One Man, Two Guvnors, Tolethorpe Hall

19^th July 2026

A glorious summer Sunday provided the perfect setting for our visit to Tolethorpe Hall, where members enjoyed either a relaxing picnic in the beautiful grounds or a pre-theatre lunch at the popular Fig Tree Restaurant before the performance.

Although a smaller group attended this outing, everyone was treated to a wonderfully entertaining afternoon. One Man, Two Guvnors delivered exactly what it promised, with non-stop slapstick humour, frantic misunderstandings and brilliantly choreographed physical comedy that kept the audience laughing throughout.

The cast received high praise for their outstanding comic timing and energetic performances, with the impressive physical stunts drawing frequent applause. Special mention went to the actor portraying Alfie, whose hilarious performance and larger-than-life stage presence stole the show for many of our members.

Our visit once again demonstrated why Tolethorpe Hall remains such a favourite summer venue, combining first-class open-air theatre with beautiful surroundings to create a memorable day out.

Stamford Shakespeare Company – Twelfth Night

Our recent Theatre Group outing took us to the Stamford Shakespeare Company for their summer performance of Twelfth Night. Although only a small number of members joined us this time, those who did were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in a truly beautiful setting.

The experience began with stress‑free parking and a warm welcome from the friendly, well‑organised volunteers who keep the venue running so smoothly. The sheltered auditorium offered comfortable viewing, while the open stage—framed by natural woodland—created a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop for Shakespeare’s comedy. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and masses of broadleaf trees, added to the charm of the day.

Members praised the amateur cast and staging, noting the high standard of performance and the thoughtful production choices. The historic house and bar provided an elegant focal point, and many took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed picnic with companions before the show.

Despite modest attendance, the outing proved a delightful way to while away a few summer hours, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We remain committed to offering a wide range of theatrical experiences across all genres—classic, contemporary, musical, dramatic and everything in between—to ensure there is something to suit every taste.

We hope to see many more of you at future performances as we continue exploring the rich variety of theatre available in our region.

Burlesque & Cabaret Night in Nottingham 26APR26

Our April theatre group visit to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham proved to be an evening full of feathers, laughter, glamour, and more than a few conversations about nipple tassels on the journey home!

The sell-out Burlesque and Cabaret Show attracted a lively crowd, with many younger audience members filling the theatre and bringing plenty of energy to the evening. For several of us, it was our very first experience of burlesque, and the general consensus was clear - “Something different!”

The show offered a colourful variety of entertainment, including comedy, magic, dance, and classic cabaret routines. The comedic magician was a particular favourite, keeping the audience laughing throughout with wonderfully silly humour and quick wit. One member described it perfectly as “great Sunday entertainment.”

Of course, no burlesque evening would be complete without the famous spinning nipple tassels, which caused much fascination among our group. There were many unanswered questions on the night, including:

• “How do they move in opposite directions?”
  The apparent answer: practice… and probably strong core muscles.
• “Where can I buy XL nipple tassels?”
  Sadly, there were none on sale, leading to genuine disappointment among some attendees!

The can-can dance was another highlight, full of high kicks, cartwheels, splits, and infectious energy. Originating in the lively dance halls of Paris, the can-can remains one of the great symbols of cabaret performance and female liberation, and it certainly brought colour and excitement to the stage.

Some audience members appreciated the lighter, modern approach, while others reflected on the deeper traditions of European cabaret. One thoughtful comment noted that classic 1930s Berlin cabaret was often darker, more daring, politically charged, and delightfully outrageous. Compared with those smoky and rebellious performances of old, Nottingham’s version perhaps felt a little more safe. Another attendee suggested the production “Could have been a little raunchier,” and missed the inclusion of male performers often seen in French and German cabaret traditions.

That said, everyone agreed the variety kept the evening entertaining throughout. There were, naturally, a few memorable moments, including one sailor-themed act, we labelled as ‘the weakest link’ of the night who failed to stay aboard his anchor.

“Different from anything we’ve seen before. Not sure it was aimed at old ladies like us!” Remarked one pair of sisters.

