The Rose was a project supported by Peter Hall and broadcaster David Jacobs CBE, who served as chairman of the Kingston Theatre Trust.
The construction was undertaken with £5m (of the £11m construction cost) support from the local council, involvement from Kingston University, Peter Hall, and the Friends of Kingston Theatre. The shell of the building was provided to the Trust for free by St George plc as one of the concessions for the construction of Charter Quay, a development on the bank of the Thames.
In January 2008, a week after the theatre opened, Hall resigned and it was announced that from April 2008, Stephen Unwin, departing director of English Touring Theatrewould take over the role of 'Artistic Director', while Hall would remain as 'Director Emeritus'.
On 25 November 2010 the Rose won an award for 'Commitment to the Community' at the Kingston Business Awards. The same week, Sir Peter Hall won the Moscow Arts Theatre 'Golden Seagull' award for his contribution to World Theatre at the Evening Standard Awards.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, some of our very own wonder women at the Rose have shared what their roles involve, their career journeys so far and advice they have for anyone hoping to enter the creative industry.
As this year's theme is 'Choose To Challenge', they also pledged what they will choose to challenge moving forward to promote an equal and positive environment for everyone.
Welcome back to the Rose!
We’re excited to be opening our doors again and stage some outstanding, world-class theatre here in Kingston.
We want to show you some of the new measures that we’ve put in place to make your visit as safe and as enjoyable as possible.
For more information, visit our website below or give us a call
020 8174 0090 | https://www.rosetheatre.org/your-visit/covid-19
#ReturnToTheRose
RETURN TO THE ROSE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH SH!T ACTUALLY
A two-woman 100% faithful, word-by-word* remake of the Christmas film we all hate to love: ‘Love Actually’.
‘Love Actually’ is Sh!t Actually.
*just kidding
Sh!t Actually plays from 3 - 5 December. Book tickets at https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/sht-actually.
Sh!t Theatre go on the Love Actually bus tour in London to prepare for their 100% faithful, word-by-word* remake on stage.
*just kidding
Return to the Rose this Christmas with Sh!t Actually, playing 3 - 5 December. Book tickets at https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/sht-actually.
*This was filmed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic*
RETURN TO THE ROSE THIS OCTOBER
When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her.
Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drunk who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on but when these two people come together they soon realise how much they have to teach each other.
This hilarious and heart-warming comedy won the Olivier Award when it was produced in London’s West End by the RSC and was adapted into the multi award-winning film which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
Written by one of our greatest ever playwrights Willy Russell and starring one of our best loved actors Stephen Tompkinson as Frank and introducing Jessica Johnson as Rita. This production directed by Max Roberts of Live Theatre has garnered rave reviews.
The Rose is a COVID-19 secure venue and we have been 'See It Safely' approved. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website!
https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/educating-rita
Thursday 10 December 2020 - Sunday 3 January 2021
Buy your tickets now: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/stick-man
Freckle Productions Presents
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Stick Man is back on stage in Kingston this Christmas!
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?
This delightful adaptation from Freckle Productions, the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
It Was March 2020, read by members of Rose Participate.
It was March 2020. The streets were empty, the shops closed, people couldn't get out.
But spring did not know, and the flowers began to bloom, the sun shone, the birds sang, the swallows would soon arrive, the sky was blue, the morning arrived early.
It was March 2020. Young people had to study online, and find occupations at home, people could no longer go shopping, or go to the hairdresser. Soon there would be no more room in hospitals, and people continued to get sick.
But spring did not know, the time to go to the garden arrived, the grass greened.
It was March 2020. People have been put in lockdown. to protect grandparents, families and children.
No more meetings or meals, family celebrations.
The fear became real and the days were therefore similar.
But spring did not know, apples, cherry trees and others bloomed, the leaves grew.
People started reading, playing with their families, learning a language, singing on the balcony inviting neighbours to do the same, being supportive and focusing on other values.
People realised the importance of health, of suffering, of this world that had stopped, of the economy that has plummeted.
But spring didn't know. the flowers gave way to the fruit, the birds made their nest, the swallows had arrived.
Then the day of liberation came, people found out on TV, the virus had lost, people took to the streets, sang, cried, kissed their neighbours, without masks or gloves.
And that's when summer came, because spring didn't know. He continued to be there despite everything, despite the virus, fear and death.
Because spring didn't know, he taught people the power of life.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
The Mosquito, by D. H. Lawrence
Read by Arthur Darvill
When did you start your tricks
Monsieur?
What do you stand on such high legs for?
Why this length of shredded shank
You exaltation?
Is it so that you shall lift your centre of gravity upwards
And weigh no more than air as you alight upon me,
Stand upon me weightless, you phantom?
