The Holroyd Community Theatre, set within the scenic grounds of Moreton Hall School near Oswestry, has announced its autumn and winter programme, with a varied line-up of theatre, music, author events, family entertainment and community activities.
Building on The Holroyd’s reputation as a theatre for everyone, the new season brings together professional performances and opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy the arts. The programme gets underway in September with Our Star Theatre’s The Three Musketeers, with further highlights throughout the autumn and winter.
Literature and conversation also feature strongly this season, with An Evening with Donna Ashworth on the 21st October, followed by An Evening with Keith Brymer Jones on the 26th October, presented by Oswestry independent Bookshop, BOOKA. Both events offer audiences the opportunity to hear directly from leading creative voices and discover more about their work and experiences.
Music remains an important part of The Holroyd programme, with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly taking to the stage on the 6th December. The theatre will also welcome Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams on the 7th December for a charitable evening in aid of Feed the Birds, while families can enjoy a special screening of the much-loved Christmas film Arthur Christmas on the 22nd December.
December will also see the return of Moreton Hall’s senior school production, with pupils taking to The Holroyd stage for Little Shop of Horrors. The much-loved musical promises to be a lively and entertaining addition to the festive programme, with tickets due to go on sale soon.
The Holroyd will welcome back its popular dance competitions with Suzanne Jane School of Dance, which are set to showcase local talent once again. Derwen College will also take to the stage for its Christmas performance, adding another festive highlight to the busy December programme.
The programme also makes space for creativity beyond the main stage. Festive Wreath Making on the 26th November provides a seasonal opportunity for the community to come together and get creative. Alongside the headline events, The Holroyd continues to offer regular activities designed to support participation, wellbeing and connection within the local community.
Creative Director of The Holroyd Community Theatre, Michael Jenkins, said:
“I am pleased with how the theatre has continued to grow, and with the breadth of opportunities we can offer to our local community.
“The Holroyd is about much more than what happens on stage. We want to provide a welcoming space where people can come together, experience great performances, discover new interests and take part themselves. This season reflects that ambition, with something for a wide range of ages and interests.”
The Holroyd’s community programme continues alongside the main theatre season. Face2Face Performance Academy provides expert teaching in dancing, singing and acting for young people aged 9 to 18, with sessions open to anyone in the local community. The academy runs on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
The theatre also continues to host Dance for Parkinson’s, a movement programme supporting people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, as well as Buggy Walks, providing an opportunity for parents and children to get active and connect with others. North Shropshire Music also offers instrumental ensembles for people of all ages and abilities, with opportunities to perform throughout the year.
The Holroyd Community Theatre is committed to being a theatre for everyone, providing a platform for professional artists, community groups, schools, charities, participants and audiences across North Shropshire and the Welsh Borders.
As autumn approaches and the stage lights rise once more, The Holroyd invites audiences old and new to discover a season filled with theatre, music, ideas, creativity and community.
Tickets and further information can be found at www.theholroydtheatre.co.uk/whats-on.
Donna Ashworth.
