Gad's Hill Place, Higham, ME3 7PA

Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of A Christmas Carol.

For one weekend only join the Dickens Theatre Company in the unique setting of Gad's Hill Place, the former home of Charles Dickens, for their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic.

Two of Dickens' closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights' glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens' faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters! But, who will play Scrooge? 

Tickets are £30 per person and include refreshments on arrival, plus a glimpse of Dicken's study and other ground floor rooms before the performance starts. Please note that access to the house is only possible via stairs and could cause accessibility issues. Visitors park in the school's car park at the back of the house on Crutches Lane.

Gad's Hill Place, Higham, ME3 7PA

Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of A Christmas Carol.

For one weekend only join the Dickens Theatre Company in the unique setting of Gad's Hill Place, the former home of Charles Dickens, for their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic.

Two of Dickens' closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights' glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens' faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters! But, who will play Scrooge? 

Tickets are £30 per person and include refreshments on arrival, plus a glimpse of Dicken's study and other ground floor rooms before the performance starts. Please note that access to the house is only possible via stairs and could cause accessibility issues. Visitors park in the school's car park at the back of the house on Crutches Lane.

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

“Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of A Christmas Carol.

It’s also an excuse for the DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY to bring you their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic to the Second Space.

Two of Dickens’ closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters. But, who will play Scrooge?

***** ‘Simply stunning’ - Morning Star

Recommended for PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS aged 8+.

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

“Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of A Christmas Carol.

It’s also an excuse for the DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY to bring you their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic to the Second Space.

Two of Dickens’ closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters. But, who will play Scrooge?

***** ‘Simply stunning’ - Morning Star

Recommended for PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS aged 8+.

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival. 

Join us this November for an exhilarating evening of live theatre, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools. 

See Shakespeare’s timeless stories brought to life like never before, and support young people from your community as they take to the stage. 

“Every child in every school ought to have the chance to experience this magical process” – Philip Pullman, author and CSSF patron. 

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is a cultural education charity, transforming lives through the unique power of Shakespeare. Our Festival provides a platform for up to 30,000 young people to express themselves and grow in confidence as they take to a professional stage. These performances are the culmination of months of work in which young people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have been finding their voice in school rehearsal rooms. 

The Woodville Studio, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

“Who is this who is coming...”

You are invited to the edge of your seat, on a journey to the darkest corners of the night…

Expert on the so-called supernatural, Edward Dunning is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr. Karswell, Dunning's life becomes a waking nightmare.

A chilling new adaptation of M.R. James' classic ghost stories featuring remarkable puppetry and a haunting original soundtrack. Our advice? Don't come alone...

Age recommendation: 12+  It's a spooky show!

The Woodville Studio, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Windrush Secret

A one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset.

The Windrush Secret, set in 2018, is about a young white far-right racist party leader, a black Caribbean diplomat and a white Oxford educated Home Office government official who are giving speeches on the same day, at different times, in separate locations about a million people who migrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1973 (The Windrush Generation), and the British political scandal which began in 2018.

One of them has a dark secret that he struggles to come to terms with during his fiery speech – it will change his life forever!

★★★★ ‘King-Dorset has written, performs and directs Windrush Secret and has done a superlative job on each assignment. Indeed, there may be no performance on a New York stage right now better than his’ - New York Stage Review

‘An energetic and passionate performance... pulling no punches in its portrayal of racist rage and proselytizing’ - The Guardian

‘Laser-like focus and explosive power… A force to be reckoned with’ - New York Irish Times

‘A powerful and riveting performance’ - Newsnote Dance Blog

‘King-Dorset gives an intense and compelling performance’ - British Theatre Review

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Jodie Comer’s (Killing Eve) Olivier and Tony Award-winning performance in Suzie Miller’s gripping one-woman play returns to cinemas.

Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister. She has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending; cross examining and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.

Prima Facie takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game.

Justin Martin directs this solo tour de force, captured live from the intimate Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End.

A production from Empire Street Productions.

Age rating: 15

Fort Gardens, Gravesend

The Pantaloons are a vibrant and anarchic theatre company who bring what we consider to be a vital sense of “play” back to classical performance in our theatre, your imagination is just as important as ours.

Midsummer night. An enchanted forest. Puck and his musical fairy band tell a tale of lovers, mechanicals, and magical mayhem.

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons present their innovative and hilarious open-air version of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy - told, as ever, in their own distinctive and anarchic style.

"Theatrical magic... a truly funny Dream for the whole family." - The Theatre Tourist

Bring your own picnic and soft drinks. There will be a bar onsite for your alcoholic drinks. Bring your own fold up chairs, blankets/cushions.