I heard a woman call you the Winged Victory
In sluggish Venice.
You turn your head towards your tail, and smile.
How can you put so much devilry
Into that translucent phantom shred
Of a frail corpus?
Queer, with your thin wings and your streaming legs
How you sail like a heron, or a dull clot of air,
A nothingness.
Yet what an aura surrounds you;
Your evil little aura, prowling, and casting a numbness on my mind.
That is your trick, your bit of filthy magic:
Invisibility, and the anæsthetic power
To deaden my attention in your direction.
But I know your game now, streaky sorcerer.
Queer, how you stalk and prowl the air
In circles and evasions, enveloping me,
Ghoul on wings
Winged Victory.
Settle, and stand on long thin shanks
Eyeing me sideways, and cunningly conscious that I am aware,
You speck.
I hate the way you lurch off sideways into air
Having read my thoughts against you.
Come then, let us play at unawares,
And see who wins in this sly game of bluff.
Man or mosquito.
You don't know that I exist, and I don't know that you exist.
Now then!
It is your trump
It is your hateful little trump
You pointed fiend,
Which shakes my sudden blood to hatred of you:
It is your small, high, hateful bugle in my ear.
Why do you do it?
Surely it is bad policy.
They say you can't help it.
If that is so, then I believe a little in Providence protecting the innocent.
But it sounds so amazingly like a slogan
A yell of triumph as you snatch my scalp.
Blood, red blood
Super-magical
Forbidden liquor.
I behold you stand
For a second enspasmed in oblivion,
Obscenely ecstasied
Sucking live blood
My blood.
Such silence, such suspended transport,
Such gorging,
Such obscenity of trespass.
You stagger
As well as you may.
Only your accursed hairy frailty
Your own imponderable weightlessness
Saves you, wafts you away on the very draught my anger makes in its snatching.
Away with a pæan of derision
You winged blood-drop.
Can I not overtake you?
Are you one too many for me
Winged Victory?
Am I not mosquito enough to out-mosquito you?
Queer, what a big stain my sucked blood makes
Beside the infinitesimal faint smear of you!
Queer, what a dim dark smudge you have disappeared into!
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
The Cat and The Moon, by W. B. Yeats
Read by Anjana Vasan
Featuring Pirate and Marley
The cat went here and there
And the moon spun round like a top,
And the nearest kin of the moon,
The creeping cat, looked up.
Black Minnaloushe stared at the moon,
For, wander and wail as he would,
The pure cold light in the sky
Troubled his animal blood.
Minnaloushe runs in the grass
Lifting his delicate feet.
Do you dance, Minnaloushe, do you dance?
When two close kindred meet,
What better than call a dance?
Maybe the moon may learn,
Tired of that courtly fashion,
A new dance turn.
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
From moonlit place to place,
The sacred moon overhead
Has taken a new phase.
Does Minnaloushe know that his pupils
Will pass from change to change,
And that from round to crescent,
From crescent to round they range?
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
Alone, important and wise,
And lifts to the changing moon
His changing eyes.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Matilda, by Hilaire Belloc
Read by Pippa Bennett-Warner
Matilda told such Dreadful Lies,
It made one Gasp and Stretch one’s Eyes;
Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth,
Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth,
Attempted to believe Matilda:
The effort very nearly killed her,
And would have done so, had not she
Discovered this Infirmity.
For once, towards the Close of Day,
Matilda, growing tired of play,
And finding she was left to alone,
Went tiptoe to the telephone
And summoned the Immediate Aid
Of London’s Nobel Fire-Brigade.
Within an hour the Gallant Band
Were pouring in on every hand,
From Putney, Hackney Downs and Bow,
With Courage high and Hearts a-glow
They galloped, roaring though the Town,
"Matilda’s House is Burning Down"
Inspired by British Cheers and Loud
Proceeding from the Frenzied Crowd,
They ran their ladders through a score
Of windows on the Ball Room Floor;
And took Peculiar Pains to Souse
The Pictures up and down the House,
Until Matilda’s Aunt succeeded
In showing them they were not needed
And even then she had to pay
To get the Men to go away! . . . . .
It happened that a few Weeks later
Here aunt was off to the Theatre
To see that Interesting Play
The Second Mrs. Tanqueray.
She had refused to take her Niece
To hear this Entertaining Piece:
A Deprivation Just and Wise
To Punish her for Telling Lies.
That Night a Fire did break out-
You should have heard Matilda Shout!
You should have heard her Scream and Bawl,
And throw the window up and call
To People passing in the Street-
(The rapidly increasing Heat
Encouraging her to obtain
Their confidence)-but it was all in vain!
For every time She shouted "Fire!"
They only answered "Little Liar!"
