Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre

ROBINSON CRUSOE
2025-12-28 17:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-30 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-31 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-01-01 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-01-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-01-03 13:00 - 16:30, 2026-01-03 17:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Barrow Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1EG, United Kingdom
ROBINSON CRUSOE
19th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Set sail for adventure!
Prepare for a hilarious, magical journey in this year’s pantomime production.
When Robinson and his brother find a treasure map, there’s nothing for it but to set off in search of their fortune on a faraway island.
Their travels take them to the mysterious Skull Valley, encountering a host of comical characters along the way.
Laughter and music awaits in this swashbuckling voyage across (and below) the waves. Get your tickets now and join the fun!
Licensed by the author.

Talisman Fringe
2026-02-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-07 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-04 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-07-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-09-03 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-10-01 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-05 19:30 - 22:00 and 1 more date
Come and join our talented Talisman members and local performers. Enjoy a fusion of light-hearted entertainment from short plays, improv, local bands and singers which always promises an enjoyable evening.
Launched in 2022 these events have proven to be very popular in providing experienced and new directors the opportunity to explore some alternative plays as well as showcasing local emerging talent as well as established performers.
All acts are performed at 7:30pm and then repeated again at 9pm. The 7:30pm performance is always very popular so prior booking is advised for the earlier session to guarantee a seat. You can just walk in and pay on the door, Come and join our talented Talisman members and local performers. Enjoy a fusion of light-hearted entertainment from short plays, improv, local bands and singers which always promises an enjoyable evening.
Launched in 2022 these events have proven to be very popular in providing experienced and new directors the opportunity to explore some alternative plays as well as showcasing local emerging talent as well as established performers.
All acts are performed at 7:30pm and then repeated again at 9pm. The 7:30pm performance is always very popular so prior booking is advised for the earlier session to guarantee a seat. You can just walk in and pay on the door, but if we are at capacity for the earlier slot you may need to grab yourself a drink from the bar and join us later at 9pm!
Play reading has a number of benefits. For resting actors, there’s an opportunity to keep in touch, to practice their skills and widen their knowledge of plays. For the Talisman, it keeps our members in touch and provides ideas for plays we might like to put on in future.
Alongside the youth theatre, the Fringe and Friday night socials, it provides a conduit for the growth and success of the Talisman Theatre. Long may the Talisman play reading group continue.

THE UNFRIEND
2026-02-09 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-02-10 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-02-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-02-12 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-02-13 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-02-14 19:30 - 22:00
THE UNFRIEND
9th – 14th February 2026
Dying of manners?
Join us for an evening of uproarious comedy and cringeworthy farce in this new play by award-winning writer, Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Sherlock).
At the end of their holiday, Peter and Debbie reluctantly agree to stay in touch with their newly-met American cruise-friend, Elsa. However, when she later invites herself to stay they look her up online and discover the deadly truth surrounding this powerful, extravagant woman. Chaos and hysteria ensue as the couple attempt to protect their family and their comfortable lives without seeming rude.
Take a hilarious look at middle-class England’s perennial struggle to keep up appearances, all to avoid social embarrassment.
Age recommendation: 12+ or at parental discretion.
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE
2026-02-21 19:30 - 22:00
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE
21st February 2026
The time has come to say goodbye
Period Drama
Cert: PG
UK 2025 124 mins (plus an intermission of 15 mins)
Director: Simon Curtis
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Phyllis Logan, Joely Richardson, Jim Carter, Lesley Nicol & Dominic West
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepare for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
The Grand Finale has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%.

Talisman Fringe
2026-03-05 19:30 - 22:00
Come and join our talented Talisman members and local performers. Enjoy a fusion of light-hearted entertainment from short plays, improv, local bands and singers which always promises an enjoyable evening.
Launched in 2022 these events have proven to be very popular in providing experienced and new directors the opportunity to explore some alternative plays as well as showcasing local emerging talent as well as established performers.
All acts are performed at 7:30pm and then repeated again at 9pm. The 7:30pm performance is always very popular so prior booking is advised for the earlier session to guarantee a seat. You can just walk in and pay on the door, Come and join our talented Talisman members and local performers. Enjoy a fusion of light-hearted entertainment from short plays, improv, local bands and singers which always promises an enjoyable evening.

