2026-27 Season of Plays
3-12 SEPTEMBER 2026 Book Tickets
Cold Comfort Farm
by Paul Doust
adapted from the novel by Stella Gibbons
Directed by Jo Metcalf
A sharp, satirical comedy where one determined young woman tidies up a whole countryside of deliciously chaotic eccentrics.
In this classic comedy set in the early 1930s, orphaned Flora Poste "possesses every art and grace save that of earning her own living”, so decides to live with her eccentric relatives, the Starkadders, at Cold Comfort Farm. Forceful and organised, she decides to impose order on their chaotic lives. This is a story full of incident and larger-than-life characters, including a doddery old farm hand obsessed with his cows, a fire-and-brimstone preacher, and a forbidding matriarch who once saw something nasty in the woodshed.
80 year link
First performed by the Progress Youth Theatre in 2011, Cold Comfort Farm premiered in Berkshire 20 years earlier.
12-17 OCTOBER 2026
Dance Nation
by Clare Barron
Directed by Imogen Lilley
A fierce, funny, and explosive coming‑of‑age battle cry as a troupe of competitive dancers fight for glory and identity.
‘Dance Nation’ traverses the awkwardness of pre-teens on the brink of adolescence, the competitive dance world and the chaotic and messy ascension to womanhood.
Set in Ohio, a group of highly ambitious and competitive dancers are preparing for a National Dance competition led by their fearless leader Dance Teacher Pat. Their dance needs to be epic, needs to be out-of-the-ordinary, needs to be about Gandhi.
In the comical lead up to the reveal of who will be dancing the lead as Gandhi, the dancers grapple with their friendships, the demands of being a dancer and their growing curiosity around sexuality. ‘Pussy’ which was once a word of shame is reclaimed as a battle cry of empowerment and solidarity amongst the dancers.
This funny, tender show captures the angst and complexity of growing up.
80 year link
A nod to our long tradition of staging American drama of differing genres from 20th century classics to contemporary takes on life in the 250 year old nation.
16-21 NOVEMBER 2026
What's Wrong With Angry
by Patrick Wilde
Directed by Ali Carroll
A heartfelt, rebellious, and ultimately uplifting story of a young gay relationship in 90's Britain and the devastating impact of Section 28 on the Gay Community and it’s allies.
The play is set in Basingstoke, Hampshire where, although only forty miles away from London, the political and cultural landscape is very different. It takes place in the early 90’s. Mobile phones and the internet don’t exist, and the age of consent for gay men is twenty-one. Section 28 is on the statute book, which specifically forbids local councils and schools from promoting homosexuality as a positive lifestyle.
This is a joint adult group and Progress Youth Theatre production.
80 year link
Reflecting the late 1980's - early 90's clash of right-wing politics and sexuality, this play was first performed by the Progress Youth Theatre in July 2012.
5 DECEMBER 2026
80th Anniversary Butlers and Bubbles
by various local writers
A sparkling fundraising night of fizz, fun and excellent drama.
80 year link
Brand new writing performed in a revamp of our popular 'Gala Nights' staged in the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's.
18-23 JANUARY 2027
Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s political thriller of ambition, betrayal, and the price of power, delivered with gripping modern bite.
80 year link
A third Progress production, initially performed by the Progress Youth Theatre in 1996 and then in the Abbey Ruins in 2002, of the most well known 'historical tragedy' by the author we have performed most over the last 80 years.
12-13 FEBRUARY 2027
PYT Presents 'The Speakeasy'
by Lara Collins
A glitzy array of entertainment that's faced with complaints, yet is determined for the show to go on!
80 year link
Showcasing our longstanding work with young people, which marked its 75th anniversary earlier in 2026.
11-15 MARCH 2027
WriteFest 20
by various local writers
A thrilling celebration of six brand‑new short plays, championing local writers and the joy of discovery, whilst reflecting our founding members' first ever production.
80 year link
Progress Theatre's first ever production was a brand new play, and support for new writing, new translations and amateur premieres has been a strong part of our seasons ever since.
15-24 APRIL 2027
Treasure Island
by Ken Ludwig
Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
A swashbuckling, high‑adventure voyage packed with pirates, peril, and the insatiable pursuit of gold.
80 year link
Reflecting our traditions of staging literary adaptions and family friendly shows. A traditional 'pantomime' version of Treasure Island was staged in 1979.
20-29 MAY 2027
The Full Monty
by Simon Beaufoy
A hilarious, big‑hearted tale of unlikely heroes who bare all — courage, friendship, and everything else.
80 year link
A story of people standing up for themselves against government big business and life's hardships would likely have chimed with our 'left leaning' founders who wanted to stage drama to reflect the struggles faced by people in Britain.
24 JUNE - 3 JULY 2027
Bouncers and Shakers
by John Godber and Jane Thornton
A fast‑paced, laugh‑out‑loud night out as nightclub staff reveal the wild, wonderful world behind the velvet rope.
80 year link
First produced by Progress Theatre in February 1996, Bouncers was part of a double bill with Harry Kondoleon's The Brides. Its 'companion' piece, Shakers, has never before graced our stage.
14-24 JULY 2027
The School for Scandal
by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
A razor-sharp comedy of rumour-mongering, wit and stylish intrigue brought to life in the historic Abbey Ruins.
80 year link
Honouring our 30-plus years of outdoor theatre and our staging of restoration comedies, to which this play is an 18th Century homage, in earlier years The School for Scandal was first performed at Progress Theatre in 1981.