And therefore when her Aunt returned,
Matilda, and the House, were burned.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Sonnet 29, by William Shakespeare
Read by Paul Higgins
When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Ode to a Nightingale, by John Keats
Read by Jane Asher
My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains
My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk,
Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains
One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk:
'Tis not through envy of thy happy lot,
But being too happy in thine happiness,—
That thou, light-winged Dryad of the trees
In some melodious plot
Of beechen green, and shadows numberless,
Singest of summer in full-throated ease.
O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been
Cool'd a long age in the deep-delved earth,
Tasting of Flora and the country green,
Dance, and Provençal song, and sunburnt mirth!
O for a beaker full of the warm South,
Full of the true, the blushful Hippocrene,
With beaded bubbles winking at the brim,
And purple-stained mouth;
That I might drink, and leave the world unseen,
And with thee fade away into the forest dim:
Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget
What thou among the leaves hast never known,
The weariness, the fever, and the fret
Here, where men sit and hear each other groan;
Where palsy shakes a few, sad, last gray hairs,
Where youth grows pale, and spectre-thin, and dies;
Where but to think is to be full of sorrow
And leaden-eyed despairs,
Where Beauty cannot keep her lustrous eyes,
Or new Love pine at them beyond to-morrow.
Away! away! for I will fly to thee,
Not charioted by Bacchus and his pards,
But on the viewless wings of Poesy,
Though the dull brain perplexes and retards:
Already with thee! tender is the night,
And haply the Queen-Moon is on her throne,
Cluster'd around by all her starry Fays;
But here there is no light,
Save what from heaven is with the breezes blown
Through verdurous glooms and winding mossy ways.
I cannot see what flowers are at my feet,
Nor what soft incense hangs upon the boughs,
But, in embalmed darkness, guess each sweet
Wherewith the seasonable month endows
The grass, the thicket, and the fruit-tree wild;
White hawthorn, and the pastoral eglantine;
Fast fading violets cover'd up in leaves;
And mid-May's eldest child,
The coming musk-rose, full of dewy wine,
The murmurous haunt of flies on summer eves.
Darkling I listen; and, for many a time
I have been half in love with easeful Death,
Call'd him soft names in many a mused rhyme,
To take into the air my quiet breath;
Now more than ever seems it rich to die,
To cease upon the midnight with no pain,
While thou art pouring forth thy soul abroad
In such an ecstasy!
Still wouldst thou sing, and I have ears in vain—
To thy high requiem become a sod.
Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!
No hungry generations tread thee down;
The voice I hear this passing night was heard
In ancient days by emperor and clown:
Perhaps the self-same song that found a path
Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home,
She stood in tears amid the alien corn;
The same that oft-times hath
Charm'd magic casements, opening on the foam
Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn.
Forlorn! the very word is like a bell
To toll me back from thee to my sole self!
Adieu! the fancy cannot cheat so well
As she is fam'd to do, deceiving elf.
Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades
Past the near meadows, over the still stream,
Up the hill-side; and now 'tis buried deep
In the next valley-glades:
Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music:—Do I wake or sleep?
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
I Wanna Be Yours by John Cooper Clarke
Read by Christopher Eccleston
Let me be your vacuum cleaner
Hoovering up your dust
Let me be your Ford Cortina
I will never rust
If you like your coffee hot
Let me be your coffee pot
You call the shots
I wanna be yours
Let me be your raincoat
For those frequent rainy days
Let me be your dreamboat
When you want to sail away
Let me be your teddy bear
You can take me anywhere
I don’t care
I wanna be yours
Let me be your electric meter
I will never run out
Let me be the electric heater
You get cold without
Let me be your setting lotion
Hold your hair with deep devotion
Deep as the deep Atlantic ocean
That’s how deep is my emotion
Deep deep deep deep de deep deep
I don't wanna be hers
I wanna be yours
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Disobedience, by A. A. Milne
Read by Adjoa Andoh
With thanks to the Clare Milne Trust
James James
Morrison Morrison
Weatherby George Dupree
Took great
Care of his Mother,
Though he was only three.
James James Said to his Mother,
"Mother," he said, said he;
"You must never go down
to the end of the town,
if you don't go down with me."
James James
Morrison's Mother
Put on a golden gown.
James James Morrison's Mother
Drove to the end of the town.
James James Morrison's Mother
Said to herself, said she:
"I can get right down
to the end of the town
and be back in time for tea."
King John
Put up a notice,
"LOST or STOLEN or STRAYED!
JAMES JAMES MORRISON'S MOTHER
SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN MISLAID.
LAST SEEN
WANDERING VAGUELY:
QUITE OF HER OWN ACCORD,
SHE TRIED TO GET DOWN
TO THE END OF THE TOWN -
FORTY SHILLINGS REWARD!"
