Rose Theatre Kingston

In Conversation with Owen Horsley & Roni Neale | Cinderella

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/316/a-new-version-by-chris-bush-and-roni-neale/cinderella Join Rose Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Haydon, Cinderella's director Owen Horsley, and co-writer Roni Neale as they take you behind the scenes of a magical world filled with castles, balls, and handsome princes. A Rose Theatre Production By Chris Bush and Roni Neale Music by Matt Winkworth Directed by Owen Horsley When 16-year-old Ella finds herself spending Christmas at dad’s house, she wishes she could be anywhere else. She’s expected to help out and forced to spend family time with her new stepmum. Worse still, her bedroom has been turned into a nursery for the noisiest, smelliest twin stepsisters you’ve ever seen. Wishes are answered and Ella is whisked away to a magical world of castles, balls, and handsome princes. Yet it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. And, perhaps this isn’t the happily-ever-after ending Ella thought it would be? From Olivier Award winner Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) and Roni Neale, with new songs by Matt Winkworth, this funny, fantastical retelling of the classic fairytale highlights the importance of family, wherever we may find it. Featuring members of our celebrated Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast, join us for our Christmas tradition in this mischievous new adventure about being careful what you wish for.

Spot's Birthday Party l 22-25 August 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/380//spot-s-birthday-party Spot had such fun celebrating his birthday last year that he is back to celebrate again and everyone’s invited! From the producers of David Walliam's Mr Stink Sam Bradshaw Productions present Spot's Birthday Party Words and songs by Guy Unsworth Based on the books by Ric Hill 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 grown ups. 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 beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, 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 big HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPOT! 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 Every ticket comes with a free party hat and meet and greet with Spot after the show! ★★★★★ 'A lovely family day out!' - Curtain Call Reviews ★★★★★ 'A Joy! Fun for all ages' - NorthWestEnd

The Enormous Crocodile

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/411/by-roald-dahl/the-enormous-crocodile The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to Rose Theatre in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute. This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie. Snap up your tickets today for this wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family!

Fun For Little Ones - A Tribute To Ms Rachel | 27 July

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/350//fun-for-little-ones-a-tribute-to-ms-rachel The UK's Premier Tribute to Global Phenomenon... 'Ms Rachel'!   Bringing Ms Rachel's character to life in a FUN, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones! With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on Youtube, 'Ms Rachel' is the biggest viral sensation to hit our children's screens since 'Baby Shark!' 'Fun for Little Ones Live' encapsulates the bubbly personality, sweet singing voice and educational content; bringing to life a fun show for children. The production also includes Interactive Screen Content throughout featuring unique and on brand animation & scenery, plus Puppetry, Characters & Voices on screen with Monty & friends. This UK Premier tribute is the only one of it's kind, with little people across the country going crazy for her...

The Smeds and The Smoos | Audience Reactions

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/345/based-on-the-book-by-julia-donaldson-and-axel-scheffler/the-smeds-and-the-smoos A joyful tale of star-crossed aliens Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage. ★★★★★ “Magnificent…a tour-de-force family show.” - One4Review ★★★★★ “Enchanting and incredibly engaging…a beautiful adaptation.” -edinburghfestivalsforkids.com ★★★★★ “Engaging and brilliant - perfect family viewing.” - beyondthecurtain.co.uk ★★★★ “Their enthusiasm is infectious... tremendous fun.” - East Midlands Theatre

Country Roads | 4 September 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/384/one-night-of-country-classics/country-roads Come with us to the place you belong, for a night of the very best country classics! Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready as – for one night only – we celebrate the Kings and Queens of country music. Enjoy the very biggest country songs of all time: 9 to 5, The Gambler, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, King of the Road, Crazy, Rhinestone Cowboy, Jolene, Dance the Night Away, Walkin’ after Midnight and many, many more.

The Rocket Man | 5 November

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/396/a-celebration-of-elton-john/the-rocket-man Pack your bags, strap yourself in, zero hour 7.30pm, for a night like no other as we celebrate Sir Elton John! The Rocket Man is the world’s favourite celebration to a musical icon, playing to audiences all around the world and we are delighted to announce our UK tour for 2025. Playing at the Rose on 5 November 2025.

The Smeds and The Smoos | Official Trailer

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/345/based-on-the-book-by-julia-donaldson-and-axel-scheffler/the-smeds-and-the-smoos Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.  On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Playing from 9-13 July 2025

Massaoke - Greatest Hits Live | 5 September

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/401/greatest-hits-live/massaoke Bring the sing to the greatest smash hits of all time at the ultimate live band sing-along party - MASSAOKE!  Expect massive smash hits from the 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond, an incredible live band of spandex-clad rockstars, extraordinary outfits, confetti and giant video lyrics to help you sing your heart out. Playing at the Rose on 5  September 2025.