Yet despite the occasional raised eyebrow, the feedback remained overwhelmingly positive:

• “Excellent show!”
• “Very different.”
• “Full of variety.”
• “I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
• “Glad I came, thank you.”

Perhaps the greatest success of the evening was that it introduced many of us to a style of theatre we had never experienced before. Burlesque may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly gave us an unforgettable evening of glamour, laughter, sequins, and spirited discussion on the coach journey home.

And who knew theatre trips could lead to such serious debate about tassel technique?

Big Dick Whittington Adult Pantomime 12^th February 2026
Guildhall, Glitter and Glorious Indecency

On a drizzly damp evening that began with dignity and sensible footwear, 25 members of our theatre group and their equally curious guests swept into the handsome surroundings of Grantham Guildhall ready for culture.

We had secured excellent seats for Big Dick Whittington, courtesy of the gloriously unhinged Misfit Productions. What unfolded can only be described as our most outrageously side splitting, innuendo crammed adventure yet.

From the first wink to the final wiggle, the production ran at full throttle with more sass and smut than ever before. Glitz glittered. One liners flew like champagne corks. Vocabulary surfaced that would have made your nan reach for the smelling salts and the parish newsletter simultaneously.

At the helm of the hilarity was the towering dame Penny Trayshion, a hurricane of lashes and latex, partnered with the irrepressible Hugh Gaggin to work the audience in that classic interactive style. Think satire, slapstick and splendid gender bending chaos, all served piping hot. The atmosphere was gloriously topsy turvy. Fairy tales were twisted, flipped and lightly toasted.

We were guided through rats, dames, disaster and drama by the unforgettable Fairy Busty Bells, strutting with heels high and standards playfully low.  Fishy, Dick’s fiercely loyal pussycat, led the raid on the rats with feline ferocity. Iona Belvoir demonstrated talents as a master stuffer that defy polite description while Phil McCrackin, a sailor with a heart of gold rounded out the mayhem.

A particularly clever underwater scene drew genuine admiration from our party. Through lighting, staging and a dash of theatrical wizardry, we were plunged beneath the waves without a single soggy programme. A rare moment of collective awe before the next tidal wave of double entendres crashed ashore.

The finale saw cast and audience united in a rousing rendition of Sweets Wig Wam Bam, complete with changeable lyrics and a full auditorium singing with reckless enthusiasm. It was chaotic, joyous and the perfect curtain call.

One final note for the record - we shall never see clucking chickens the same way again.

In the aftermath, opinions flowed almost as freely as the double entendres. Several declared it good honest fun, while others pronounced it bonkers but absolutely brilliant and, without hesitation, absolutely fantastic. More than one member described it as a great night out and confessed to enjoying a much-needed belly laugh. A flurry of four-letter verdicts echoed in the foyer, with Wild, Epic, Daft, Hoot and Racy capturing the mood succinctly. There were acknowledgements that it was over the top with a lot of swearing and perhaps a little obvious in places, while one brave soul offered a diplomatic no comment, which felt entirely in keeping with the spirit of pantomime. All agreed, however, that we had great seats in a beautiful theatre with a lovely atmosphere.

Step into Christmas - Nottingham 23 December 2025

A Night of Music Merriment and Sparkle

Two days before Christmas, 15 of our members did exactly what the show promised and well before the turkey went in the oven we stepped into Christmas.

The evening began in style with our brand-new, plush coach, which immediately set the tone for a rather special night out. Being dropped right at the doors of the concert hall was an added bonus, no chilly walks, no navigation debates, just a smooth arrival worthy of the festive season.

Inside, it was clear that Step into Christmas is a long-running favourite with a loyal following. The venue was packed to the rafters, buzzing with anticipation and Christmas cheer. The concert itself delivered exactly what it said on the box: a joyful musical journey through classic hit songs from the 60s to the 90s, all performed with energy, flair and just enough nostalgia to have everyone singing along. And sing along we did. Every word remembered. Every chorus enthusiastically joined.

