The Cat In The Hat at Rose Theatre

More info: officiallondontheatre.com/show/the-cat-in-the-hat-111473401/

45 mins, no interval

3+

Live at the Rose with Lou Sanders
Jeff Innocent | Eli Hart | Eshaan Akbar
Main House
Comedy
5 September
7.30 PM
Live at the Rose is back with a brand-new line-up of top-tier comedy!

Headlining the night is internationally acclaimed stand-up star Lou Sanders (Last One Laughing UK, Taskmaster, Would I Lie to You?).

She’s joined by an outstanding supporting cast: Eshaan Akbar (Spitting Image, Sex Education, Mock the Week), Jeff Innocent (British Comedian of the Year; Best Live Club Comedian, UK Comedy Awards 2021), and Eli Hart (Winner of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025).



Lou Sanders is one of Britain’s most original comedians. She starred in the first series of Last One Laughing UK, co-hosted Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgivable and is a previous Taskmaster champion. She is a regular face on television having performed stand up on Live at the Apollo, with other major appearances on QI, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Richard Osman’s House of Games.

Eshaan Akbar is the voice of Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid, and Narendra Modi on Spitting Image! He has appeared on shows such as Sex Education, Live at the Apollo, QI, Mock the Week, The Last Leg and many more. He has hosted his own radio shows and podcasts including ‘But Where Are You Really From?‘ on BBC Sounds, ‘Panic Room‘ on Audible, his Saturday afternoon radio show on the BBC Asian Network, and Newsjack Unplugged on Radio 4Xtra.

Multi award winning comedian Jeff Innocent has reached legendary status among his peers and audiences alike by staying at the top of his game for almost 3 decades. His unique appeal lies in the contrast between his East End 'geezer’ appearance and demeanour, and his philosophical delivery and culturally relevant subject matter. He has recently acquired a whole new generation of fans, through his online viral video clips which have clocked up over 10,000,000 views. Jeff has made many television appearances as an actor, stand-up and presenter on BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC 3, Channel 4, ITV 1.

Eli Hart was a finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year 2024 awards and then went on to win the BBC New Comedy Awards in 2025 . He has a remarkable astuteness for the minutiae of mundane existence. He wears his glum disappointment with pride, and has a downbeat deadpan delivery that suits his West Midlands accent so well.

Runing time: Approx. 2hrs 10 mins incl. two intervals
Age guidance: 16+
Content warnings: Likely to contain swearing and adult content

Occasionally acts may change from that advertised, due to their TV and tour commitments, which are beyond our control. Be assured we will always bill a premium line-up with laughs guaranteed!

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

House of Fun is a full-throttle touring theatre show celebrating the sound, style and attitude of the UK’s legendary 2Tone and Ska era.

This high-energy live show brings to life the iconic hits of Madness, Bad Manners, The Beat, The Specials, The Selecter, The Bodysnatchers and more. A vibrant, feel-good night at the theatre that captures the spirit of the movement and the excitement of a live gig.

Whether you were there the first time around or you’re discovering 2Tone and Ska revival for the first time, expect non-stop dancing, hands-in-the-air choruses and serious feel-good vibes from start to finish.

So dig out your sharpest suit, lace up your dancing shoes and get ready…

Welcome to the House of Fun.

Running time: Approx. 2hrs incl. interval
Age guidance: Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Jack’s writing a new show. Some of it will be good. Some of it almost certainly won't. That's sort of the point. Come and watch him figure it out before anyone makes him perform it in much bigger venues. It'll be rough around the edges, gloriously unfinished and, with any luck, very funny. Or you'll witness a spectacular public failure. Either way, it'll be more interesting than staying at home.

Running time: Approx 1hr 50mins incl. interval
Age guidance: Strictly 14+. Children below this age will not be admitted, even if they are accompanied by an adult.
Content warnings: May contain strong language and adult content.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases.