WENDY AND PETER PAN
2026-03-12 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-13 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-14 19:30 - 22:00
WENDY AND PETER PAN
12th – 14th March 2026
An awfully big adventure!
Fly to Neverland and get ready for an awfully big adventure with the Talisman Youth Theatre!
When Peter Pan swoops through the window, Wendy is whisked away to the ultimate children’s playground — where Lost Boys play, pirates prowl, and a crocodile lurks in the shadows. She’ll face a feisty fairy called Tink, take on the mischievous Lost Boys, and go head-to-head with the dastardly Captain Hook. Along the way, Wendy will discover what it truly means to grow up…and maybe even help her family find happiness again.
A magical, action-packed adventure the whole family will love!
Age recommendation: 7+ or at parental discretion.
Production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
(This is a shortened version with permitted additions
from the original.)

Theatre Open Day & Craft Fayre
2026-03-21 10:00 - 14:00
🎭✨ Theatre Open Day & Craft Fayre ✨🎭
📅 Saturday 21st March 2026📍
⏰ 10am – 2pm
We’re delighted to be throwing open our theatre doors this Spring and welcoming creative types — and keen shoppers! — into the Talisman.
Browse a wonderful selection of stalls from local makers, filled with beautiful handcrafted items to peruse and purchase. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique gift for upcoming celebrations or simply treat yourself.
🎁 Raffle prizes to be won
🎭 Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the theatre
Open to all members and our wider Kenilworth and local community, we’d love to see as many of you there as possible — so do pop along, bring a friend, and enjoy a relaxed, creative day at the Tali.
Interested in having a stall?
We’re offering free stalls to local creatives in return for donating one of your handmade delights as a raffle prize. If you’d like to get involved, please email community@talismantheatre.net for more details.

THE LISTENING ROOM
2026-03-28 19:30 - 22:00
THE LISTENING ROOM

Saturday 28th March 2026 at 7.30pm

Following previous sell-out events last year, our acclaimed singer-songwriter night is back for 2026.
The Listening Room is a wonderful night of acoustic music celebrating the rich talent of original singer-songwriters. Set in the warm, intimate atmosphere of our theatre foyer, this special evening features performances from Cat Mead, Montgomery, Angelo Cardone (photo courtesy of Little Dark One Productions) and Austin Booth, and will be hosted by Talisman regular, Daniel Barrie.
Each artist will not only perform their music, but also share the inspirations and experiences that brought their songs to life.
With soft lighting, stripped-back sound, and heartfelt storytelling, this is a chance to connect deeply with the music and the artists behind it. These musicians have thousands of streams to their names and have graced prestigious venues across the UK and internationally. Now they’re coming together for a captivating night in Kenilworth.
Our licensed bar will be open, making it the perfect night out to relax with friends and family whilst enjoying great music.

ROCK OF AGES BAND AUDITION
2026-04-11 12:00 - 16:00
Rock of Ages – Band Auditions
Performance Dates: 22nd – 17th June
Audition Details:
Saturday 11th April
12pm – 4pm
Talisman Theatre
The Talisman Theatre is seeking talented, committed musicians to form a live band for our June production of Rock of Ages.
Rock of Ages is a jukebox rock musical written by Chris D’Arienzo, with arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. Set on Los Angeles’s iconic Sunset Strip in 1987, the show celebrates 1980s glam rock through parody, nostalgia and high-energy, arena-style performance.
This production will be led by Musical Director Daniel Barrie, and requires confident musicians who can deliver big sound, tight ensemble playing and sustained rock energy throughout rehearsals and the show run.
We are seeking:

Lead Guitarist
Rhythm Guitarist
Bassist
Keyboardist
Drummer

Full audition requirements, rehearsal expectations and performance details can be found in the Audition Pack (PDF) below.
To register your interest and secure an audition slot, please fill out the audition form below:
If you’ve got the sound, the stamina and the stage presence — we’d love to hear from you.