In Conversation with Francesca Goodridge | Our Town

The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook | 28 January

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/402/the-ronnie-scott-s-soho-songbook/ronnie-scott-s-jazz-club Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club return to the Rose with a stunning new collection of music, narration and projected archive images and footage, celebrating Ronnie Scott’s ‘Soho Songbook’. Playing at the Rose on 28 January 2026.

Fastlove - A Tribute to George Michael | 21 June 2025

Fastlove - A Tribute to George Michael: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/357//fastlove-a-tribute-to-george-michael

The Magic of Motown | 22 June 2025

The Magic of Motown: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/358//the-magic-of-motown

Pin the Trunk on Elmer

The Elmer Adventure: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/339/based-on-the-books-by-david-mckee/the-elmer-adventure

The Elmer Adventure Team Make Friendship Bracelets

The Elmer Adventure: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/339/based-on-the-books-by-david-mckee/the-elmer-adventure

What audiences are saying | Marie and Rosetta

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/beverley-knight-stars-as-sister-rosetta-tharpe-the-godmother-of-rock-n-roll/marie-and-rosetta Find out what audiences have to say about the UK premiere of George Brant's roof-raising play celebrating Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her beloved music partner Marie Knight, and the revolutionary impact they made on the musical landscape. Playing at the Rose until 24 May, then on tour.

The Elephant Parade | The Elmer Adventure

Our friends inventively transform their campsite into a radiant storytelling world, bringing three classic Elmer tales bursting to life with toe-tapping tunes, playful puppetry and happy humour – and a few surprises along the way! From the company who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage – a show for all the family, everyone aged 3 and up. The Elmer Adventure features three David McKee classic stories – Elmer, Elmer and the Tune and Elmer and the Hippos. Celebrate Elmer’s unique patchwork colours and wear your most colourful clothes when you see the show. ★★★★ 'A rainbow of patchwork perfection' - Curtain Call Reviews Book your tickets: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/339/based-on-the-books-by-david-mckee/the-elmer-adventure

Marie and Rosetta | Trailer

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/beverley-knight-stars-as-sister-rosetta-tharpe-the-godmother-of-rock-n-roll/marie-and-rosetta Beverley Knight stars as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the UK premiere of George Brant's roof-raising play, full of rock and gospel hits. Directed by Monique Touko, with Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie Knight. Playing until 24 May, then on tour.

Behind the Music | Marie and Rosetta

The Elmer Adventure | 28 May - 1 June

Marie & Rosetta | Behind the Scenes in Rehearsals

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/beverley-knight-stars-as-sister-rosetta-tharpe-the-godmother-of-rock-n-roll/marie-and-rosetta See inside the rehearsal room for Marie and Rosetta, starring Beverley Knight as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, before the show opens with us this May! Playing at the Rose from 2 - 24 May, then touring to Wolverhampton and Chichester.

Up Above My Head | Marie and Rosetta in rehearsals

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/beverley-knight-is-rosetta-tharpe-the-godmother-of-rock-n-roll/marie-and-rosetta Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu perform Up Above My Head in the rehearsal room for Marie and Rosetta, with Music Supervisor, Arranger and Orchestrator Liam Godwin on piano and Musical Director Shirley Tetteh on guitar. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Marie and Rosetta plays at the Rose from 2 - 24 May 2025, before touring to Wolverhampton and Chichester.

The Dubliners Encore - The Official Stage Show | 13 November 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/382/the-official-stage-show/the-dubliners-encore The Dubliners Encore is the official stage show celebrating the greatest folk band of all time. Produced by The Dubliners’ John Sheahan; renowned fiddle player and legendary Irish icon, this new show packs 50 years of songs, stories, and craic, into one unforgettable night. Playing at the Rose on 13 November 2025.

Go Your Own Way - The Fleetwood Mac Legacy | 2 August 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/381/the-fleetwood-mac-legacy/go-your-own-way From the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, Go Your Own Way is a Global smash hit spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac. Playing at the Rose on 2 August 2025.

Liz Pichon on Tom Gates' Epic Stage Show! | 17 - 21 April 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/309/based-on-the-bestselling-series/tom-gates-epic-stage-show Liz Pichon, author of the Tom Gates series, tells you why you won't want to miss Tom Gates's Epic Stage Show, playing at the Rose this Easter weekend!