For over a decade, Peter worked undercover, posing as everything from drug dealers to contract killers. His double life gave him access to the darkest corners of humanity, uncovering secrets that would save lives - but at the cost of his own safety. Forced into witness protection by an FBI-uncovered assassination plot, his career as a detective came to an abrupt end, leaving him with chilling memories of murderers and the justice system that hunts them.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime as Peter Bleksley reveals the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld. This is crime-fighting as you’ve never seen it before.

Running time: Approx. 2hrs incl. interval
Age guidance: Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.


Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Rose Theatre presents

A riotous new comedy by Al Smith
Based on the novel by Jerome K. Jerome
Directed by Christopher Haydon

Jerome, George and Harris are lifelong pals. Whenever one is in a spot of bother the others will always jump in to help him out. So what could possibly go wrong as they set out on a carefree boat trip up the Thames - from leafy Kingston to Oxford’s dreaming spires?

Nothing at all. Except torrential rain, alarmingly eccentric dogs and a bout of hallucination brought on by some of the most dangerously rancid cheese ever cultivated. This is a rollicking story of three men, one boat and eighteen extremely angry swans.

Directed by Christopher Haydon (Emma) and with physical comedy created by John Nicholson (Tweedy’s Massive Circus), this world premiere brings Jerome K. Jerome’s classic novel to hilarious life. A celebration of abiding friendship and calamitous adventure, this is Jeeves and Wooster meets Apocalypse Now.

Running time: Approx. 2hrs 20mins, incl. interval

Relaxed Performance: Tuesday 29 September, 6.30pm.
Audio Described Performances, with Touch Tours: Tuesday 6 October, 6.30pm and Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm. Touch Tours 2hrs before show start. Audio Description by Veronika Hyks.
Captioned Performance: Saturday 10 October, 2.30pm, captions by Geert Rigters and StageText.

Supported by Kingston University

Rose Theatre are delighted to bring you an evening with one of the world’s top Rugby Referees - Nigel Owens MBE. After playing to a sell-out crowd across venues in the UK, Nigel is visiting Kingston to share numerous tales from on and off the field.

Nigel is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of Rugby Union, gaining an international following of fans and admirers with his charm, wit and indeed fairness.

He is also the only referee to be appointed for three consecutive Heineken Cup finals and forever will be renowned and admired for displaying a dry sense of humour when dealing with players during the heat of battle.

Making this an evening simply not to be missed for any sports fan as he recounts stories from his life and career. There will also be an opportunity for a live Q&A in the second half of the evening to ask Nigel anything (off the record!).

Running time: Approx. 1hr 55mins, incl. interval
Age guidance: 14+
Content warnings: Possible strong language

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

With fewer than 650 people having reached Earth's orbit, nobody is more qualified than Tim to celebrate the historic achievements and human endeavours of space exploration. Up until now, Tim has brought his own incredible journey to life through unparalleled storytelling and extraordinary archive footage. In this new show, Tim will share the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and explore the spectacular evolution of space travel.


From the first forays into space in the 1950s, to the first human missions destined for Mars, Tim will traverse the final frontier. As he recounts the awe-inspiring endeavours of astronauts across the ages, Tim will reveal what spaceflight is truly like: from the wondrous view of Earth, living in weightlessness, the unique dangers and unexpected moments of humour, to the years of training and psychological and physical pressures that an astronaut has to take on.


Following his sold-out success in 2024, we are delighted to announce new venues for Astronauts: The Quest to Explore Space this Autumn. The journey has only just begun...come and join Tim for this one-of-a-kind show launching at a venue near you!


“Space has the capacity to inspire and fascinate people of all ages. It's an honour to be able to share these unique experiences, which have forever changed how we look at the universe.” Tim Peake

Running time: Approx 2hrs 10mins incl. interval
Age guidance: Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children must NOT be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14 and must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 16.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 12.30pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

A Rose Theatre, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Storyhouse Chester production in association with Northern Stage and supported by a grant from The Royal Theatrical Support Trust.

Directed by 2025 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award-winner Lily Dyble
Based on Sally Cookson, Mike Akers and the original company’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel

One woman’s fight for a life that is worthy of her courage and a love that is worthy of her heart.