TALISMAN QUIZ NIGHT
2026-04-11 19:30 - 22:00
Talisman Quiz Night

When: Saturday 11th April 2026

Where: The Bar

Time : 7:30PM

t’s that time of year again – Quiz time! Can you beat last year’s reigning champions and lay claim to the infamous golden boot?
Get your team together (maximum team size of 6 – £1 per team member entrance fee) and start brushing up on your general knowledge.
Join us on Saturday, 11th April at 7:30pm to give it your best shot and maybe even win a prize.
Tickets are free but required per person to book your place at this event. A donation of £1.00 per person will be required on the night.

CINDERELLA AUDITION
2026-04-12 10:00 - 14:00
Cinderella
Audition Date: Sunday 12th April 2026
Registration @ 10:00
Venue: Talisman Theatre
Playing Dates:
19th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Director: Stephen Duckham
Choreographers: Amanda Wright and Natasha Hall
Production Manager: Wendy Elliott

BACKSTAIRS BILLY
2026-04-13 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-14 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-15 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-16 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-04-18 19:30 - 22:00
BACKSTAIRS BILLY
13th – 18th April 2026
Upstairs, downstairs…and in between!
Take a sneaky peek behind the scenes at Clarence House, the fabulous London home of the Queen Mother, in this irreverent comedy.
It’s 1979, receptions are in full swing, champagne is flowing and Billy Tallon, Page of the Backstairs, is on top of his own little world. Outside the palace walls, however, unemployment, inflation and industrial action threaten to bring the country to its knees. Cue Margaret Thatcher!
Backstairs Billy examines the fifty-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her most loyal, most outrageous servant, which is rocked when palace life and the outside world begin to collide.
Age recommendation: 15+ or at parental discretion. Suggested sexual content and some strong language.
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

THE CHORAL
2026-04-25 19:30 - 22:00
THE CHORAL – Saturday 25th April 2026 7.30pm

“They were divided by war. He united them in song.“

Period Drama

Cert: 15

UK 2025 113 mins (plus an intermission of 15 mins)

Director: Nicholas Hytner
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong, Robert Emms, and Simon Russell Beale.

1916. As war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire has lost most of its men to the army.
The Choral’s ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks.
They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) – driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.
Directed by BAFTA, Olivier and Tony Award winner NICHOLAS HYTNER (The Crucible) and written by BAFTA, Olivier and Tony Award winner ALAN BENNETT, The Choral marks their fourth writer-director collaboration following the acclaimed films The Madness of King George, The History Boys, and The Lady in The Van.

The film will be shown with an intermission with the bar and ice creams available.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME AUDITION
2026-05-02 09:30 - 12:30
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Read Through: Sunday 19th April | 10:00am – 12:30pm | Talisman Foyer
Audition Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Time: 09:30
Venue: Talisman Theatre
Playing Dates: 28th Sept – 3rd Oct 2026

Director: Sharon Sully
Production Manager: Sam Harris
Movement Director: Alasdair Stewart

Play Synopsis
Based on the bestselling 2003 novel by Mark Haddon, this inventive play follows Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old with an extraordinary gift for mathematics and a unique way of seeing the world. When he discovers a neighbour’s dog dead, Christopher sets out to solve the mystery – uncovering secrets about his family along the way.
Haddon’s novel, inspired by his own interest in neurodiversity, blends heart, humour, and suspense, exploring how we all navigate relationships, truth, and trust. The stage adaptation transforms Christopher’s extraordinary perspective into a visually striking, emotionally rich theatrical experience.
We’re looking for actors of all ages and types to bring Christopher’s world to life – from family and neighbours to the quirky, chaotic characters he encounters. Physicality, energy, and the ability to embrace humour and heart are essential.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
2026-05-18 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-19 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-20 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-21 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-22 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-23 19:30 - 22:00
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
18th – 23rd May 2026
Passion. Desire. Madness. Survival.
Traditional values clash with modern realities in this timeless masterpiece.
Considered Tennessee Williams’s finest work, A Streetcar Named Desire follows Blanche Dubois, a fading Southern belle who is staying with her sister, Stella, in boisterous New Orleans. When she meets Stanley, Stella’s overtly masculine and working-class husband, tensions between the pair rapidly and violently come to a head in the claustrophobia of their cramped living quarters.
Join us for this powerful tale of desire and destruction as Blanche realises that the present holds no hope and the past is inescapable.
Age recommendation: 14 + or at parental discretion. Themes of sexual and domestic violence.
This amateur production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON
2026-05-30 08:00 - 17:00
THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON – Saturday 30th May 2026 7.30pm