Nursted Court, Meopham

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

A young superstar King has ascended the English throne. When his advisors tell him the French throne is rightfully his too, Henry falls for their persuasion. An insult from the Dauphin – heir to the French throne – is enough to trigger Henry, who gathers a mighty fleet and invades France. After defeating the French at Harfleur and Agincourt, the young King makes the old King of France swear to hand the throne to him on his death, making him King of both countries. To seal the deal he marries the old King’s daughter, Princess Katherine.

Based on the events of the Hundred Years’ War, Henry V is much more than a historical documentary. It is a play about the merits of war, set against the moral and personal cost of conflict. Directed by Rob Forknall and brought to you by the same creative team from last year’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, this production takes its design cues from the game of chess, and promises to be a visual treat, full of action and intrigue.

“Once more unto the breach dear friends…”

Please Note: Tickets must be booked in advance, there will be no walk-up tickets available.

As this is an outdoor production please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, please bring your own chairs and picnics. Gazebos are not permitted.

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag) returns to the big screen. 

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching. 

Filmed live from The Old Vic in London during a sold out run in 2019, Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) directs this giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.

Running time 180mins (including one interval)

Age recommendation PG

Nursted Court, Meopham

“I am apt to worry too much about what people think of me”

Garry Essendine is a superstar actor and personality, gracing the front covers of all the most fashionable magazines. A charismatic playboy, he is the toast of the town on both sides of the pond. About to embark on another world tour, Garry is suddenly overwhelmed by an identity crisis. With everyone wanting a piece of him, Garry recognises his own toxic desire to be in the spotlight. Essendine, for the keen eye, is an anagram of neediness.

Present Laughter is a razor sharp and highly comic exploration of the ups and downs of fame brought up to date in the Instagram age, where the leading man struggles to present his genuine self above the magnitude of his stage, screen and social media persona.

Directed by Rob Forknall, Present Laughter promises to be hilarious and fast-paced withbeautiful design, new music and thrilling performances.

Please Note: Tickets must be booked in advance, there will be no walk-up tickets available.

As this is an outdoor production please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, please bring your own chairs and picnics. Gazebos are not permitted.

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

One man’s dream of the NHS

From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister.

Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.

Michael Sheen(Under Milk Wood) is Nye Bevan in this surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state. It’s written byTim Price(Teh Internet is Serious Business) and directed byRufus Norris(Small Island).

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

One man’s dream of the NHS

From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister.

Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.

Michael Sheen(Under Milk Wood) is Nye Bevan in this surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state. It’s written byTim Price(Teh Internet is Serious Business) and directed byRufus Norris(Small Island).

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Sam MendesdirectsJohnny Flynnas Richard Burton,Mark Gatissas John Gielgud andTuppence Middletonas Elizabeth Taylor, in this fierce and funny new play byJack Thorne, offering a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction.

But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

The hugely celebrated production ofThe Motive and the Cuetransfers to the West End this December for 15 weeks only, following a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.  Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions.  Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will be playing exclusively in cinemas in 2024.

National Theatre Live: Vanya adapted by Simon Stephens, after Anton Chekhov directed by Sam Yates designed by Rosanna Vize.

Age Certification: 15
Running time: 2 hrs 43 mins (including interval)

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is please to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with a great English Literature Classic: ROMEO & JULIET

Spoiler Alert: Romeo and Juliet are dead… and they’re not the only ones. But how did this happen and why?

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is please to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with a great English Literature Classic: ROMEO & JULIET

Spoiler Alert: Romeo and Juliet are dead… and they’re not the only ones. But how did this happen and why?

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is pleased to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with this great English Literature Classic: MACBETH

With the infamous Porter guiding the audience through a cauldron of characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their perilous descent towards Hell.

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is pleased to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with this great English Literature Classic: MACBETH

With the infamous Porter guiding the audience through a cauldron of characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their perilous descent towards Hell.

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is pleased to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with this great English Literature Classic: MACBETH

With the infamous Porter guiding the audience through a cauldron of characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their perilous descent towards Hell.

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

The Woodville is pleased to welcome DICKENS THEATRE COMPANY and ‘REVISON ON TOUR’ with this great English Literature Classic: MACBETH

With the infamous Porter guiding the audience through a cauldron of characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their perilous descent towards Hell.

“Brilliantly written and acted, concise and entertaining. Take your teens!" - Fairy Powered Productions

“If you are studying these titles at GCSE… it all starts with DTC. A revelation for my English students.” - Darren Pacey, Crompton House School

Please contact the Box Office on 01474 337500 for School Group prices

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt, to take team and country back to the promised land. Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s (Sherwood) spectacular hit play that explores nation and game.

Age certification: 15

Running time: 2 hrs 40 mins (including interval)

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Skylight is one of the best performing National Theatre Live titles of all time.  It was seen by over 115,000 people in the UK on its original release – a live broadcast, almost 10 years ago, from its hugely successful run at the Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End. 

Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy star in this Olivier-award winning production of David Hare’s hard-hitting tale of love, passion and ideology, directed by Stephen Daldry.

Age Certification: 15

Run time: 2 hrs 43 mins (including interval)

Fort Gardens, Gravesend

Join Arthur Carruthers Flasharry on a journey into the past, when Gravesend's defence was dependent on the men who spent their lives in the dark, dank and dangerous twilight zone. 

Please note this is an immersive walking show in the tunnels.
There will be jump scares, flash lighting, loud noises, and uneven ground in an enclosed space.

Minimum age:  14

Times: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm

Fort Gardens, Gravesend

Join Arthur Carruthers Flasharry on a journey into the past, when Gravesend's defence was dependent on the men who spent their lives in the dark, dank and dangerous twilight zone. 

Please note this is an immersive walking show in the tunnels.
There will be jump scares, flash lighting, loud noises, and uneven ground in an enclosed space.

Minimum age:  14

Times: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm

The Woodville Studio, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Powerful dance-theatre, made and performed by Moving Memory’s core company of older dancers. The Devil’s Doorbell is a passionate response to the pervasive misogyny written through women’s lives, and gives a voice to women of all ages to demand change. 

Drawing on the roles and personas ascribed to women throughout their lives, the company explores the absurdities and injustices conferred upon womens’ bodies, serving up a surprising and provocative experience, laced with laughter and the moving messiness of life. Not afraid to delve deep, the unspeakable may be spoken.

The performance will include a curtain-raiser from local Groovin Well groups, taking our Spirits to the Sky, and showcasing the talent abounding in the local community.

“a very powerful - & exciting piece of theatre”

“It was like nothing else I have ever seen - thought-provoking, emotional, wonderful”

LV21, St Andrews Quay, West Street, Gravesend DA11 0BG

Play On Words presents Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean & Scott

Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley.

Set during The Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration (1901-1916),  discover the riveting stories of the only man who served standing alongside Scott and Shackleton in three of the most daring and challenging expeditions to the great white continent including Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition.

Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctica. The play takes you to the edge of your seat … and beyond, as it re-enacts many of the era’s heroic endeavours. This includes Crean’s infamous 36-mile solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades - described by Antarctic historians as“the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”.

The show has won critical acclaim, multiple awards and continues to enjoy sell-out performances and standing ovations. Having toured globally, including a stop in Antarctica, nearly a quarter of a million people have been captivated by the show and the heroic tales it brings to life.

·       Best Solo Performance Award Winner New York International Fringe Festival
·       Outstanding Performance Award nomination Elliot Norton Theatre Critics Award Boston
·       Fringe First Award Winner Edinburgh Fringe Festival
       Best Actor nomination Dublin Fringe Festival
·       Adelaide Fringe Award nomination Best Theatre Work by an Established Artist

Bring your own snacks & drinks along to the LV21 to see this wonderful performance.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult onboard the ship at all times. As a historic ship access aboard LV21 is limited with main entry via a narrow gangway and a steep staircase. Please wear flat, non-slip shoes when onboard. The crew will assist with entry on arrival. Regrettably there is no wheelchair access to the ship. Pushchairs and prams can be left with event security on the quayside for the duration of the show.

The Woodville Studio, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Fatherhood
Being a father in the 21st century is complicated. Being the father of a young son of mixed South Indian, Turkish & Austrian heritage, even more so. Bringing together physical theatre rooted in the Indian performing artform Bharatanatyam and multilingual spoken text and sign languages, Fatherhood explores the cultural & gender expectations on fathers and what it means to be responsible for a child navigating an increasingly complex world.

Drawing from personal experience with contributions from participants from differing cultural backgrounds, the piece also explores how the migrant experience has influenced fathers and fathering across different generations.

The piece features three characters, each reflecting different experiences of fatherhood in their own individual performance language to create three different narratives leading to a highly dynamic and original work.

All performances include integral captions.

Running time:                  70 mins
Age guidance:                 12+
Content warnings:          Occasional references to physical violence, camera flashes

The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

A Little Life is to be shown in cinemas across the nation.

Appearing in the stage production of Hanya Yanagihara’s novel are James Norton (Happy Valley) as Jude, Luke Thompson (Bridgerton) as Willem, Omari Douglas (Cabaret) as JB, Zach Wyatt (The Witcher) as Malcolm, Elliot Cowan (The Crown) as Brother Luke/Doctor Traylor/Caleb, Zubin Varla (Tammy Faye) as Harold, Nathalie Armin (Force Majeure) as Ana, and Emilio Doorgasingh (Best of Enemies) as Andy.

A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City as their lives are pulled apart by various forces. Hanya Yanagihara’s 2015 novel was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, and in 2016 was also nominated for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.