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

9 May 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

Gary Meikle

9 May 2025 - 28 Nov 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 Live

Qween UK Live

24 May 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

Please be aware, this production contains flashing lights that may affect those with photosensitive conditions. The premier UK Queen tribute band consisting of four experienced and professionally seasoned musicians, with a shared passion to produce and successfully deliver live, the definitive “Queen live experience” on stage to a very high standard. The following is a list of current live set(s) songs; One Vision, Don’t Stop Me Now, It’s a Kind of Magic, I Want it All, Under Pressure, Friends Will be Friends, It’s a Hard Life Fat Bottomed Girls, The Show Must Go On, Who Wants to Live Forever, Hammer to Fall, Somebody to Love, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Break fFree, I Was Born to Love You, Living on my Own, Another One Bites the Dust, Radio Gaga, Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions, We Will Rock You, Tie Your Mother Down, Days of our Lives, Love of My Life, God Save the Queen. (Set lists vary per performance) Watch the YouTube showreel [https://youtu.be/568loJJRScU]
Beatles Complete

Beatles Complete

2 May 2025 - 3 Apr 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.
Death by Fatal Murder

Death by Fatal Murder

21 May 2025 - 24 May 2025

by Peter Gordon Directed by Sue Spencer Inspector Pratt's crime detection record at Bagshot House is not enviable. In his previous two visits, the body count mounted dramatically while he looked on, helpless and hopeless! And now he's back! In this new investigation, Pratt meets the new owner of Bagshot House, Nancy Allwright, and aided and abetted by Miss Maple and Constable Thomkins, he is soon entangled in more mystery. Danger soon looms with a startling arrival, an unexpected twist and frightening revelations! Chaos reigns supreme!
Little Shop Of Horrors

Little Shop Of Horrors

9 Jul 2025 - 12 Jul 2025

Meek flower shop assistant Seymour pines for co-worker Audrey. During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey's boyfriend, Orin, to the plant after Orin's accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.
Qween UK - The Live Experience

Qween UK - The Live Experience

31 May 2025 - 31 May 2025

QWEEN UK are the premier UK Queen tribute band consisting of four experienced and professionally seasoned musicians. We have a shared passion to produce and successfully deliver live, the definitive Queen Live Experience on stage to a very high standard. Through extensive touring in the UK and abroad we ensure that the standard of performance is not compromised but improved, this is a mission statement that the band and our tech crew are passionate about. QWEEN UKs extensive live repertoire encompasses all the classic Queen songs as well as their subtle and much-loved acoustic arrangements too
Elvis - Up Close and Personal

Elvis - Up Close and Personal

26 Jul 2025 - 26 Jul 2025

Lee has been performing his tribute to the King for 4 years and he currently tours the UK in various theatres & clubs. Lees simply stunning powerhouse vocals set him apart from every other Elvis tribute act out there. His show is a one man Elvis experience. With suits made by the actual man that made Elvis suits and Lees attention to detail is simply second to none. The show is a jaw dropping experience from start to finish with customised projection visuals and indoor special effects, no other Elvis show comes close to this one. The Up Close & Personal show is a show that is not being currently performed anywhere. A show which concentrates solely on the love songs & power ballads of the King. Lee says of his show Its truly amazing what Elvis still means to people so many years after his passing. The tears that I see when I perform my show is something magical to behold, to see what this man meant to so many people continues show after show, I just hope I do Elviss memory justice in my performance
Brass at The Playhouse

Brass at The Playhouse

7 Jun 2025 - 7 Jun 2025

Leyland Band comes to Preston Playhouse Join the famous Leyland Band for an unforgettable evening of brass band brilliance! Under the expert direction of Daniel Brooks, this celebrated ensemble will perform a dynamic programme of entertaining and inspiring music that is sure to dazzle and delight. With a reputation as one of the best brass bands in the world, Leyland Band has captivated audiences across the globe, from the USA to Japan and everywhere in between. Now, they bring their acclaimed musical talent to Preston for a night not to be missed!
An Evening of One Act Plays

An Evening of One Act Plays

12 Jun 2025 - 14 Jun 2025

An Evening of short dramas presented by 3 of the groups who are resident at The Playhouse The Hall Players present SACRIFICE a suspense thriller by Andy Bennison The Broughton Players present THE DATE a play by Rachael Soar Preston Drama Club present OVER MY DEAD BODY a comedy by Pat Baker
The Spongebob Musical

The Spongebob Musical

29 May 2025 - 30 May 2025

Join the students of MTTA in their production of The SpongeBob Musical! Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher

7 May 2025 - 10 May 2025

Adapted By Alexandra Wood and based on the book by Kate Summerscale The original Victorian "whodunnit" based on the true story that gripped our nation back in the day... Summer 1860, an elegant county house and a young boy is found dead in an outside privy. All clues point towards the murderer being a member of the grieving household. Called to investigate is the most celebrated detective of the day, Jonathan Whicher of Scotland Yard. But this case challenges him in ways he's never been challenged before. Still haunted by the case, he visits the murderer in prison. As they replay the past, they start to question the nature of truth, the desire for certainty and the possibility of redemption. Please note that this play contains references to the theme of child murder which some patrons may find upsetting. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books
Daniel Martinez - Art of Andalucia

Daniel Martinez - Art of Andalucia

18 May 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

29 May 2025 - 6 Feb 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!
Annie Jr

Annie Jr

25 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025

Based on "Little Orphan Annie" By Permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc. Book by Thomas Meehan Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Martin Charnin Directed by Rebecca Wilson Get ready for a magical experience as the Players Drama School brings the heart-warming classic Annie Jr to life at The Playhouse. Join Annie as she escapes the harsh life of the orphanage to find her parents outsmarting the villainous Miss Hannigan along the way and discovering a new family in the process! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols Originally Produced by Irwin Meyer Stephen R. Friedman Lewis Allen Alvin Nederlander Associates Inc. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Icarus Productions Based on "Little Orphan Annie" By Permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Come From Away

Come From Away

2 Sept 2025 - 7 Sept 2025

"Come From Away" tells the true story of the town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the thousands of airline passengers stranded there after the September 11th attacks when the US airspace was closed, focusing on the town's unexpected hospitality and the bonds formed between residents and travelers.

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