Orphaned as a young girl, the passionate and sensitive Jane longs to escape the clutches of her cruel aunt.

Freedom beckons when she is offered the job of a governess in the house of the brooding and secretive Mr Rochester.

As intrigue turns to attraction, Jane finds herself drawn in by Rochester’s mercurial charm. But when the truth finally comes out, she will be forced to choose between the man she wants, and the woman she wants to be.

Book Now: www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/jane-eyre-xh56

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!

Will there ever be room on the broom for the witch and her four passengers? Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show for audiences aged 3 and up.

From Tall Stories, creators of imaginative storytelling theatre, where everything is possible.

Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2002 – Macmillan Children’s Books?

Running time: Approx. 55mins.
Age guidance: Most suitable for 3+ but all ages welcome.

Babes in arms (children under 18 months of age) are permitted to share a seat with each full-paying adult. Children aged 2 years or more will require a paid ticket and seat.

Children must NOT be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14 and must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 16.

Relaxed Performance: Thursday 29 October at 1.30pm

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 1 hour 30 mins before a performance*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

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Get your finger of suspicion at the ready!

Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.

They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do... is solve it!

Ms Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide!

But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed?

Running time: 2hrs inc. interval
Age guidance: 12+
Content warnings: Contains audience participation and is completely improvised, so may contain strong language and sexual references.

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children must NOT be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14 and must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 16.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

RED Entertainment, Cuffe & Taylor and Live Nation present the mesmerising Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift.

Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this ENCHANTED tribute show featuring the incredible Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation's music, style, and unrivalled stage presence.

Xenna embodies every essence of Taylor Swift, capturing her voice, signature looks, and magnetic charisma.

Audiences will be transported through Taylor's world as they sing along to timeless classics from "Love Story," "Blank Space," and "Shake It Off," to “Fortnight” and “The Tortured Poets Department”, with dancers and replica costumes, showcasing Swift's distinctive looks.

The show now spans all 12 eras, including songs from the latest album “The Life of a Showgirl”. This new era adds glamour and storytelling sparkle to the set, celebrating every chapter of Taylor’s talents.

Whether you're a die-hard Swiftie or simply love great music, this is the ultimate homage to one of the biggest stars in the world. Get ready to relive Taylor Swift's greatest hits in a show that's as close to the real thing as it gets!

Running time: 1hr 50mins, incl. interval
Age guidance: All ages welcome.

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children must NOT be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14 and must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 16.

Please note that this is a tribute production not associated with or endorsed by the Taylor Swift Estate.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Get ready for a feel-good night packed with the biggest singalong hits in rock history. The Rock Anthems Show is a live celebration of the songs that brought people together - the ones we’ve belted out in cars, danced to at parties, and sung at the top of our lungs long after the lights came on.

With classics like Don’t Stop Believin’, Livin’ on a Prayer, Bohemian Rhapsody, Sweet Child o’ Mine, and Summer of ‘69, this is the ultimate soundtrack to a great night out. Expect massive guitar hooks, anthemic choruses, and a whole lot of feel-good energy as our incredible live band and powerhouse vocalists bring these timeless tracks to life.

It’s not heavy rock - it’s the songs everyone knows and loves. The ones that get the whole room singing. The ones that hit you right in the feels. The ones that take you back.

So whether you’re reliving your youth or just here for a great time, The Rock Anthems Show is guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you singing along from start to finish. Bring your mates, bring your voice - and get ready for a night of hands-in-the-air rock magic.

Running time: 2hrs incl. intereval
Age guidance: 12+. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back!

It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history.

Come celebrate as we Reach Out and show you there ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year.

Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular.

You will be going Loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, many more.

Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown!

Running time: Approx. 2hrs incl. interval
Age guidance: Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

Get ready for an unforgettable night with one of the world’s most captivating performers.

Russell Watson – the original crossover superstar – exploded onto the music scene with The Voice, a debut album that shattered records and won hearts across the globe. Since then, he’s sold millions of albums, performed for royalty, presidents and popes, and shared the stage with musical legends.