James James
Morrison Morrison
(Commonly known as Jim)
Told his
Other relations
Not to go blaming him.
James James
Said to his Mother,
"Mother," he said, said he:
"You must never go down to the end of the town
without consulting me."
James James
Morrison's mother
Hasn't been heard of since.
King John said he was sorry,
So did the Queen and Prince.
King John
(Somebody told me)
Said to a man he knew:
"If people go down to the end of the town, well,
what can anyone do?"
(Now then, very softly)
J.J.
M.M.
W.G.Du P.
Took great
C/O his M*****
Though he was only 3.
J.J. said to his M*****
"M*****," he said, said he:
"You-must-never-go-down-to-the-end-of-the-town-
if-you-don't-go-down-with-ME!"
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now, by A. E. Housman
Read by Arthur Darvill
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Titus Andronicus, by William Shakespeare
Read by Stephen Boxer
From Act III, Scene 1
Speak, Lavinia, what accursed hand
Hath made thee handless in thy father's sight?
What fool hath added water to the sea,
Or brought a faggot to bright-burning Troy?
My grief was at the height before thou camest,
And now like Nilus, it disdaineth bounds.
Give me a sword, I'll chop off my hands too;
For they have fought for Rome, and all in vain;
And they have nursed this woe, in feeding life;
In bootless prayer have they been held up,
And they have served me to effectless use:
Now all the service I require of them
Is that the one will help to cut the other.
'Tis well, Lavinia, thou hast no hands;
For hands, to do Rome service, is but vain.
O, thus you found her, straying in the park,
Seeking to hide herself, as doth the deer
That hath received some unrecuring wound.
It was my deer; and he that wounded her
Hath hurt me more than had he killed me dead:
For now I stand as one upon a rock
Environed with a wilderness of sea,
Who marks the waxing tide grow wave by wave,
Expecting ever when some envious surge
Will in his brinish bowels swallow him.
This way to death my wretched sons are gone;
Here stands my other son, a banished man,
And here my brother, weeping at my woes.
But that which gives my soul the greatest spurn,
Is dear Lavinia, dearer than my soul.
Had I but seen thy picture in this plight,
It would have madded me: what shall I do
Now I behold thy lively body so?
Thou hast no hands, to wipe away thy tears:
Nor tongue, to tell me who hath martyr'd thee:
Gentle Lavinia, let me kiss thy lips.
Or make some sign how I may do thee ease:
Shall thy good uncle, and thy brother Lucius,
And thou, and I, sit round about some fountain,
Looking all downwards to behold our cheeks
How they are stain'd, like meadows, yet not dry,
With miry slime left on them by the flood?
And in the fountain shall we gaze so long
Till the fresh taste be taken from that clearness,
And made a brine-pit with our bitter tears?
Or shall we cut away our hands, like thine?
Or shall we bite our tongues, and in dumb shows
Pass the remainder of our hateful days?
What shall we do? let us, that have our tongues,
Plot some device of further misery,
To make us wonder'd at in time to come.
... let reason govern my lament?
If there were reason for these miseries,
Then into limits could I bind my woes:
When heaven doth weep, doth not the earth o'erflow?
If the winds rage, doth not the sea wax mad,
Threatening the welkin with his big-swoln face?
And wilt thou have a reason for this coil?
I am the sea; hark, how her sighs doth blow!
She is the weeping welkin, I the earth:
Then must my sea be moved with her sighs;
Then must my earth with her continual tears
Become a deluge, overflow'd and drown'd;
For why my bowels cannot hide her woes,
But like a drunkard must I vomit them.
Then give me leave, for losers will have leave
To ease their stomachs with their bitter tongues.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Why Must We Write, by Mark Halliday
Read by Olivia Vinall
from Jab, by Mark Halliday (University of Chicago Press, 2002)
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/J/bo3634022.html
Because of the wave. And because
the streets radiate into three more neighborhoods
than we have even ever heard of, in our own town!
Because everything just left...
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Funny, by Anna Kamieńska and Clare Cavanagh
Read by Hattie Morahan
Translated by Clare Cavanagh
What’s it like to be a human
the bird asked
I myself don’t know
it’s being held prisoner by your skin
while reaching infinity
being a captive of your scrap of time
while touching eternity
being hopelessly uncertain
and helplessly hopeful
being a needle of frost
and a handful of heat
breathing in the air
and choking wordlessly
it’s being on fire
with a nest made of ashes
eating bread
while filling up on hunger
it’s dying without love
it’s loving through death
That’s funny said the bird
and flew effortlessly up into the air
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Sonnet 29, by William Shakespeare
Read by Anton Lesser
When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Fairy Tale, by Miroslav Holub
Read by Niamh Cusack
Translated by George Theiner
Selected Poems (Penguin Books, 1967) with permission from Bloodaxe on behalf of the estate.
