Young performers will take centre stage next month as Winchester’s Theatre Royal prepares to host a dynamic Easter programme, blending theatre, magic, and interactive fun for every generation. The flagship event, Play in 3 Days: Grimm Tales, launches on March 30, inviting 13- to 18-year-olds to craft and perform an original play inspired by the Brothers Grimm within a single weekend.
The initiative, running from 10am to 4pm each day, requires no prior experience—just curiosity and creativity. Organisers have confirmed that 20% of slots remain open, with bookings open until the final dress rehearsal. Next up is a nostalgic screening of the 1985 cult classic Back to the Future on March 30 at 7.30pm, complete with rare 35mm film print for purists.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive 20 minutes early for the Back to the Future screening to secure front-row seats—this rare print draw is expected to sell out.
Headlining the magical finale on April 2 is Pete Firman, Britain’s most celebrated comic magician, whose Tricks & Giggles show promises sleight of hand that defies logic. The family-friendly spectacle, recommended for ages 11+, sold 85% of its first-night tickets within 48 hours of release.
| Event | Date | Time | Age Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play in 3 Days: Grimm Tales | 30 Mar – 1 Apr | 10am–4pm | 13–18 |
| Back to the Future | 30 Mar | 7.30pm | 8+ |
| Tricks & Giggles | 2 Apr | 7.30pm | 11+ |
| Cat in the Hat | 7–8 Apr | 10am & 2pm | 3+ |
| Live: A Tribute to Ms Rachel | 9 Apr | 12pm | 2–6 |
| Dinosaurs Live! | 10 Apr | 1.30pm & 4.30pm | 5+ |
For the youngest audience, the award-winning stage adaptation of Cat in the Hat arrives on April 7 and 8, packed with mischief and rhyme. Meanwhile, toddlers and carers are invited to Live: A Tribute to Ms Rachel on April 9, an interactive celebration of the viral children’s educator featuring sing-alongs and animated surprises.
Key Points
- ✅ Grimm Tales workshop for teens runs March 30–April 1 with 20% tickets still available
- ⚡ Back to the Future screening uses a rare 35mm print—anticipated sell-out
- 💡 Firman’s Tricks & Giggles sold 85% of first-night tickets in under two days
The Easter finale belongs to Dinosaurs Live!, a touring production from the Natural History Museum, bringing animatronic giants to life across two afternoon shows on April 10. Each performance lasts 75 minutes, immersing families in the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras without leaving Winchester.
📋 By The Numbers
- 10 days — Programme spans Easter weekend and beyond
- 2,000+ seats — Total capacity across all events
- 1985 — Year Back to the Future was released
All tickets are priced between £8 and £25, with concessions available for group bookings of 10+. The Theatre Royal has partnered with local schools to subsidise 150 places for children in receipt of free school meals. Organisers urge early booking to avoid disappointment, particularly for the limited-run shows.
The Easter programme reflects Winchester’s growing reputation as a cultural hub, following the city’s recent £22 million redevelopment of its historic high street. The Theatre Royal itself reopened in 2021 after a £7.5 million restoration, cementing its role as the region’s premier arts venue.
