Event type: Performance

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Drawing on the wealth of peculiar episodes from both Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. 

 Carroll’s Wonderland floods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters. No matter how young or old, everyone will find their own moment of magic in Wonderland and make it safely home again – the only danger is, you may not want to leave! 

Ages 4+

 

 Winner ‘Best Show for Families’ – Buxton Fringe 2014 

★★★★ “..ingenious..” – The Stage 

★★★★ “..endlessly enjoyable..” – A Younger Theatre 

 

About the Production 

 Box Tale Soup’s version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has been created and adapted entirely by the company. It features a cast of just two human performers, a dozen colourful handmade puppets and a beautiful set that unfolds from a vintage trunk, alongside a magical soundtrack of original music composed especially for the show. From the surprising appearance of the Cheshire Cat to the madness of the Tea Party, this is a constantly inventive and refreshing take on Carroll’s classic work. 

 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland follows Alice on her remarkable journey, from her fleeting encounters with the White Rabbit to her eventual showdown with the crazed Queen of Hearts. A confrontational Caterpillar, Ukelele twanging Tweedle twins and an array of others pop up along the way, before Alice comes face to face with her own imagination and perhaps the author of her dreams. 

Emilio Santoro as Elvis: 50th Anniversary

2027 marks 50 years since the passing of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion Emilio Santoro celebrates the legacy of Elvis Presley in a spectacular live tribute show.  

Backed by his authentic 1950s band, The Creoles, Emilio brings Elvis’ early career to life, from the iconic Sun Records recordings and classic movie years to the legendary ’68 Comeback Special. Audiences can expect timeless hits including Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, Devil in Disguise, Suspicious Minds, plus many more. 

Emilio’s rise to international success has been remarkable. In 2022, he won the European Elvis Championships in Birmingham, completing a clean sweep of all major European Elvis titles and gaining national media attention. That same year, he earned the People’s Choice Award at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in Canada before becoming the youngest European ever to win the Images of the King Professional World Championship on Elvis Presley Boulevard.  

Emilio also appeared in the finale of America’s Got Talent alongside Metaphysic.ai. In 2024, he achieved the highest honour in Elvis tribute artistry, becoming the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley meaning Emilio is proudly endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. 

The Spare Rib ‘All Hallows Tease’

This Halloween, leave your fears at the door and embrace your fiercest self…

Join The Spare Rib Burlesque for an unforgettable evening of scarily sexy burlesque, where glamour meets the macabre in a celebration of confidence, creativity and unapologetic self-expression.

Expect devilish delights, hauntingly beautiful performances, deliciously dark glamour and plenty of cheeky surprises from a cast of performers who prove that sexy has no age, no size, no gender and no limits.

Whether you’re a lover of classic horror, gothic glamour, Halloween camp or simply spectacular burlesque, prepare for a night that’s equal parts spooky, seductive and seriously entertaining.

Everyone is welcome.

LGBTQ+ Inclusive

Body Positive

Celebrating performers of all genders, bodies, ages and identities.

Come dressed to impress — we’d love to see your favourite spooky, glamorous or gloriously outrageous Halloween look.

Because this Halloween…

Why be scary… when you can be scarily sexy?

The Spare Rib: Tinsel & Tassels

Swap the predictable Christmas party for an evening of glamour, laughter and spectacular live entertainment as The Spare Rib Burlesque invites you to Tinsel & Tassels – the dazzling Christmas Burlesque Gala.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal while our fabulous cast serves up an unforgettable evening of burlesque, cabaret and festive fun. With sparkling costumes, show-stopping performances and a touch of Christmas mischief, this is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.

Whether you’re planning your annual Christmas get-together with friends, organising a staff celebration or looking for a unique festive date night, Tinsel & Tassels promises an evening that’s elegant, entertaining and just a little bit cheeky.

Sister Queens

SISTER QUEENS 

Two Queens, One Nation 

 The dynamic journey of two amazing women; The royal queens of the Tudor and Stuart dynasties – ELIZABETH I & MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 

 A play of passion and treachery, witness the unavoidable collision between dynamic sovereigns, which shaped the destiny of the thrones of Scotland and England. 

Enter the prison and the courts, private chambers and public processions as you journey with the cousins who called themselves Sister Queens. 

It is a tale that has ignited the imagination for centuries. 

Was the death of one the only answer? 

  

‘Spirited, highly-intelligent, powerful. A talented writer and actor, switching skilfully from one Queen to another without ever missing a beat.’ The Stage 

‘Miriam Cooper is a talent we’ll surely be hearing more of’ whatsonstage 

Written and performed by Miriam Cooper 

Producer by Aiden Dooley (currently touring in the multi-award-winning Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean & Scott). 

Unity Scratch Night: January 2026

7:30PM

The acclaimed series of work in progress nights at Unity continues by popular demand with monthly instalments of never before seen work. Over the last few years Unity has established itself as the go to venue for fresh, and innovative new work with a sell out series of work in progress evenings and unmissable variety nights.

Afloat Through Spoken Word

7:00pm
Join us for Afloat Through Spoken Word, an evening of powerful poetry inspired by the themes of Afloat.

Performed by our members, this event explores migration, identity, belonging, change, and what it means to seek safety. Through original spoken word and personal reflections, the evening offers a space to listen, reflect and connect with stories that highlight the human experiences behind seeking asylum.

Afloat was originally a theatre show with the aim to challenge the long-term barriers faced by people seeking asylum. What began as a classroom quickly became something much bigger. Today, Afloat is a Community Interest Company (CIC) rooted in co-creation, producing art by the community, for the community. We believe creativity has the power to build understanding, break down barriers and reshape the arts into a sector that is more diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Come and experience an evening of creativity, empathy and conversation as we use the power of spoken word to explore the journeys that shape who we are.

15+
 

Jalsaghar Closing Event with Jennifer Lee Tsai

Join us for an evening of pop-up poetry readings by Bluecoat’s Artist in Residence Jennifer Lee Tsai. A number of Tsai’s poems that share themes with the exhibition have been selected by both Tsai and exhibiting artist Debjani Banerjee, and will be read against the backdrop of Jalsaghar.

Free, booking required

Showaddywaddy

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement, but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades! 

Formed in Leicester in 1973 from an amalgamation of several local bands, Showaddywaddy have gone on to sell more than 20 million records and tour all four corners of the globe. 

Their live show is dynamic and uplifting, featuring all of their greatest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts across Europe. 

‘Under The Moon of Love’, ‘Three Steps to Heaven’, ‘Hey Rock & Roll’, ‘When’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ and many, many more. 

So come and join the ‘Dancin’ Party’… ‘You’ve Got What It Takes’!