He built himself a house,
his foundations,
his stones,
his walls,
his roof overhead,
his chimney and smoke,
his view from the window.
He made himself a garden,
his fence,
his thyme,
his earthworm,
his evening dew.
He cut out his bit of sky above.
And he wrapped the garden in the sky,
and the house in the garden
and packed the lot in a handkerchief
and went off
lone as an arctic fox
through the cold
unending
rain
into the world.
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
Imagine This, written and performed by Paterson Joseph.
Imagine this.
Me.
14.
Black.
Short...
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
Find out more about Readings from the Rose at bit.ly/RoseReadings.
In Spite of War, by Angela Morgan
Read by Angellica Bell
In spite of war, in spite of death,
In spite of all man's sufferings,
Something within me laughs and sings
And I must praise with all my breath.
In spite of war, in spite of hate
Lilacs are blooming at my gate,
Tulips are tripping down the path
In spite of war, in spite of wrath.
"Courage!" the morning-glory saith;
"Rejoice!" the daisy murmureth,
And just to live is so divine
When pansies lift their eyes to mine.
The clouds are romping with the sea,
And flashing waves call back to me
That naught is real but what is fair,
That everywhere and everywhere
A glory liveth through despair.
Though guns may roar and cannon boom,
Roses are born and gardens bloom;
My spirit still may light its flame
At that same torch whence poppies came.
Where morning's altar whitely burns
Lilies may lift their silver urns
In spite of war, in spite of shame.
And in my ear a whispering breath,
"Wake from the nightmare! Look and see
That life is naught but ecstasy
In spite of war, in spite of death!"
In these unprecedented times, the Rose is relying on donations more than ever. If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/Rose-Donate.
We asked a few questions to Lucy Morrell, the director of our thrilling Christmas production Beauty and the Beast. Find out what her Christmas jumper looks like, what she loves most about Christmas and why she loves working with the Rose Youth Theatre!
For more info and to book your tickets: bit.ly/2zvyje5
ADVISORY WARNING - NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Teenager Neoma wakes to find a letter from her best friend Cassie, who has been missing/presumed dead for over a year. Will Neoma decide whether to alert her family or follow the letters clues to seek the ultimate truth?
Written and directed by SAMUEL CLEMENS
Produced by LUCY MORRELL
Neoma Lyons RUBY GERHARDT GRECO
Chewy BILLY RILOT
Zach AMEER MORSHED
Archie TOM GRIEG
Hooded Figure/Alucard JOSHUA MILNE
Cassie ANGELICA GAYLE
Eric Vampire 1 OLIVER SMITH
John Vampire 2 BEN GREENWOOD
Gracie Lyons TILDA HARPER
Cinematography by MARTYNA KNITTER VISENNA
Editor GEORGE CLEMENS
Production Coordinator VIVIANA ROCHA
Original music by ANDREW PISANU
Never, Ever sees Ash and Baz break up. It explores the painful journey as they part and walk away from each other.
Written and directed by ANDREW DAVIDSON
Based on an idea devised with BEN GREENWOOD &
OLIVER SMITH
Produced by LUCY MORRELL
Director of Photography MARTYNA KNITTER
Music by AIDAN PORTER
Ash OLIVER SMITH
Baz BEN GREENWOOD
Two rival gang leaders must do battle to win a date with the elusive Lisa Smoke. As both dance for their heart's desire who will Lisa crown the victor?
Devised and performed by the cast
Directed by SAMUEL CLEMENS
Produced by LUCY MORRELL
THE WOMBLES
Chief JOSHUA MILNE
Solid Steve JOSHUA CRUICE
Sean Zequil OLIVER SMITH
Lawrence Copper AMEER MORSHED
THE BRUISERS
The Boss BILLY RILOT
Beverly ANGELICA GAYLE
Baz TOM GREIG
Jokie DOMINIC BRYANT
Lisa Smoke RUBY GERHARDT GRECO
Ed Smoke BEN GREENWOOD
Cinematography by MARTYNA KNITTER VISENNA & OWEN WHITEHEAD
Editor GEORGE CLEMENS
Choreography by GEORGIA BRABBEN
Huxley is always anxious, and when his two best friends Carli and Leroy suggest going to a party on a school night, his imagination runs wild with all the ways it could go wrong. With the support of his friends he might just make it and he might have fun. What’s the worst that could happen?
