The List

Playhouse Theatre

he Playhouse has been in the business of amateur dramatics since 1949. Transformed into a theatre just after the war by Preston Drama Club with the help of many generous patrons, it has provided local drama and dance groups with modern facilities to produce a variety of shows, plays and performances over the years. The Playhouse is open to any group of performers or organization who wish to hire its stage, auditorium, conference and rehearsal rooms, or bar for any occasion. For details, see Theatre Hire It is clear that the effort of a great many people is essential in keeping the Playhouse running year after year. All of the people involved are volunteers. And without their hard work, ideas and enthusiasm the show, quite literally, would not go on. In return, these volunteers make great friends, are involved in amazing entertainment and have a great deal of fun. The Playhouse and the drama groups would like you to come and work with us, and learn anything from props to producing, from set design to sound mixing. There is something for everyone; take a look at our activities page and see how you can get involved, or email [email protected]

What's On @ Playhouse Theatre

The Houghton Weavers

The Houghton Weavers

8 Nov 2025 - 28 Feb 2026

The Houghton Weavers have been entertaining folk for over 40 years with their unique blend of popular folk music, humour and audience participation. In their time together, the group - comprising Tony Berry, David Littler and Steve Millington - have performed thousands of concerts, recorded over 30 albums, starred in several of their own highly successful BBC radio and TV series, and made countless appearances on other programmes. The Houghton Weavers guarantee a wonderful evening of entertainment suitable for all the family. Their experience in the business together with their style and professionalism ensures that, as their motto says, they always ‘Keep Folk Smiling’.
Gary Meikle: Neurospicy

Gary Meikle: Neurospicy

1 Oct 2025 - 6 Dec 2025

On 23rd January 2024 I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funny enough, not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a 1st hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I’ve manage to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly!
Qween UK - The Live Experience

Qween UK - The Live Experience

13 Dec 2025 - 28 Mar 2026

Qween UK return for an unforgettable night of Queen’s greatest hits! Join one of the UK’s most dynamic Queen tribute acts as they deliver a high-energy celebration of the music, spirit, and showmanship of the legendary band. Expect an electric atmosphere, dazzling musicianship, and all the anthems you know and love—including Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now, Somebody to Love, and We Will Rock You.
Beatles Complete

Beatles Complete

7 Nov 2025 - 15 Aug 2026

Beatles Complete present a night of Beatlemania packed with massive hits from the most influential band of all time. This Liverpool based ‘beat combo’ are the youngest ever Beatles band to gain a residency at the Cavern Club in Liverpool where they still perform every Thursday and Saturday, packing the club out and creating a unique Beatles vibe. All four members are accomplished multi-instrumentalists allowing them to span right across The Beatles’ recording history, from Please Please Me right through to Let It Be. Having performed at International Beatle Week for the last 3 years running, the lads have been invited to return again for 2024 and are also taking their extended show to theatres across the UK. The band has also appeared on the BBC and on TV in Japan and The Netherlands. This is a night not to be missed for all Beatles fans performed by a band who are quickly making a name for themselves due to their musical prowess, boundless energy and easy Liverpool wit. The Beatles were a phenomena in musical history, Beatles Complete remind you why.
Daniel Martinez - Art of Andalucia

Daniel Martinez - Art of Andalucia

22 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025

Art of Andalucia is a captivating celebration of Daniel Martinez's exceptional artistry in the world of flamenco. This unique concert offers a full immersion into the essence of flamenco, featuring a carefully curated selection of Daniel's most celebrated works from his discography, including his award-winning production Art of Believing and his latest masterpiece, Andalucia.
ABBA Sensation

ABBA Sensation

3 Oct 2025 - 15 Aug 2026

Widely considered to be one of the best ever Abba Tribute Acts, they play to packed theatres and festivals throughout Europe. A stunning stage show, which combines costume changes, lighting effects and a faithful reproduction of the Abba sound. A great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed for all age ranges. The band love audience participation, so you can sing along, clap or even get up and dance. If however you are ‘too posh’ to join in, then no problem, just rattle your jewellery!
The Magic of Motown

The Magic of Motown

10 Oct 2025 - 12 Sept 2026

Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour! It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Come celebrate our brand-new show as we Reach Out and show you there ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year. Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular. You will be going Loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, more. Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown! This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. The promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Intent to Murder

Intent to Murder

14 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026

by Leslie Sands Directed by Dennis Yardley Within minutes of the opening of this play, we are plunged into the middle of an explosive situation. Janet Preston, a well-known authoress who lives alone in a remote cottage on the Yorkshire Moors, has killed her husband, a complete rogue and criminal on the run. Before she can get rid of the body, she is confronted by his accomplice George, who blackmails her into agreeing to pass him off as the dead man until such time as he can make a getaway. The events that follow are full of twists and excitement and the unexpected denouement skilfully reconciles the audiences sympathies and sense of involvement with a demand for justice.
The Revival

