The List

Benenden School

What's On @ Benenden School

Showstopper: The Improvised Musical

Showstopper: The Improvised Musical

21 Jul 2025 - 15 Dec 2025

The incredible ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ have announced more tour dates and West End shows throughout 2025! Spontaneous musical comedy at its finest, this is the first ever long-form improv show to have a full West End run and to be nominated and win an Olivier Award. For those who haven’t yet experienced the live phenomenon that is ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’, the show is a fully-realised musical created on the spot from audience suggestions. The cast take ideas for settings, genres, musical styles and the show title and weave it into ingenious storylines with hilarious characters. From Lin Manuel Miranda to Stephen Sondheim, whether it’s set in a primary school, Ancient Egypt, or a mattress shop – if the audience thinks it, The Showstoppers can turn it into a hit musical. The majority of the cast also have much acclaim with founder member Ruth Bratt being part of the famous Comedy Store Players, the longest running impro show in the country; Pippa Evans being a regular on BBC Radio 4, has toured with I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and wrote ‘Now That's What I Call A Musical!’ (that’s currently on UK tour). The pilot of Hopping, a new comedy from Lucy Trodd and Susan Harrison, aired on BBC Radio 4 and Matt Cavendish appeared on this year’s Royal Variety Performance with Mischief Theatre's ‘A Comedy About Spies’. Co-founder Adam Meggido directed the West End and Broadway hit show Peter Pan Goes Wrong. The incredibly talented West End star Miracle Chance (Roald Dahl’s The Witches at the National Theatre, Veronica Sawyer in Heathers at The Other Palace) has just joined the cast. The Showstoppers also regularly run improvisation workshops and courses for beginners and professionals and have a successful podcast - The Showstopper! Podcast, with recent guests including Zizi Strallen, Rufus Hound and Reuben Kaye. The Showstoppers have performed created more than 1,000 brand new musicals since they were formed in 2008 but they don’t stop working hard at their craft – they have to learn to improvise in the style of every hit show that comes to town, and they always encourage audiences to challenge them and keep them on their toes. As a result, they continue fill theatres, delight audiences and win awards. In 2024 they were in the Top 10 best reviewed shows of entire Edinburgh Fringe – for the second year running - no mean feat in their 15th year selling out the Pleasance Grand once more!
Beyond the Barricade

Beyond the Barricade

6 Sept 2025 - 18 Sept 2026

Beyond the Barricade has delighted audiences throughout the UK and mainland Europe for more than a decade, with its exciting concert portrayal of the greatest songs in musical theatre, all performed totally live! Recreating original West End/Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this cast of past principal performers from Les Misérables, present a blockbusting two hour show, and is now established as the nation’s favourite musical theatre concert. Beyond the Barricade features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Misérables! Don’t miss the return of ‘Beyond the Barricade’ to experience its nationwide reputation for quality and perfection in musical theatre and find out why this exciting show has received critical acclaim across the UK and abroad.
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa ( Doctor Who; Sex Education ) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster ( Life of Pi ) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.
The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

13 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

The Lets All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family! With stunning dancers, Tchaikovskys sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal clear storytelling, this is a Christmas show not to be missed! The Nutcracker is perfect for children of all ages whether this is their first trip to the theatre or they are regular visitors. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the magical land of sweets, meet King Rat and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, and lose yourself in the glorious world of live dance. The Lets All Dance Ballet company creates high quality, accessible and fun productions for children and families. Their narrative and character led shows are easy to understand, exciting and inspiring. After every performance children can have their photo taken with the dancers for the ultimate Christmas experience and special memories. Suitable for all ages, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with special needs. Running time: 52 minutes (no interval) + photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after performance!
Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty
Blackeyed Theatre In association with Theatre Royal Winchester and South Hill Park Presents Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty Adapted by Nick Lane from the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Composer Tristan Parkes When you have one of the first brains of Europe up against you, and all the powers of darkness at his back, there are infinite possibilities London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a series of mysterious events reveals a crack in the high corridors of power. A crack that threatens to destabilise monarchy, government and Empire. And at its centre, controlling the flow of information and influence, a shadowy figure plans a final deadly move. Drawn into the game and unsure who to trust, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves confronting figures from their past in a desperate race against time, aware that the most powerful person in the world could be in the pocket of one of the most corrupt. But just how much is Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces checkmate? A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty is a world premiere combining powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience. One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre The Stage Suitable for age 11+ Running time: 130 mins approx (including interval) Reviews of Blackeyed Theatres 2023 production, Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear: An elegant last adventure THE GUARDIAN Truly stunning SHERLOCK HOLMES JOURNAL One of the most satisfying Sherlock Holmes outings weve yet to encounter BATH MAGAZINE
Blazin Fiddles