Written and directed by ANDREW DAVIDSON
Produced by LUCY MORRELL
Director of photography MARTYNA KNITTER
Music by VIVIANA ROCHA
Huxley DOMINIC BRYANT
Carpi ANGELICA GAYLE
Leroy JOSHUA CRUICE
Rachel RUBY GERHARDT GRECO
Taxi Driver ALEX RAND
Party Guests KRYSTAL HENHAM
TILDA HARPER
VIVIANA ROCHA
The Rose Theatre and Rose Participate are thrilled to present Screenings at 7.
Every day from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April at 7pm we will be premiering the short films produced by the 2019 Rose Participate film course and their course leaders, Samuel Clemens and Andrew Davidson.
Each of these films will be completely free and available for everyone to watch on YouTube.
Tue 21 - Sat 25 Apr: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/holes
Stanley Yelnats can’t catch a break. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, it comes as no surprise when he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, every day. He’s told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?
Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster.
This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged 8 and up.
Wed 8 Apr - Sun 19 Apr: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/giraffes-cant-dance
Gerald the Giraffe longs to go to the great Jungle Dance, but how can he join in when he doesn't know how to tango or two-step? Everyone knows that giraffes can't dance!
But with a little help from a wise and kind cricket, Gerald discovers his rhythm – because sometimes when you’re different, you just need a different song!
Carrying the important and universal message of acceptance and self-belief, the sensitive and nuanced storytelling of Giraffes Can’t Dance is perfect for young children, who will be encouraged to dance to their own tune with Gerald the Giraffe and company of five actors playing warthogs, lions, rhinos chimps and, of course, the violin-playing cricket.
Thu 27 Feb - Sat 29 Feb: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/the-creature-frankenstein-retold
An arctic vessel trapped in the frozen ocean, takes on a stranger far from shore, who warns of an impending attack from a creature of superhuman strength. As the captain tries to find some way of defending his cargo, a horrifying story emerges.
This unflinching, contemporary retelling of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece is a professional debut for alumni of our distinguished Rose Youth Theatre.
Video Credit: Billy Brown
Tue 21 Apr - Sat 25 Apr: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/holes
Stanley Yelnats can’t catch a break. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, it comes as no surprise when he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, every day. He’s told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?
Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster.
This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged 8 and up.
RETURN TO THE ROSE THIS OCTOBER
https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/educating-rita
When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her.
Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drunk who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on but when these two people come together they soon realise how much they have to teach each other.
This hilarious and heart-warming comedy won the Olivier Award when it was produced in London’s West End by the RSC and was adapted into the multi award-winning film which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
Written by one of our greatest ever playwrights Willy Russell and starring one of our best loved actors Stephen Tompkinson as Frank and introducing Jessica Johnson as Rita. This production directed by Max Roberts of Live Theatre has garnered rave reviews.
The Rose is a COVID-19 secure venue and we have been 'See It Safely' approved. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website!
Book now: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/holes
Stanley Yelnats can’t catch a break. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, it comes as no surprise when he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, every day. He’s told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?
Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster.
This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged 8 and up.
Book now: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/holes
Stanley Yelnats can’t catch a break. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, it comes as no surprise when he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, every day. He’s told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?
Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster.
This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged 8 and up.
Book: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/royal-philharmonic-orchestra
Programme:
BEETHOVEN Overture: Egmont
BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance No. 6
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Harish Shankar Conductor
Sonoko Miriam Welde Violin
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) returns for an evening of astounding orchestral music. The heroics of Beethoven’s Romantic lead set the stage for some of the greatest orchestral works in the German tradition with a thrilling musical tale of nobility and intrigue. The Overture to Egmont opens with a sense of imperial grandeur in the brass and strings, which is countered by the more elegiac lyricism of the woodwind, creating an underlying tension that resolves into a triumphant finale.
The RPO is joined on stage by the inspiring soloist Sonoko Miriam Welde, who has been described as ‘effortless, fervent, natural, convincing and virtuosic’ (Klassekampen), performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. A hallmark of violin repertoire, this piece unleashes the full spectrum of the instrument in passages that bloom with sensitivity and colour. The heart-burstingly beautiful melodies of this work never fail to leave an impression, making it an enduring favourite of audiences worldwide.
The first half of the evening’s performance draws to a close with Brahms’s playful Hungarian Dance No. 6. Listen out for the native folk rhythms of Hungary that are woven into this energetic piece, which serve as an intriguing contrast to the second half of the concert, Brahms’ Symphony No.4. The opening movement draws from all sections of the Orchestra in a dramatic orchestration that pieces together the exhilarating and lyrical melody. In Brahms’ mastery of the symphonic form he departs from the Romantic tradition of a jubilant finale, instead conjuring a melancholy and reflective tone in the multiplying variations of the theme.
