After a chaotic cabinet meeting and despite questions over transparency, Cannock Chase District Council has taken a decision that will likely lead to the bulldozing of Cannock's Prince of Wales Theatre. Cannock Chase District Council commissioned The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to produce an independent evaluation of a proposal that was submitted by... Continue Reading →
Despite a government funding deal to completely revamp the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock Chase District Council has decided to not just scrap the revamp but to mothball the theatre while also closing the Museum of Cannock Chase at the same time. The council argues that it will be £350,000 well saved so it can... Continue Reading →
Today, 10 years after graduating from Staffordshire University with a First Class degree in Drama, Performance, and Theatre Arts, I answer the question : Was it really worth it? I'm going to look at this through the lenses of career path, my passion, and overall achievements that I believe have come from my degree. Of... Continue Reading →
Last year, I wrote an open letter to Stafford Borough Council and the Gatehouse regarding the future of Stafford Festival Shakespeare. That open letter led to over an hour long open conversation at the Gatehouse between both Councillor Trowbridge and area manager of Freedom Leisure Liz Hustle and myself. It was clear from the discussion... Continue Reading →
It's been a long road, but Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2023 took place earlier this year. While the cabinet analyse what it feels is right, its the right time to properly sit back and analyse what worked, what didn't, what was promised, and what was delivered. Let's first cast our minds back to the original reasons... Continue Reading →
It's hard to believe, yet 2022 was the first full year of post pandemic theatre. So much has changed, some more obvious than others. For some, it's been full steam ahead back to normal, for others, theatregoing has become less. In this blog, I'll talk about my first full year back. The stage reports in... Continue Reading →
On the 6th of December, I wrote an open letter to both Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council regarding the future of Shakespeare at Stafford Castle. The concerns I had and the ideas around making the production more sustainable. From the letter, I was pleased to meet with representatives from Stafford Borough Council, Freedom Leisure,... Continue Reading →
To Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council, My fear with this decision to move Stafford Shakespeare to Stafford Gatehouse is that Freedom Leisure, approved by Cabinet is losing touch with the long term artistic ambition of the Gatehouse and is growing further away with its local community. It is clear both parties want Shakespeare in... Continue Reading →
30 years of history. Gone. Ended with a blink of an eye. Amid financial pressures, Freedom Leisure has forced Stafford Borough Council to accept that its Open Air Stafford Festival Shakespeare should be no more. Instead, replacing it with a Shakespeare production staged indoors at the Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford in 2023 with its future after... Continue Reading →
Following it's sell out run in Manchester, Mrs Doubtfire has announced a transfer to London. Its announcement has triggered a conversation. The discussion was initiated by Meg McGrady, a performer, director, writer and activist. Before continuing reading my thoughts, I'd first encourage you to read their thoughts here McGrady highlights some criticism the show gained... Continue Reading →
The Theatre Twittic 