The Revival

12 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025

by James Cawood Directed by Carol Caine & Paul Sylvester James Cawood's play is a chilling ghost story full of shocks, twists and gothic atmosphere. The cast of Lucian OKeefes 1946 ghost play Scared to Death are gathered and ready for their final dress rehearsal before opening night. But all is not going smoothly. Actors bicker, lines arent sinking in, the director is edging towards a breakdown, but the ghostly events in the play are encroaching on their real world. The rumours of the real plays curse start to strike fear in the cast and they find themselves caught up in an all too real spine tingling and terrifying ghost story.
The Weird Will of Willy Williams

The Weird Will of Willy Williams

25 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026

by David Tristram Directed by Janet Dawson The late William Harold Williams former plumber and keen amateur thespian had occasionally been known to be a tad eccentric. So when his only surviving relatives, Tim and Jacky, attended the reading of his will, they may well have expected the odd surprise here and there. But what they didnt expect was to find themselves suddenly entangled in a twisting drama worthy of its own Netflix series. With feuding rivals and murderous games afoot, things were about to get very weird. But beware. When huge fortunes are at stake, its not always sensible to believe the evidence of your own eyes
Waiting for God

Waiting for God

27 May 2026 - 30 May 2026

by Michael Aitkens Directed by Susan Spencer All the favourite characters from the original series are reimagined for 2017, facing the challenges that come with growing old disgracefully in the era of the silver surfer. At Bayview Retirement Village, battle-axe extraordinaire Diana Trent conspires with new resident Tom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance through a hilarious conspiracy with unexpectedly heart-warming results. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd
When David Came to Preston

When David Came to Preston

15 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026

When David Came to Preston [Some of this is true] by Richard Catmore Hes naked Mr Hibbert, Hes 17 feet of naked man. Is Preston quite ready for him..? Its October 1893 and Prestons architectural jewel, The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Preston Free Library , is about to be opened in a grand ceremony attended by Royalty and civic dignitaries. But not without controversy, for one of the museums first acquisitions is a full sized replica statue of Michelangelos David . Based on at least some research and lots of invention, When David Came to Preston is a partially true, fast paced, sharply comedic account of how it got there, where it went, and why it mattered to the national press of the day. Its also a warm hearted story about a girl who can draw and a man who wants to help
Pinked Floyd

Pinked Floyd

11 Oct 2025 - 29 Nov 2025

Spectacular evening packed with cherished favourites from the timeless albums Dark Side Of the Moon, The Wall, The Division Bell, Wish You Were Here, Animals, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason as well as delving deeper into the Floyd back catalogue. This band of quality performers have an almost fanatical devotion to reproducing the very best versions of tracks from original albums, studio sessions and Pink Floyd's famous live tours for their audience's pleasure. The two-two and a half hour shows leave nothing out from the Floyd experience: stunning guitar riffs, spine tingling keyboards, saxophone solos, beautiful female vocal harmonies, thumping bass & rhythm lines, all held together by charismatic front man Russ Samuels. To complete the sensory experience there is a mesmerising light & laser show complete with the iconic circular video screen to make this a night not to miss for lovers of Pink Floyd.
Relatively Speaking

Relatively Speaking

8 Oct 2025 - 11 Oct 2025

by Alan Ayckbourn Directed by Dennis Yardley Greg and Ginny are living together, but Greg is becoming somewhat suspicious that he is not the only man in her life. He wonders about Ginny's plan 'to visit her parents' and decides to follow her. Ginny is really going to see a considerably older lover, but only in order to break with him. Greg mistakes the ex-lover and his wife for Ginny's parents. Ginny's arrival further compounds an already wildly hilarious situation.
Private Lives

Private Lives

11 Feb 2026 - 14 Feb 2026

By Noel Coward Directed by Anne-Marie Flood In Nol Cowards sophisticated comedy classic, exes Elyot and Amanda, now honeymooning with new spouses, meet by chance in a French hotel and reignite their former passion and enmity.
Hobson's Choice

Hobson's Choice

13 May 2026 - 16 May 2026

The youngest daughters of curmudgeonly bootmaker Hobson are anxious to marry and have eligible suitors who must wait until eldest daughter, practical-minded Maggie is promised in marriage. Maggie, however has other plans which include freedom from her father's tyranny, a business and husband of her own. Her choice: Hobson's shy apprentice Will Mossop.
Short Sharp Shocks

Short Sharp Shocks

22 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025

Written by Andy Bennison and Directed by Steve Dobson Do you lie in bed, too afraid to sleep? You need Nightmares Anonymous, the self-help group of your dreams. Four darkly comic tales of mystery, murder and the supernatural. Cross Stitcher. Brenda and Jim are trapped in a tiny flat and are slowly getting on each others nerves. Who will crack first? The Last Laugh. Standup comic Charlie Chuclebucket prepares for the final night of his farewell tour. There is only one person in the audience, his greatest fan. They both have something to hide. Uneasy Listening. Tony lives with his mum. He yearns for a quiet life. His mums taste in music means that Tonys life is anything but peaceful. Meat Free. Security guards Katrina and Loz work the nightshift at a research laboratory. They fear a break in from animal rights activists. What they get is far worse.
It's A Wonderful Life