Book: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/royal-philharmonic-orchestra
Programme:
BEETHOVEN Overture: Egmont
BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance No. 6
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Harish Shankar Conductor
Sonoko Miriam Welde Violin
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) returns for an evening of astounding orchestral music. The heroics of Beethoven’s Romantic lead set the stage for some of the greatest orchestral works in the German tradition with a thrilling musical tale of nobility and intrigue. The Overture to Egmont opens with a sense of imperial grandeur in the brass and strings, which is countered by the more elegiac lyricism of the woodwind, creating an underlying tension that resolves into a triumphant finale.
The RPO is joined on stage by the inspiring soloist Sonoko Miriam Welde, who has been described as ‘effortless, fervent, natural, convincing and virtuosic’ (Klassekampen), performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. A hallmark of violin repertoire, this piece unleashes the full spectrum of the instrument in passages that bloom with sensitivity and colour. The heart-burstingly beautiful melodies of this work never fail to leave an impression, making it an enduring favourite of audiences worldwide.
The first half of the evening’s performance draws to a close with Brahms’s playful Hungarian Dance No. 6. Listen out for the native folk rhythms of Hungary that are woven into this energetic piece, which serve as an intriguing contrast to the second half of the concert, Brahms’ Symphony No.4. The opening movement draws from all sections of the Orchestra in a dramatic orchestration that pieces together the exhilarating and lyrical melody. In Brahms’ mastery of the symphonic form he departs from the Romantic tradition of a jubilant finale, instead conjuring a melancholy and reflective tone in the multiplying variations of the theme.
Book: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/royal-philharmonic-orchestra
Programme:
BEETHOVEN Overture: Egmont
BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance No. 6
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Harish Shankar Conductor
Sonoko Miriam Welde Violin
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) returns for an evening of astounding orchestral music. The heroics of Beethoven’s Romantic lead set the stage for some of the greatest orchestral works in the German tradition with a thrilling musical tale of nobility and intrigue. The Overture to Egmont opens with a sense of imperial grandeur in the brass and strings, which is countered by the more elegiac lyricism of the woodwind, creating an underlying tension that resolves into a triumphant finale.
The RPO is joined on stage by the inspiring soloist Sonoko Miriam Welde, who has been described as ‘effortless, fervent, natural, convincing and virtuosic’ (Klassekampen), performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. A hallmark of violin repertoire, this piece unleashes the full spectrum of the instrument in passages that bloom with sensitivity and colour. The heart-burstingly beautiful melodies of this work never fail to leave an impression, making it an enduring favourite of audiences worldwide.
The first half of the evening’s performance draws to a close with Brahms’s playful Hungarian Dance No. 6. Listen out for the native folk rhythms of Hungary that are woven into this energetic piece, which serve as an intriguing contrast to the second half of the concert, Brahms’ Symphony No.4. The opening movement draws from all sections of the Orchestra in a dramatic orchestration that pieces together the exhilarating and lyrical melody. In Brahms’ mastery of the symphonic form he departs from the Romantic tradition of a jubilant finale, instead conjuring a melancholy and reflective tone in the multiplying variations of the theme.
Book: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/royal-philharmonic-orchestra
Programme:
BEETHOVEN Overture: Egmont
BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance No. 6
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Harish Shankar Conductor
Sonoko Miriam Welde Violin
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) returns for an evening of astounding orchestral music. The heroics of Beethoven’s Romantic lead set the stage for some of the greatest orchestral works in the German tradition with a thrilling musical tale of nobility and intrigue. The Overture to Egmont opens with a sense of imperial grandeur in the brass and strings, which is countered by the more elegiac lyricism of the woodwind, creating an underlying tension that resolves into a triumphant finale.
The RPO is joined on stage by the inspiring soloist Sonoko Miriam Welde, who has been described as ‘effortless, fervent, natural, convincing and virtuosic’ (Klassekampen), performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. A hallmark of violin repertoire, this piece unleashes the full spectrum of the instrument in passages that bloom with sensitivity and colour. The heart-burstingly beautiful melodies of this work never fail to leave an impression, making it an enduring favourite of audiences worldwide.
The first half of the evening’s performance draws to a close with Brahms’s playful Hungarian Dance No. 6. Listen out for the native folk rhythms of Hungary that are woven into this energetic piece, which serve as an intriguing contrast to the second half of the concert, Brahms’ Symphony No.4. The opening movement draws from all sections of the Orchestra in a dramatic orchestration that pieces together the exhilarating and lyrical melody. In Brahms’ mastery of the symphonic form he departs from the Romantic tradition of a jubilant finale, instead conjuring a melancholy and reflective tone in the multiplying variations of the theme.
