Meet two best friends.
They love to play together.
One day, one of them says “I can’t today”.
Then a hole in the ground starts to appear.
Not Today is a vibrant, daring and heartwarming circus theatre show about unlikely friendship.
This performance will be the first work-in-progress sharing of Not Today. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated as it’ll inform the future creation and development of the show.
Suitable for ages 4-8
20 Years Later Still Here! is an autobiographical show about two women’s wild joyride working in circus. Told with warmth, humour, and dizzying acrobatics, this show invites the audience to share the highs and lows of a life in show business. From the glitz and glamour to the countless hours of practice, the blood, the sweat and the tears.
On A Role presents
Enid Blyton – Noddy, Big-Ears, and Lashings of Controversy.
Wednesday 24 April
Virtually everybody of a certain age has read an Enid Blyton book. She was loved by children (except her younger daughter who hated her) but vilified by the BBC, teachers, critics and librarians.
She sold more than 600 million books, despite all her work being banned by the BBC and many libraries and schools for more than thirty years. She was accused of being a racist and of using such limited vocabulary that it actually hindered children’s reading progress.
Her love-life was interesting and she had numerous affairs including with her children’s nanny. She enjoyed playing golf so much that she bought a golf course near Swanage. She died of Alzheimer’s in 1968 aged 71, mourned by millions of readers all over the world.
Liz Grand (previous shows ‘The Second Best Bed’, ‘Where Is Mrs. Christie?’ and ‘Mrs. Churchill – My Life With Winston’) plays this remarkable and controversial woman and brings you her story.
★★★★★
“The show’s subject is brilliantly played by Liz Grand, already well-versed in portraying strong independent women.”
View From The Stalls
“Liz Grand delivers a great performance as Enid and manages to portray different aspects of her complex character: she is arrogant, and somewhat vindictive at times, more self-aware at others and ultimately rather pitiable.”
Behind The Arras
Running Time: 60 mins
There will be an audience discussion chaired by Francis Beckett with Lords Peter Lilley and Neil Kinnock after a reading by professional actors of the play The Rise and Fall of Margaret Thatcher at 2.30pm on Thursday 25th April at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre. The play is about how Mrs Thatcher first won and then lost the leadership of her party. Both Peter Lilley and Neil Kinnock will be able to offer their perspectives on the play and take questions from the audience.
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
In the wake of a relationship, a woman sifts through other people’s stories.
An attempt to contain her overflowing thoughts.
Blending true stories with fiction, movement with text and live music, Deluge is a comedic piece of magical realism about the things we lose and how we grieve.
Supported by Arts Council England.
Suitable for ages 12+
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Brainfools is back at Jacksons Lane with a series of three scratch nights, where circus artists showcase works-in-progress to curious and adventurous audiences.
These nights provide a rare opportunity for performers to test new material, receive live feedback, and refine their pieces based on audience reactions. It’s a dynamic exchange between artists and spectators, fostering a collaborative and interactive atmosphere. Each themed night will feature six performers, unveiling a diverse range of talent and ideas.
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
A Word For Mother
by Tim McArthur
Produced by Helen and Paul Matthews in association with Hairy Bear Productions
Three sisters return home after their mums passing. They all reflect on their relationships with their mum and, over time, secrets, tensions and lies simmer to the surface. Will the sisters bond survive?
Directed by Sarah Redmond
Running Time: TBC
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
In 1960, at the height of his fame, singer, songwriter, and satirist Tom Lehrer gave it all up. He spent the rest of his career as an obscure maths lecturer. This show investigates the strange disappearance of Tom Lehrer – and includes some of his greatest songs, like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, and The Elements.
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am
In 1960, at the height of his fame, singer, songwriter, and satirist Tom Lehrer gave it all up. He spent the rest of his career as an obscure maths lecturer. This show investigates the strange disappearance of Tom Lehrer – and includes some of his greatest songs, like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, and The Elements.
Bear doesn’t like birthdays
He doesn’t like birthday parties or balloons
He doesn’t like birthday cards or songs or candles
In fact, Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like anything to do with birthdays at all
Mouse on the other hand is determined to show him all the joys a Birthday can offer. Will she succeed?
An uplifting story of friendship, persistence, the importance of trying new things and letting go! Packed with memorable tunes and audience interaction it promises to be a joyful theatrical experience for young children and their families.
Suitable for ages 3+
Tuesday 21st May 1.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd May 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 24th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 25th May 1.30pm
Sunday 26th May 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 28th May 11am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 1.30pm
Friday 31st May 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Saturday 1st June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 2nd June 11am, 1.30pm
Tuesday 4th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Thursday 6th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Friday 7th June 10.30am, 1.30pm
Saturday 8th June 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 9th June 11am