It's A Wonderful Life

28 Jan 2026 - 31 Jan 2026

Written by Mary Eliott Nelson and Directed by Dominic Swarbrick Its A Wonderful Life is a stage adaptation of Frank Capras masterpiece film. This is the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been squashed by family obligations and civic duty, and whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair, and to remind him by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born that he has had, after all, a wonderful life.
Dirty Dusting

Dirty Dusting

29 Apr 2026 - 2 May 2026

Written by Ed Waugh & Trevor Wood and Directed by John Ellis When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys and Elsie, are threatened with redundancy they feel that their lives are coming to an end until a chance wrong number gives them a new business start-up idea why not run a telephone sex line? Theyve got motive, opportunity and a lifetime of experience some more than others, mind you. Provided Elsie can teach the other two a few new tricks theres no reason why they cant get rich quick providing they can keep their operation a secret from their bosses and their husbandsand their childrenand their grandchildren. A searing indictment of ageism in the 21st Century heavily disguised as a hysterical, laugh-out-loud, heartwarming comedy
Christmas Crackers: A Musical Celebration
A celebration of Christmas in music with our friends from Freckleton Band and Preston Musical Comedy Society Kick off the Christmas season with a heartwarming selection of festive music and popular Christmas songsplus a chance to join in with one or two well-loved carols This joyful concert brings together the incredible talents of Freckleton Band and Preston Musical Comedy Society for a magical night filled with the spirit of the season. Enjoy a sparkling programme of seasonal favourites, heartwarming carols, and popular Christmas songsperfect for the whole family. Whether youre a fan of classic holiday tunes, stirring brass arrangements, or show-stopping musical numbers, theres something for everyone to enjoy. And dont worryyoull have a chance to join in with a carol or two! Set in a wonderfully festive atmosphere, Christmas Crackers is the perfect way to start the Christmas season. Gather your friends and family, wrap up warm, and get ready to sing, smile, and soak up the Christmas magic. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Lets make this a night to remember!
9 to 5 The Musical

9 to 5 The Musical

17 Jun 2026 - 20 Jun 2026

9 to 5 The Musical is a high-energy, feel-good comedy inspired by the iconic 1980 film, featuring an original score by country music legend Dolly Parton. Set in a 1970s office, it follows three working womenViolet, Doralee, and Judywho are fed up with their sexist, egotistical boss. Together, they hatch a daring plan to turn the tables, take control of the company, and prove theres nothing they cant do. Packed with heart, humour, and empowering tunes, this uplifting musical is a celebration of friendship, justice, and standing up for whats right. Brought to the stage by Preston Musical Comedy Society in 2026, this dazzling production is not to be missed. With unforgettable songs and the message that its time to change it, rearrange it, its sure to have audiences dancing in their seats. Tickets go on sale from 14th February 2026 and demand is expected to be high book early to avoid missing out!
Peter Pan

Peter Pan

12 Dec 2025 - 21 Dec 2025

Peter Pan the Pantomime is flying into Preston in 2025 and its packed with magic, mischief, and mayhem! Written by the brilliantly funny Tom Whalley, this swashbuckling adventure brings all your favourite characters to life, from the mischievous Peter and the daring Wendy to the dastardly Captain Hook and his bumbling crew. With toe-tapping songs, dazzling costumes, and laugh-out-loud comedy for the whole family, this is classic panto fun at its very best. Expect booing, cheering, and plenty of audience participation oh yes there is! (Oh no there isnt!) Brought to you by Preston Musical Comedy Society, this magical production takes to the stage in 2025. Tickets go on sale to the public from 1st October 2025, and with a show this spectacular, theyll be gone faster than you can say Hes behind you! book early to secure your seats!
The Mikado

The Mikado

11 Mar 2026 - 14 Mar 2026

"The Mikado" is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, first performed in 1885. It is one of their most famous and frequently performed works, known for its catchy music, satirical wit, and elaborate costumes. Summary: Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, The Mikado is a satire of British politics and society, masked under an exotic setting. It pokes fun at bureaucracy, the legal system, and class structures. Main Characters: The Mikado The Emperor of Japan Nanki-Poo The Mikado's son, disguised as a wandering minstrel Ko-Ko The Lord High Executioner Yum-Yum A schoolgirl, Ko-Kos fiance, but loved by Nanki-Poo Pooh-Bah Holds numerous public offices (a satire on puffed-up officials) Katisha An older noblewoman in love with Nanki-Poo Notable Songs: A Wandring Minstrel I Three Little Maids from School Are We I've Got a Little List (Ko-Kos patter song) The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
Steeleye Span

Steeleye Span

17 Nov 2025 - 14 May 2026

Over the past fifty years, Steeleye Span have come to define the concept of English folk rock - taking it from the world of small clubs into the charts, concert halls and festivals around the globe.

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