Category Archives: Uncategorized

Cinema Combines with Live Action in Horror Experience

A nightmare is about to break free. This October, the Macready Theatre in Rugby will be transformed into a haunted house of horrors as Thunder Road Theatre Company unleashes its electrifying production, Shock Horror: A Ghost Story. A chilling fusion of live action drama, illusions and big screen terror, this spine-tingling spectacle will leave audiences breathless.

Shock Horror has been described as Stranger Things meets The Woman in Black. Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights, the show is a chilling journey into a haunted past.

The central character is Herbert, who grew up in the eerie old Metropol cinema. It was his playground and his prison. Forbidden from leaving by his disturbed parents, Herbert hid in its shadows and gorged on its late-night horror movies. But what lurks in the Metropol’s darkness? For Herbert, and for the audience, the real horror has only just begun…

Macready Theatre Manager, Amie Barton-Young said: “We are incredibly proud to bring this groundbreaking production back to Rugby as part of it’s UK tour. Shock Horror promises to be a truly unforgettable theatrical experience, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences into this nightmare this October. This show is a testament to the power of live theatre, and we’re excited to share it with our community.”

Alex Moran, Producer and Founder of Thunder Road Theatre said: “Ryan [Simons] and I are delighted to once again be working with an exceptional group of creatives on Shock Horror. From old hands to new faces, we can’t wait to get back to it. Sharing is scaring!”

Shock Horror:  A Ghost Story will be performed on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 October at the Macready Theatre on Lawrence Sheriff Street in Rugby. Recommended for audiences of 12+ years of age.

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Immersive sell-out comedy epic gallops from Edinburgh’s Fringe to Rugby

After a triumphant run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Burning Down The Horse is set to ignite Macready Theatre with its hilarious and immersive comedy. This award-winning show will transport audiences into the heart of the legendary Trojan Horse, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

On Monday, October 14th and Tuesday, October 15th at 7:30 PM, audiences will find themselves trapped within the wooden beast, navigating the treacherous journey towards (almost) certain doom. As the power-hungry Odysseus leads the way, audience members will witness the clash of many mythical legends over their heroic egos, class disparities, and a surprising shortage of swords in this hilarious version of the Trojan Horse story.

Amie Barton-Young, Macready Theatre Manager said. “This show was a highlight during my time at the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received 5-star reviews from sell-out shows. We’re thrilled to bring this hilarious hit to Macready Theatre, Rugby. It is a fast-paced comedy filled with witty dialogue and infectious energy. I just know the Macready audience will love this show aimed at all 8+.”

Following each performance, audiences will have the opportunity to engage with the cast and creative team during a post-show Q&A session.

Rave Reviews

Burning Down The Horse has garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Everything Theatre “A riot inside the Trojan Horse provides a boisterous immersive treat… It’s a complete riot of an hour.”

British Theatre Guide “Burning Down The Horse is a daft, fast-paced comedy, performed with a high gag-rate and infectious enthusiasm by a young and gifted cast.”

Audience Member “Fantastic family-suitable fun. No need to really know the myth, just enjoy it. Very funny.”

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“Concerned Others” – critically acclaimed production comes to Macready

Concerned Others, a critically acclaimed production from the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, comes to Rugby for two nights only, on Sunday, October 20th and Monday, October 21st, at 7:30pm.

Created by the multi-award-winning theatre company Tortoise in a Nutshell, Concerned Others offers an intimate and immersive exploration of the human stories behind Scotland’s chronic drug crisis. Through a unique blend of soundscapes, installations, and storytelling, the production sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of those affected by addiction and substance-related deaths.

Amie Barton-Young, Theatre Manager at the Macready Theatre, expressed her support for the production. “We’re honoured to host Concerned Others at Macready Theatre,” she said. “Being able to offer the people of Rugby not only professional theatre on their doorstep, but theatre that can raise awareness of such relevant issues is a privilege.”

As Scotland continues to grapple with the highest rate of deaths from drugs misuse in Europe*, Concerned Others offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of this pressing social issue. The innovative techniques used on stage to bring human stories to life, makes this an exciting visual experience that is relevant and memorable. 

Rave Reviews

‘an unmissable new piece in miniature…unique, handbuilt and profoundly experimental’ – The Guardian

‘Their words argue powerfully against the shame-based “moral model” of addiction’ – The Financial Times 

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* Scotland’s drug deaths still worst in Europe after 12% rise, BBC News

About Tortoise in a Nutshell

Tortoise in a Nutshell is a multi-award-winning Edinburgh-based visual theatre charity dedicated to creating world-class visual theatre that ignites the imaginations of audiences around the globe. Their unique blend of puppetry, performance and innovation offers exciting and thought- provoking experiences for audiences of all ages.

Through visual language they create poetic and memorable theatre, focused on universal themes and human stories.

Theatre Club at Macready Theatre

“It’s like a book club, but for theatre”

Love theatre? You’re invited to be part of our new Theatre Club. Come alone or bring a friend and enjoy shows hand-picked by us to enjoy.

Dissecting all the parts of a show is so interesting, especially with others who may offer different insights. Join us for free and feel confident to enjoy theatre on your own as part of our Theatre Club.

How it works:
Arrive to our Macready Theatre Foyer, grab a drink from the bar and find our designated Theatre Club table for you to be able to meet fellow club members pre-performance. Literature and background information, along with prompt questions will be available at the table for you to read and take away with you to dive deeper into the show’s background, actors, playwright and more. Re-join the table with another drink after the show to discuss and unpick. 

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Gin & Jive – Oh What a Night!

Our Gin and Jivers had a fantastic time at this month’s Gin and Jive event. We saw some familiar faces and lots of newbies joining us for the first time – some of whom hadn’t danced in over 20 years!

Thanks to AcademyNo1 and Rugby Distillery for their partnership with us at Macready Theatre, to bring a fun and friendly evening of gin-tasting and Jive-dancing to Rugby.

Check out our confirmed 2024 dates and click here to book.

We are Recruiting

Macready Theatre is recruiting for Front of House positions and Casual Technicians. See below for more information.

Macready Theatre are hiring Casual Technicians to join their team. For all information and to apply, click here.

Macready Theatre are hiring Front of House/Bar Staff to join their team. For all information and to apply, click here.