Blazin Fiddles

9 Nov 2025 - 9 Nov 2025

Take the finest exponents of their native Scottish fiddle styles, the finest backing in folk music, and some of the Highlands and Islands famed warmth and craic distil over over 25 years, and you get Blazin Fiddles! One of the most lauded and best-loved acts of the Scottish music scene, from the moment the multi award-winning Blazers take the stage to whisk you on a thrilling musical journey, youre in the finest of company. The mastery of fiddle virtuosos, Jenna Reid (Shetland), Kristan Harvey (Orkney) and Rua Macmillan (Highlands), grounded by the second to none, driving accompaniment of Angus Lyon (piano) and Anna Massie (guitar), will leave you reeling. For over a quarter of a century, no other band has quite captured Scottish fiddle musics variety, energy and sensitivity like Blazin Fiddles. Atop many musical twists and turns, the groups quicksilver playing is matched by lightning sharp humour and uproarious stories from their many tunes and travels, Whatever the hall - whether of the Royal Albert or highland village variety - theyll turn it into the liveliest and warmest of hootenannies. Running time:Approx. 2h20 (including interval)
Spot's Birthday Party

Spot's Birthday Party

23 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

Sam Bradshaw Productions Presents Spot's Birthday Party Every ticket comes with a free party hat and Meet & Greet with Spot after the show! Spot had such fun celebrating his birthday last year that he is back to celebrate again and everyone's invited! Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone age 2 plus and their grownups. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever! Based on the belovedEric HillclassicHappy BirthdaySpot, this brand-new adaptation is the perfect introduction to theatre for children - they'll be encouraged to sign and dance along with Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, Helen the Hippo and Sally and Sam, Spot's parents, to say a bigHAPPY BIRTHDAYSPOT! Spot has been an integral part of childhood for over 40 years and with his inquisitive nature, sense of curiosity, boundless energy, and simple shapes and colours, Spot helps families, babies and toddlers explore the world around them. 'A Joy! Fun for all ages' - NorthWestEnd 'A lovely family day out!' - Curtain Call Reviews Age Guidance: 2+ Children aged 2 and over will require a full price ticket. Running time: 50 minutes (no interval) + Meet & Greet
Ben Fogle: Tales From the Wilderness

Ben Fogle: Tales From the Wilderness

23 Feb 2026 - 27 Mar 2026

Thrilling tales from a modern day explorer. From crossing Antarctica to conquering Everest, Ben will take the audience on an inspiring adventure. Join Ben in this uplifting and exciting show, when he’ll be sharing his stories of the wilderness. Ben has climbed Everest, been swimming with crocodiles, saved elephants, dodged pirates, been marooned for a year on an uninhabited island, walked to the South Pole, Crossed the Empty Quarter with camels, rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, tracked the Migration of the Wilderbeest, swum from Alcatraz, had a flesh eating disease and messed around with ferrets! The much-loved TV adventurer will recount, with warmth and honesty, his thrilling tales. If you like Ben's TV shows then you'll love this personal and intimate evening of stories from around the world. The show will include multi-media. The UN Patron of the Wilderness, Ben Fogle has travelled the world, has published 10 bestselling books & his TV shows are a global hit watched by millions around the world.
National Theatre Live: Hamlet

National Theatre Live: Hamlet

22 Jan 2026 - 15 Apr 2026

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
The Makings of a Murderer

The Makings of a Murderer

1 Aug 2025 - 16 Oct 2026

Investigating The UK’s Most Notorious Serial Killers Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime as the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld is unveiled. This is crime-fighting as you’ve never seen it before.
Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

20 Sept 2025 - 20 Sept 2025

Join us for a special evening on20 September at Hemsted Park, set within the beautiful grounds of Benenden School, for an exclusive wine tasting event in collaboration with one of Englands leading wineries. Your ticket will includea welcome glass of fizz on arrival, a guided wine tasting experience, and a beautifully presented local grazing platter featuring regional produce. Further details about the wines and event experience will be announced soon. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy exceptional English wines in a stunning setting, with the option to purchase your favourites at special guest-only prices. Running time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes Please note: discount codes will not be accepted for this event.

↖ Back to all venues