Our members agreed that the atmosphere was wonderfully uplifting, a true feel-good experience that instantly put everyone in the Christmas mood. The sing-along spirit quickly spilled into the aisles, where dancing was embraced with enthusiasm and absolutely no regrets.

Seating was described as spot on, both in the stalls and the dress circle, offering great views and plenty of opportunity to soak up the festive fun. The only regret of the evening came with hindsight, not realising that Christmas sparkle was very much the dress code in spirit. There were a few wistful comments about missed opportunities for glitter, flashing necklaces and statement earrings. Next time, the sequins will not be left at home.

Overall verdict? Most enjoyable, great fun and thoroughly entertaining. A fantastic night out enjoyed by all 15 members, filled with music, laughter and Christmas cheer. Festive joy in a bottle.

Fascinating Aïda - Loughborough 28 October 2025

A Night Out with the Fearless, Fabulous, and Ever-Fascinating Aïda!

There are some nights out that simply sparkle and our recent U3A trip to see Fascinating Aïda positively glittered with wit, music, and mischief.

Armed with good humour, a sense of adventure, and perhaps a quiet hope for a polite evening of gentle cabaret; we were swiftly disabused of that notion within minutes of curtain up!

For over forty glorious years, Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman have been Britain’s queens of cabaret, bold, brilliant, and deliciously bawdy. And oh, how they proved it once again. From the opening number to the final encore, the trio delivered an evening of razor-sharp satire, musical wizardry, and more double entendres than you could shake a cocktail stick at.

Those who’d previously chuckled over Dogging, sung along to Cheap Flights or winced and laughed at their infamous rude Christmas song were in their element. The rest of us were swiftly converted, possibly corrupted, and definitely entertained.

It wasn’t all naughtiness and nudge-nudge, mind you. Beneath the laughter lay moments of real poignancy and political bite, all wrapped up in exquisite harmonies and wicked timing. These women are, quite simply, masters of their art, still fierce, still fearless, and still utterly fascinating.

By the time the curtain fell, our cheeks ached from laughter, and our spirits were soaring. The verdict from our merry U3A band? A unanimous “Encore!”

If you ever get the chance to see Fascinating Aïda in the flesh, grab it with both hands and possibly a small gin. Just don’t bring your maiden aunt.

42nd Street 24th June 2025
A Sparkling Night of Showbiz Magic – 42nd Street at Kilworth House Outdoor Theatre

On a perfect summer evening, the theatre group set off by coach to the stunning Kilworth House Outdoor Theatre, nestled within a picturesque glade surrounded by mature trees. This enchanting setting, with the gentle evening breeze rustling the leaves and the warmth of the afternoon sun lingering, provided the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable performance of the timeless musical 42nd Street. As the evening cooled, a few among us wrapped up in cosy blankets, but nothing could dim the excitement in the air.

42nd Street is the ultimate backstage musical - a glittering tale of ambition, determination, and the magic of the theatre. The story follows Peggy Sawyer, a young and talented chorus girl from small-town America who arrives in New York with big dreams. When the leading lady is injured, Peggy steps in at the last minute, soaring from chorus girl to star. It’s a heartwarming celebration of resilience, talent, and the sheer joy of performance.

From the moment the curtain (or rather, the treetop canopy) metaphorically rose, the audience was dazzled. The stage burst to life with an explosion of colour, sequins and, most memorably, the rhythmic thunder of tap shoes. The choreography was nothing short of spectacular. The precision and energy of the tap numbers had toes tapping and spirits soaring across the audience. The iconic title number “42nd Street” was delivered with such dazzling flair it brought goosebumps and thunderous applause.

The cast was superb, delivering flawless vocals, boundless energy, and a clear passion for the show. Every performer shone, and the sense of camaraderie was infectious. The glitz, glamour, and old-school Broadway charm were brought to life in every scene, with slick costume changes and artistic set pieces that seemed even more magical beneath the open sky.

All 26 members of our theatre group agreed, it was a fabulous evening from start to finish. The combination of a first-class production, the charming outdoor theatre nestled amongst the trees, and the perfect weather made for an utterly memorable experience and enthusiasm for future theatre events.