Our second production in 2018 is "Hedda Gabler" by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Michael Meyer to be directed by Archie McKeown.

Hedda Gabler tells the story of Hedda; a woman trapped in a loveless marriage, bound by society's expectations and living under her famous father's shadow. When old aquaintances arrive, Hedda finds herself caught in a perpetual downward spiral and power and influence are threatened by the events set in motion.

This exciting re-imagining of Henrik Ibsen's classic, incorporates music and physical theatre to explore the wide-ranging and still highly relevant themes.

Performances:

Saturday 14th April 2018 2:00pm

Ticket Prices

Evening tickets: 9.50, concessions 7.50

Saturday Matinee: 8.50, concessions 6.50

Thursday 12th April 2018 - special offer: buy one, get the second half price

Our third production in 2018 is The Importance of Being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde, and produced by Mark Wakeman

Algernon wants to marry Cecily.

Jack wants to marry Gwendolyn.

Unfortunately Cecily and Gwendolyn both want to marry a man called Ernest. The only problem is it's the same man called Ernest. Or is it?

The course of true love never runs smooth, especially with the formidable Lady Bracknell on the loose who is determined that no one should marry anyone. Can the secret to this confusion really lie in an old, battered handbag?

Join Bench Theatre for this hilarious production of Oscar Wilde's most famous comedy.

Performances:

Saturday 14th July 2018 2:30pm

Ticket Prices

Evening tickets: 9.50, concessions 7.50

Saturday Matinee: 8.50, concessions 6.50

Thursday 12th July 2018 - special offer: buy one, get the second half price

Our first production in 2018 is Precious Little Talent written by Ella Hickson.

New York 2008. A time of optimism for Sam, a young carer, who dreams of working his way up to live his dream of becoming a doctor.

Joey, a graduate with a first class honours degree in law, fired from her job as a waitress and with no future prospects.

George, a retired academic and Joey's estranged father, is suffering from dementia.

The three collide as British cynicism meets American optimism in a cruel world.

Our final production in 2017 was Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller.

Death of a Salesman is an acknowledged classic of American 20th-century theatre

Post-war USA... a time of change and hope, and the opportunity to re-engage with the country's desire to continue its pursuit of the 'American Dream'. Willy Loman's belief and confidence is about to be seriously tested.

"I don't say he's a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person." Linda Loman

Our fourth production in 2017 was Mark My Words written by Mark Wakeman.

'Mark My Words' is an evening of 4 exciting new one-act plays.

Mark My Words is a collection of One Act Comedies from the Bench's award winning Supernova and Panto writing veteran Mark Wakeman. From romantic comedy to farce in the blink of an eye and everything in-between this event has something for everyone. From the director of 'Daisy Pulls it Off' and 'Ladies Day'.

Our third production in 2017 was Twelfth Night written by William Shakespeare.

Twelfth Night is a comic tale of disguise, of love lost and won, of mistaken identities happily resolved. Shakespeare's play is enduringly popular, and as this production is set in the 1920s, we are promised an evening of comedy served with a delicious helping of glamour.

"It looks gorgeous on David Penrose's rich but simple set and there are some stonking performances." The News

Our second production in 2017 was Equus written by Peter Shaffer.

In a Hampshire stable, disturbed youth Alan Strang, commits an unspeakable act of violence. He is sent to psychiatrist Dr Martin Dysart, who begins to explore the boy's past in an attempt to understand his motives. It proves to be the most challenging case of his career as he struggles to interpret the motivation for Alan's brutality. As the truth gradually emerges the psychiatrist finds that, paradoxically, his own life is in the witness box. Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer's passionate and gripping psychological thriller is a timeless classic and a cornerstone of contemporary drama.

Equus is one of the greatest English post-war plays. As a work of art, it is magnificent. Rarely does a contemporary drama probe so deep - an electrifying evening of theatre

The Sunday Times

Please note this play contains adult themes and is unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age.