The world-famous comedy The Government Inspector opens in December, and we caught up with director Thomas Joy to find out more about the show, how rehearsals have been going, and why the show is just as relevant in 2021 than it ever has been! Tell us a little about The Government Inspector – what can audiences expect to see? I think it’s best to start by saying that above all, The Government Inspector is fun. It’s an absolute riot, filled with preposterous characters, silliness, and innuendo, it really is a comedy that caters for all. Set in a small provincial town ‘in

WT is committed to being a diverse and open organisation. Auditions are open to anyone, regardless of background or experience, and we particularly welcome those who have been traditionally under-represented in theatre. Synopsis: While Andre may be apt to forget things, they are only ever small things. He is an aging man facing persecution from all sides. First, a ‘helper’ steals his favourite watch. Then his daughter Anne, a scheming woman who worries too much, tries to take his apartment away. His other daughter Elise, the one he actually loves… where is she? The Father by Florian

WT is committed to being a diverse and open organisation. Auditions are open to anyone, regardless of background or experience, and we particularly welcome those who have been traditionally under-represented in theatre. The readthrough and auditions for Harold Brighouse’s Hobson’s Choice are just one week away, so here is a reminder of the dates and roles on offer. Synopsis: Set in Henry Hobson’s Boot shop in 1880’s Lancashire, the play tells the comic tale of an overbearing, alcohol- fuelled father and his efforts to keep his three daughters, Maggie, Alice and Vickey, under contro

Wokingham Theatre is no stranger to period productions and the requirement for many beautiful costumes.  In March 2020, Anne Boleyn was due for curtain up at the dress rehearsal when COVID pulled the plug.  Costumes were made, altered, hired and allotted to the actors.  Dressing rooms were laid out with all the accoutrements and we were set to go.  Fast forward 19 months and here we are again, but many of the costumes look a little different. Rosemary Matthews was the costume lead on this show and, together with her team, had packed the costumes into storage. Those hired pi

The classic Mike Leigh comedy Abigail’s Party opens later this month, and in advance of the drinks party from hell, we caught up with director Liz George to get her take on the play, her approach, and the songs she’d add to the perfect 70s party playlist! Abigail’s Party is such a classic – when did you first see it, and what made you so interested in directing it? I first discovered Mike Leigh when my sister took me to see his film Life is Sweet at the Hexagon in Reading, over thirty years ago. I remember feeling at the time this was completely different to anything I

From the Director, Liz George: Thank you to everyone who came forward to audition, the standard was really high! I’m delighted to introduce our full cast for Abigail’s Party below: Beverly – Danielle MattyLaurence – Matthew LuggAngela – Rosie LennoxTony – Nicholas PriestSusan – Sarah Jane Nye Rehearsals are now underway and we’re looking forward to performing this September! Tickets for Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party are now on general sale. Tickets are available here.

WT is committed to being a diverse and open organisation. Auditions are open to anyone, regardless of background or experience, and we particularly welcome those who have been traditionally under-represented in theatre. Please note that these auditions have now closed. A long time ago (!), when I was still part of Wokingham Youth Theatre, I was lucky enough to play the Mayor in a production of The Government Inspector at WT, and I’ve loved the play ever since. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to be directing our new production, 10+ years on, in December 2021! Synopsis: Argua

With September in the Rain opening in early July, we had a (socially distanced) sit down with director Alan Long to find out more about his approach to directing the first show back at WT in over a year! What is it about John Godber’s script for September in the Rain that drew you to the play? Being married to a Yorkshire girl, Rachel, with a large extended Yorkshire family, I recognised the authenticity of John Godber’s writing. The straight talking, blunt humour, and the ability to disagree about everything is very familiar! The pictures on the website for September In Th

We’re thrilled to introduce you to our 2021/2022 season! After a tricky 18 months, the whole team at WT are incredibly excited at the prospect of reopening, first for a season extra in July, September in the Rain, and then a full season beginning in September 2021. Artistic Director, David Stacey, writes: Understandably, the recent seasons have been really difficult to plan and deliver. This coming season will be my third attempt! Licence limitations and the pandemic have made planning a tough experience for all involved, so I want to thank the Board for their support and everyone for t

Many of our patrons don’t realise that whilst the cast and crew of a show are volunteers, so are our whole front of house team! Whether behind the bar, selling programmes, or checking tickets, everyone involved in the team is giving up their time to help out at WT. It’s also a great way for our members to socialise, as well as meet new people, too! If you’ve not done it before, you’ll receive full training from our team, and for those that have volunteered for us before, we’ve instituted a couple of changes while the theatre has been closed to make life that bit