Stone Life October/November 2013 | Page 30

Stage Directions by Richard Lane Autumn at The Gatehouse promises to be Bigger, Better, Louder! C omedy fans can expect plenty of new faces, from the likes of Rob Beckett and Marcel Lucont, and the Gatehouse’s ever popular monthly MET Comedy nights return with tickets still costing just £10. Other popular comedians paying a visit to the county town include Alexei Sayle, Lee Nelson, Jason Manford and Paul Foot. Russell Howard’s exclusive preview performances in January have already sold out. Jenny Éclair will be returning to Stafford in October alongside fellow grumpies Kate Robbins and Susie Blake with their brand new show Return of the Grumpy Old Women: Fifty Shades of Beige. The theatre has an array of family shows that will delight the children, including Little Bow Peep, Room on The Broom and the stunning new production from Sea Legs Puppet Theatre, The Musicians of Bremen. The nation’s favourite postman and his black and white cat will also be visiting in October half term with the brand new production 30 October/November 2013 Postman Pat: Showtime! The Russian State Ballet return in October with a beautiful new production of The Nutcracker and tickets are already flying out, with half the seats sold already. Music fans are spoilt for choice with an incredible line up including the Magic of Motown, Keiran Goss, Rat Pack Live and musical extravaganza Beyond The Barricade. That’ll Be The Day return in October with their brand new show, with both dates already over 50% Alexei Sayle sold! For those who fancy something a little different, Morgan and West, the stars of Penn and Teller’s Fool Us on ITV will be bringing their unique, mind baffling magic tricks to The MET. Full information on the Autumn Winter shows can be found on www.staffordgatehousetheatre .co.uk and new season brochures can be collected from the visitor information centre at the theatre. Box office: 01785 254653