Now, in his most intimate tour to date, Russell takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of an extraordinary life – from chart-topping success to surviving not one, but two life-threatening illnesses. With warmth, humour, and a voice that soars, he’ll share the personal stories behind the spotlight.

Expect powerful renditions of beloved classics, spine-tingling vocals, and behind-the-scenes tales from a man who’s truly lived it all.

This is more than a concert – it’s a rare chance to spend an evening up close with The Voice himself.

Running time: TBC
Age guidance: TBC

Age Restrictions within the Rose Theatre auditorium. Children must NOT be unaccompanied in the auditorium under the age of 14 and must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 16.

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

A Rose Theatre production

A play by Rob Evans Music by John Biddle
Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame
Directed by Owen Horsley

Get cosy, gather round the tree and listen to Mole’s tale - of how four friends saved not only the Wild Wood, but Christmas itself.

Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole live a life of laughter and camaraderie, swept up in the joys of life by the river. But as the seasons pass their friendships are put to the test by the scheming Chief Weasel and his villainous plans. Will Toad’s reckless behaviour catch up with him? Can shy Mole summon the courage to save Toad Hall in time for Christmas? One thing’s for sure - there’s nothing stronger than friendship, family and standing by the ones we love.

This colourful, joyous Christmas extravaganza has laughter, music and song for all the family! A festive adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic written by Rob Evans and starring a professional cast alongside our celebrated Rose Youth Theatre.

So start your engines Kingston, head to the River Bank for Christmas 2026, poop-poop!

Book Now: www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/the-wind-in-the-willows-fpwq

Off The Kerb has sled-loads of good cheer to share this Christmas 2026. Comedy Crackers is a perfectly-wrapped night of comedy taking place at Kingston upon Thames Rose Theatre for one night only, featuring household names Jack Dee, Angela Barnes, and more! Get your tickets, and start your festive season with a bang.

Line-up:
Jack Dee
Andrew Bird
Angela Barnes
Peter Rethinasamy
Kim Blythe

Running time: TBC
Age guidance: Strictly 14+. Children below this age will not be admitted, even if they are accompanied by an adult.
Content warnings: May contain strong language and adult content.

Occasionally acts may change from that advertised, due to their TV and tour commitments, which are beyond our control. Be assured we will always bill a premium line-up with laughs guaranteed!

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Catch comedy all-stars live in Kingston for a spectacular festive show!

FERN BRADY
FIN TAYLOR
JEN NOLAN
TOM ROSENTHAL
JOHN ROBINS

Scotland’s queen of comedy, Taskmaster idol, star of Live at The Apollo and her own Netflix Top 10 Special, Fern Brady brings her caustic wit and electric presence to a huge night at Rose Theatre.

“Uproariously funny” - The List

Joining Fern is chart-topping podcaster Fin Taylor, one-to-watch Jen Nolan, Plebs and Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal, plus all-round vibe magnet John Robins as host.

Running time: 2hrs 30mins inc. two intervals
Age guidance: Ages 14+

Order pre-show food and drink
Preshow bar opens 6pm*. Use the link in the preshow email and text you will receive to pre order your drinks and beat the queues.

*Hot drinks are not served during busy times.

Rose Theatre and Leeds Playhouse present

Written & Directed by Jeff James
After Mary Shelley

A scientist creates life in the laboratory and unleashes forces he cannot control. Nothing will ever be the same. It’s the future. It’s the past. It’s right now.

Ever since its publication over two centuries ago, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has captivated readers. As science advances, it is a story that becomes ever more relevant. Frankenstein is a warning from the past about the perils of the future.

In this bold new adaptation, acclaimed writer and director Jeff James (Persuasion, Shooting Hedda Gabler) brings Shelley’s visionary novel into the 21st Century. It’s a story that challenges us to consider whether we now live in the future that Mary Shelley foresaw, or whether those horrors are still yet to come.

www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/frankenstein-1byr