A Rose Original Production
Fri 6 Dec - Sun 5 Jan | http://bit.ly/2rkmEdK
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
Written and Directed by Ciaran McConville
Music & lyrics by Eamonn O'Dwyer
Tucked away in a long forgotten corner of the city is an orphanage. Here Gerda discovers that she is no ordinary teenager, but a Child of Magic, hidden from the reaches of the evil Snow Queen. When she shows her powers to her best friend Kai, she unwittingly reveals their whereabouts. Kai is lured away, and Gerda must journey to the Frozen North into the Queen’s clutches to save him.
Her perilous adventure includes an unlikely pirate captain and a talking reindeer called Bancu, secretive elves and vicious trolls. As the Snow Queen rallies her forces, Gerda must learn the true nature of her magic powers to save Christmas and rescue Kai.
Experience Kingston at Christmas and be enchanted by Hans Christian Andersen’s powerful tale of love, magic and self-realisation. This glittering new adaptation features a wealth of local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast.
A Rose Original Production
Fri 6 Dec - Sun 5 Jan | http://bit.ly/2rkmEdK
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
Written and Directed by Ciaran McConville
Music & lyrics by Eamonn O'Dwyer
Tucked away in a long forgotten corner of the city is an orphanage. Here Gerda discovers that she is no ordinary teenager, but a Child of Magic, hidden from the reaches of the evil Snow Queen. When she shows her powers to her best friend Kai, she unwittingly reveals their whereabouts. Kai is lured away, and Gerda must journey to the Frozen North into the Queen’s clutches to save him.
Her perilous adventure includes an unlikely pirate captain and a talking reindeer called Bancu, secretive elves and vicious trolls. As the Snow Queen rallies her forces, Gerda must learn the true nature of her magic powers to save Christmas and rescue Kai.
Experience Kingston at Christmas and be enchanted by Hans Christian Andersen’s powerful tale of love, magic and self-realisation. This glittering new adaptation features a wealth of local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast.
Fri 20 - Sat 21 Mar 2020
From the award-winning Le Navet Bete, creators of the smash-hit show Dracula: The Bloody Truth, comes a comedy adventure that will have you rolling with laughter from here to the French countryside!
Armed with only a baguette and his questionable steed join hot-headed d’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to become a musketeer. Will things go to plan? It’s unlikely! Featuring hilarious heroics, raucous romances and some bonkers fun with BMX bikes, Le Navet Bete condense Dumas’ 700-page classic into two hours of non-stop comedy gold.
Supported by a top notch band of brothers and sisters including long-time co-conspirator (and funny man director) John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4) internationally renowned choreographer Lea Anderson MBE (The Cholmondeleys) and critically acclaimed set designer Ti Green (Touching the Void Bristol Old Vic/ national tour) this show is company's biggest and most riotous to date.
A Rose Original Production - The Snow Queen
Fri 6 Dec - Sun 5 Jan
http://bit.ly/2rkmEdK
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
Written and Directed by Ciaran McConville
Music & lyrics by Eamonn O'Dwyer
Tucked away in a long forgotten corner of the city is an orphanage. Here Gerda discovers that she is no ordinary teenager, but a Child of Magic, hidden from the reaches of the evil Snow Queen. When she shows her powers to her best friend Kai, she unwittingly reveals their whereabouts. Kai is lured away, and Gerda must journey to the Frozen North into the Queen’s clutches to save him.
Her perilous adventure includes an unlikely pirate captain and a talking reindeer called Bancu, secretive elves and vicious trolls. As the Snow Queen rallies her forces, Gerda must learn the true nature of her magic powers to save Christmas and rescue Kai.
Experience Kingston at Christmas and be enchanted by Hans Christian Andersen’s powerful tale of love, magic and self-realisation. This glittering new adaptation features a wealth of local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast.
Junkyard
It's 1979, rubbish is on the streets, and it’s tricky being Fiz. She's 13, she's got no money, her sister's pregnant and her mum thinks she’s a waste of space...
Rick remembers what it’s like to be a teenager. So when he decides to build a junk playground in Bristol, he's pretty sure he has the charisma to get a bunch of reluctant kids i...
The Battle of Boat is a courageous tale of a group of children trying to find their place in a world at war in 1916. Frustrated by their inability to join the soldiers in battle, the children decide to do whatever it takes to help in the war effort. However, they soon have to tackle their own conflict in the form of a local gang of bullies who will...
Headlong's premiere production of new British musical JUNKYARD arrives at Rose Theatre Kingston next week. Musical Theatre Review’s Aura Simon caught up with its composer Stephen Warbeck to contemplate a varied and award-filled career...
It’s Part Two of our countdown of great new musicals coming to London in 2017! Spring is approaching, the days are getting longer, holidays and chocolate are on the horizon and there’s even more to add to your #YearofTheatre. Here are some #StageFaves shows we’re looking forward to seeing this March and April…
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