveness and redemption.

Group Discount - Add 10 tickets to your basket and get 1 of them free.

The Eclectic Cinema Presents:

Tokyo Godfathers (12)

Japan | 2003 | 88 mins

Directed by: Satoshi Kon

An unusual offering for Christmas: an anime from Satoshi Kon. The narrative is set just before Christmas time in Tokyo. Three homeless people search for presents in the city’s piles of garbage and find a new-born baby discarded amongst the rubbish. The three have banded together as a ‘found family’ to support and protect themselves. They are Gin, a male alcoholic, Hana, a transgender woman, and Miyuki, a teenage girl who has run away from home. The baby they name Kiyoko, from the Japanese translation of Silent Night. The story follows them on their adventures as they search for the baby’s real mother, adventures that are filled with incredible coincidences, even miracles.

Sallie Taylor - keeping the memory of Chapel Art alive

Impromptu Concert with Robin A Smith (keyboard) and Hannah Hughes unique and beautiful soprano.  

Journey from classical Handel, Mozart, Ravel, Debussy with examples of Hannah’s lovely soprano.

Songs from the great musicals including - Les Misérable and West Side Story - 'Send in the Clowns', 'Willy Wonka’, ‘Pure Imagination’. Jazz classics from Gershwin to Ella Fitzgerald and Nora Jones; Jimmy Webb, Bacharach and David.

Hannah Hughes -

Roll The Damn Dice is here to bring you a monthly dose of madness. 'A Night of D&D, Improv and Comedy' is a live, interactive, comedy Dungeons & Dragons show, where the audience gets to take over. Do you want to help or hinder the players? Maybe you want to rain down fire onto the battlefield, give us advantage or just throw a casual beholder at us? Get involved and come join the chaos at The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre. You don’t need to be a D&D pro to enjoy this show - It’s for everyone to be entertained by, so long as you embrace the chaos!

Roll The Damn Dice is a D&D 5e Actual Play YouTube show and podcast. We are a Gloucestershire-based group of friends made up of performers, stand-up comics, and a plumber. Roll The Damn Dice has been featured at MCM London and Birmingham Comic Cons, Cheltenham Literature Festival and is now joining the Cheltenham Playhouse family as a monthly regular and we couldn’t be more chuffed!

Come along and join in!

Caution: May not contain dungeons and/or dragons.

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 end of February 2024!

Due to popular demand, Magnificent Bublé are returning to the Cheltenham Playhouse, this time with a new Christmas show featuring the classics and a number of new songs!

Magnificent Bublé is the UK's finest authentic Michael Bublé theatre tribute show with an incredible 12-piece big band, including some of the country's top musicians and fronted by James Billington. 🎄

The Christmas special includes a great selection of the music that Michael Bublé has become so famous for at this special time of the year, including It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Holly Jolly Christmas and many more.

The show also includes a selection of Bublé's work, including Home, Haven't Met You Yet, Nobody But Me, Everything, Hollywood and It's A Beautiful Day, and some of the finest tunes he has recreated.

A night of wonderful feel-good music awaits you, so stick on your best Christmas jumper, cover yourself in tinsel and 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'.

Concession pricing is available for the matinee performance.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, giving an automatic discount of 10% off all tickets until the end of February 2024! Please note that multiple price categories are available for this pantomime; please see the image below for more info on pricing bands and relevant dates/times.

Join us Jack on his GIANT adventure in Cheltenham Playhouse's even BIGGER Pantomime!

"FEE-FI-FO-FUM" Fleshcreep wants money from Jack and his mum! If they don't cough up, he's going to clear them out and feed them to the giant in the Sky! In an attempt to settle their debts, Jack sells his beloved cow Daisy for a bag of beans, and we all know what that means!

Little does Jack know, the sky's the limit for his next adventure!

The producers of Aladdin can't wait to welcome you back for another hilarious production at Cheltenham Playhouse's GIANT affordable and professional pantomime!

White 'EP (Eighten Plus) performances are 18+ only. The script is the same, but expect even more chaos and some adult humour!

For the relaxed performance at 3 pm on Monday 30th, several changes have been made to make the show more suited to those who prefer a more relaxed environment. The script is the same, but regular theatre 'rules' are relaxed, house lights will be left up, sound and lighting levels will be less intense, and you're welcome to come and go during the performance. There will also be extra staff and volunteers on-site to support. The Cheltenham Playhouse is proud to be welcoming to all, so if you have any further information, questions, or accommodations, please don't hesitate to contact our box office, who will be happy to help! Please note for those with epilepsy, the performances may not be suitable.

Groups of 20+ (excludes schools) get an additional 10% off. For group bookings of over 50 tickets, please contact the box office. For daytime 10 am school bookings on 17th - 20th December 2024 please contact the box office.

Go behind the curtains this Christmas, for our first ever backstage tour of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Co-Producer Matt Nolan will take you on a tour of the building and auditorium, where you can discover the unique past of the old swimming baths whilst learning about the brand new pantomime!

You will see areas that are usually out of bounds, learning about the operations (past and present) of our theatre and you will go onstage behind the scenes of this year’s production, seeing what the auditorium looks like from the actors point of view! Oh yes you will!

An interesting perspective of one of Cheltenham's oldest buildings at Christmas time!

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.

Important notes:  

- 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

 - 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.

- All proceeds from the tour go directly to the venue as a donation.

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 £2.00 off until the end of September 2024!

Playhouse Company presents Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespheare

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

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 July 2024!

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!

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

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.

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