Bringing the artwork of Our Town to life with Michael Sheen

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/370/starring-michael-sheen/our-town Rose Theatre and Welsh National Theatre present Grover’s Corners is a quiet little town, full of ordinary folk, living everyday lives. They work, they laugh, they sing, they fall in love and raise their children, and grow old. But within those moments of ordinary, everyday life, there are truths that reach out to us all. And a passionate demand to cherish every moment, right now, while we still can. Playing at the Rose from 26 February - 28 March 2026.

Levison Wood: Walking the World

Marie & Rosetta | See our artwork come to life!

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/beverley-knight-is-rosetta-tharpe-the-godmother-of-rock-n-roll/marie-and-rosetta Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll’, influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Playing at the Rose from 2 - 24 May, then on tour.

Interview with Director Holly Race Roughan | The House Party

Support Rose Theatre's work with young people

Please consider supporting Rose Theatre's life changing work with children and young people. With your support we can reach those most in need and ensure that no child or young person misses out. The brilliant Rose Theatre based in Kingston hosts one of the largest and best venue based Youth Theatres in the country (over 1000 children participate each year). We regularly give young people the opportunity to perform on our main-stage. Our Christmas show is unique in how it brings together professional performers with members of our young company to create an ambitious, high quality show that sits at the heart of our annual program. We also engage over 7000 school children as audience members, providing access to world leading and original theatre. You can support our online auction campaign here: https://uk.givergy.com/rosefundraiser Please help us raise critical funds by participating in our auction or by making a donation. The online auction will close at 11pm on 20 March. For information about the auction items and delivery please contact Kate.Harland@rosetheatre.org.

Inside The House Party with Associate Director Gitika Buttoo

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/310/a-modern-reimagining-of-august-strindberg-s-miss-julie/the-house-party It’s Julie’s 18th birthday, and she’s throwing a party in her father’s extravagant townhouse. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and her long-suffering best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces. As the revellers pile into the booze, down in the kitchen Christine and her boyfriend Jon – son of Julie’s cleaner – clear up and dare to dream of the future. But as the volume goes up and the shots go down, Julie concocts a twisted cocktail of entitlement, desire and destruction. Playing at the Rose until 22 March 2025

Inside The House Party with writer Laura Lomas

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/310/a-modern-reimagining-of-august-strindberg-s-miss-julie/the-house-party It’s Julie’s 18th birthday, and she’s throwing a party in her father’s extravagant townhouse. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and her long-suffering best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces. As the revellers pile into the booze, down in the kitchen Christine and her boyfriend Jon – son of Julie’s cleaner – clear up and dare to dream of the future. But as the volume goes up and the shots go down, Julie concocts a twisted cocktail of entitlement, desire and destruction. Playing at the Rose until 22 March 2025

The Elmer Adventure | Audience Reactions

The House Party | Audience Reactions

Kim's Convenience I 25-29 March 2025

The House Party trailer | 5 - 22 March 2025

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/310/a-modern-reimagining-of-august-strindberg-s-miss-julie/the-house-party Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan (A View from the Bridge) with movement from the formidable Frantic Assembly, Laura Lomas’ The House Party spins Strindberg’s Miss Julie into intense, fizzing life for today’s generation. Playing at the Rose from 5 - 22 March 2025

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show I Trailer

Based on the bestselling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter Brand New for 2025! When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day? Adapted from the #1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo! Produced by Mark Thompson Productions Limited and directed by Miranda Larson.

Rachel Bright & Jim Field at Rose Theatre I The Koala Who Could

The Koala Who Could I Trailer

A message from James Yi - star of Kim's Convenience

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/292/the-play-that-inspired-the-hit-netflix-comedy/kim-s-convenience There's humour and heart in every aisle with Kim's Convenience, the award-winning play that inspired the hit Netflix comedy! Playing at the Rose from 25 - 29 March 2025.

The House Party I Teaser Trailer

A wild party. A friendship. And one night that changes everything. Rose Theatre presents a Chichester Festival Theatre and Headlong co-production in association with Frantic Assembly Written by Laura Lomas Directed by Holly Race Roughan It’s Julie’s 18th birthday, and she’s throwing a party in her father’s extravagant townhouse. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and her long-suffering best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces. As the revellers pile into the booze, down in the kitchen Christine and her boyfriend Jon – son of Julie’s cleaner – clear up and dare to dream of the future. But as the volume goes up and the shots go down, Julie concocts a twisted cocktail of entitlement, desire and destruction. Described as “bracingly relevant and searingly shocking” by WhatsOnStage and "Fresh, ferociously intense, and visually striking" by The Stage, The House Party explores themes of class, power, and privilege with raw intensity. Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan with movement from the formidable Frantic Assembly, Laura Lomas’ The House Party spins Strindberg’s Miss Julie into intense, fizzing life for today’s generation.

