What's On
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
by Oscar Wilde
17-27 July 2024 in the open air at Reading Abbey Ruins
The Importance of Being Earnest is the most renowned of Oscar Wilde’s comedies. It’s the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian sensibilities with some of the best-loved characters on the modern stage.
See this timeless classic in the shadow of Reading Gaol, where Oscar Wilde was himself imprisoned.
PLAY IN A WEEK
Progress Youth Theatre
5-9 August – Ages 7-13
12-16 August – Ages 13-18
PYT is opening up our "A Play In A Week" workshops to two age ranges. Our highly experienced Youth Theatre Facilitators will lead these.
Across the week, students will workshop and learn a play to perform on Friday evening for friends and family.
More information and application form is available on our Youth Theatre page.
Comedy: Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre
4 October 2024
'Had every single audience member... laughing until they cried.' ★★★★★ - Edinburgh Evening News
'An absolute winner' - Chortle
'One of the truly great comic inventions of our time' ★★★★★ - Theatre Bath
Supporting Acts TBC.
Hosted by regular MC Iszi Lawrence ‘See her before she hits the big time.’ ★★★★ - Three Weeks‘ Energetic, endearing, thoughtful and highly recommended' ★★★★ - Broadway Baby
Comedian line-ups are subject to last-minute change. 18+ only
18th ANNUAL WRITEFEST
16-19 October 2024
Writefest comes of age and we have six new plays to show. This celebration of new writing from local authors never fails to entertain, with tales that examine every aspect of the human condition, through humour, horror, farce and tragedy, giving voice to our worries, fears, joys and celebrations.
The matinee performance on Saturday will be a relaxed performance.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
by Mark Haddon. Adapted by Simon Stephens
21-30 November 2024
Experience the gripping mystery of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," where 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a brilliant but misunderstood teen, embarks on a thrilling quest to solve the murder of his neighbour's dog. Adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel, this Tony Award-winning play delves into Christopher's unique perspective, uncovering hidden truths and celebrating the power of determination and self-discovery. Don't miss your chance to witness this extraordinary journey.
Directed by Paul Haigh
SCREWED: A Midlife Christmas Crisis
adapted by Lara Collins from Charles Dickens
18-21 December 2024
A new adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The annual production by the talented members of Progress Youth Theatre.
NIGHT WATCH
by Terry Pratchett. Adapted by Stephen Briggs
6-15 February 2025
Sam Vimes finds himself cast back in time to the Ankh-Morpork of his youth. With a psychopath from his own time complicating things. Vimes has to ensure that history takes its course so that he will have the right future to go back to. Progress Theatre's productions of Terry Pratchett are ever popular, drawing audiences from far afield.
LOVESONG
by Abi Morgan
21-29 March 2025
The story of one couple told from two different points in their lives – as young lovers in their twenties and as worldly companions looking back. Their past and present lives collide in this haunting and beautiful tale of togetherness.
THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAN
by Martin McDonagh
2-10 May 2025
Within a claustrophobic island community, crippled orphan Billy Claven dreams of an escape. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island to film Man of Aran, Billy sees hi chance... if only Babbybobby will row him across
PARADE
Lyrics and Music by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Alfred Uhry
12-21 June 2025
A true story set in 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of Mary Phagan, a factory worker in his employ. A heart-wrenching story, offering a moral lesson about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance that should not be forgotten.
Progress Youth Theatre Presents
The annual showcase of all the talented members from each of Youth Theatre's age groups. Format and theatrical choices made by our youth leaders and the young people themselves.