Animal Farm I Audience Reactions

All animals are equal. But some are more equal than others... Octagon Theatre Bolton presents Based on the novel by George Orwell Adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge Directed by Iqbal Khan A powerful re-telling of George Orwell’s chilling and timeless classic. When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master and take over, they imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom and equality for all. However, over time a cunning and brutal elite among them, masterminded by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, gradually take control. Soon the other animals discover that they are not all as equal as they once thought and find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is replaced with another. The Octagon Theatre’s production of Animal Farm has been recognised as one of The Stage's Top 50 Shows of 2024. Don’t miss this critically acclaimed, thought-provoking satire by Orwell, brought vividly to life on stage in a compelling production. ★★★★ 'Intensely physical, visceral adaptation of Orwell’s timeless classic.' - The Stage ★★★★ 'Must-watch' - The Bolton News ★★★★ 'A dark & powerful play' - Theatre Reviews North 'A triumph of storytelling' - I Love MCR

Animal Farm I Production Trailer

All animals are equal. But some are more equal than others... Octagon Theatre Bolton presents Based on the novel by George Orwell Adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge Directed by Iqbal Khan A powerful re-telling of George Orwell’s chilling and timeless classic. When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master and take over, they imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom and equality for all. However, over time a cunning and brutal elite among them, masterminded by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, gradually take control. Soon the other animals discover that they are not all as equal as they once thought and find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is replaced with another. The Octagon Theatre’s production of Animal Farm has been recognised as one of The Stage's Top 50 Shows of 2024. Don’t miss this critically acclaimed, thought-provoking satire by Orwell, brought vividly to life on stage in a compelling production. ★★★★ 'Intensely physical, visceral adaptation of Orwell’s timeless classic.' - The Stage ★★★★ 'Must-watch' - The Bolton News ★★★★ 'A dark & powerful play' - Theatre Reviews North 'A triumph of storytelling' - I Love MCR

The Koala Who Could | Behind the Scenes of the Music

In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free ... A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree. Based on the bestselling picture book about taking a chance A Rose Original Production with Nicoll Entertainment, Lowry, Northern Stage, Unicorn Theatre, and MAST Mayflower Studios Based on the book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field Adapted & directed by Emma Earle Music & lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not. Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends the wombats and Kangaroo as they learn that “life can be great when you try something new". Based on the multi-million copy selling book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field published by Hachette Children’s Group, this brand-new adaptation for stage is directed by Emma Earle (Oi Frog & Friends), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (The Lion Inside)

Marie & Rosetta | Behind the scenes of the artwork with Beverley Knight

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/326/with-beverley-knight-directed-by-monique-touko/marie-rosetta God don’t want the Devil to have all the good music right? Olivier Award-winner Beverley Knight (Sister Act, Sylvia) stars as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the UK premiere of George Brant's Marie and Rosetta, directed by Monique Touko (School Girls, The Boy at the Back of the Class). Playing at the Rose from 2 - 24 May 2025, before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre.

Christmas traditions with the company of Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/199/written-by-chris-bush/robin-hood-the-christmas-heist Find out what the cast and creative of Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist get up to on Christmas Day with their festive traditions! Book your tickets now - playing until 5 January 2025.

Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist | Production Trailer

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/199/written-by-chris-bush/robin-hood-the-christmas-heist Join Robin Hood and his Merry Band for a spectacular festive heist in our annual Christmas tradition packed with magic, music and mischief! Until 5 January.

What Audiences are Saying | Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/199/written-by-chris-bush/robin-hood-the-christmas-heist Find out what audiences have to say about our magical, mischievous festive treat! Join us this Christmas for our annual tradition. Playing until 5 January.

Queen of the Night - A Tribute to Whitney Houston

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/322/a-tribute-to-whitney-houston/queen-of-the-night Direct from the West End, Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston returns with its 10th anniversary tour, celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of all time with sensational vocalists and a full live band. Playing at the Rose 6 November 2025.

Adam Kay: Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas Live I 18 - 19 December

The nation's twelfth-favourite doctor shares entries from his festive diaries alongside brand-new stand-up and Christmas songs, fresh from a record-breaking run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sell-out season in the West End. Adam Kay comes to Rose Theatre with his love letter to all those who spend the most wonderful time of the year on the NHS front line, removing babies, chocolate wrappers, remote controls, and fairy lights from the various places they get stuck. ‘Funny, disgusting and moving tales with a festive twist.’ - The Guardian ‘A sleigh-load of ho-ho-horror stories for long-suffering NHS staff.’ - Daily Express ‘Very, very funny.’ - Graham Norton Book now: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/274//adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live