“The Feel Great Hit.“

Quirky Comedy Drama

Cert: 12A

US 2019 97 mins (plus an intermission of 15 mins)

Directors: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
Starring: Zak Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson

A modern Mark Twain style adventure story from the producers of Little Miss Sunshine. THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON tells the story of Zak (Zak Gottsagen), a young man with Down Syndrome, who runs away from a residential nursing home to follow his dream of attending the professional wrestling school of his idol, The Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church).
A strange turn of events pairs him on the road with Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a small-time outlaw on the run, who becomes Zak’s unlikely coach and ally. Together they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whisky, find God, catch fish, and convince Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a kind nursing home employee charged with Zak’s return, to join them on their journey.
An extremely important film with respect to representation for people with disabilities; Zack gets to be a full human with a wealth and depth of life experience just like any one of us.

The film will be shown with an intermission with the bar and ice creams available.

“A feelgood adventure brought to life by outstanding performances, The Peanut Butter Falcon finds rich modern resonance in classic American fiction.” Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
“A surprising hit in the US last year, The Peanut Butter Falcon won over audiences and became the highest grossing independent film of the year and it’s easy to see why. The Peanut Butter Falcon is a sweet, tender and joyful portrayal of an unlikely friendship and it won’t fail to charm.” Sydney Morning Herald
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNl9RqjLCwc

ROCK OF AGES
2026-06-22 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-23 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-24 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-25 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-26 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-27 19:30 - 22:00
ROCK OF AGES
22nd – 27th June 2026
Big dreams. Bigger hair. Blazing riffs.
Let your hair down and bring your dancing shoes for this larger-than-life blast from the past!
Set in the 1980s along the Sunset Strip, join us in following aspiring rocker Drew and small-town girl Sherrie as they chase their dreams at the legendary Bourbon Room, while trying to save the venue from being replaced by a strip mall.
Set to iconic anthems of the era, Rock of Ages is a high-energy, feel-good love letter to the ’80s — a jukebox romp with a soundtrack you’ll adore from start to finish. Live out your Hollywood dreams in this unmissable musical comedy!
Age recommendation: 12+ or at parental discretion. This show contains some adult language and themes.
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

BLEAK EXPECTATIONS
2026-08-24 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-25 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-26 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-27 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-28 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-29 19:30 - 22:00
BLEAK EXPECTATIONS
24th – 28th August 2026
Mischief, mayhem and darkly comic chaos.
Prepare for a hilarious evening of joy and laughter as Dickens meets Monty Python in this chaotic comic caper.
Follow the story of Pip Bin and his family and friends as they scramble to escape the clutches of dastardly villains and find true love. Spot the Dickensian characters as they uphold their Victorian values in this non-stop comic farce that sees them send up Britishness with oodles of silliness as they race towards their (hopefully) happy ending.
Based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, this Mark Evans play enjoyed a highly successful run in the West End. So take a trip back to Victorian England in this fast-paced and inventive production, featuring a host of instantly-familiar characters that will have you rolling in the aisles.
Age recommendation: 12+ or at parental discretion.
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
2026-09-28 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-09-29 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-10-01 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-10-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-10-03 19:30 - 22:00
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
28th September – 3rd October 2026
A journey through mind and heart
A moving story of courage, curiosity, and connection. Step into the extraordinary world of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Adapted from Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, this unforgettable story follows fifteen-year-old Christopher, a brilliant mind on a mission to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dead dog. What begins as a detective adventure soon becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, family, and resilience.
Engaging and uplifting, this drama is perfect for families and students, with strong connections to GCSE and A-Level study. Join us for an unforgettable experience that touches both heart and mind.
Including a Relaxed Performance.
Age recommendation: Age 12+ or at parental discretion. Themes of family conflict, loss, and some adult language.
This amateur production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (RELAXED PERFORMANCE)
2026-09-30 19:30 - 22:00
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (RELAXED PERFORMANCE)
30th September 2026
A journey through mind and heart
A moving story of courage, curiosity, and connection. Step into the extraordinary world of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Adapted from Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, this unforgettable story follows fifteen-year-old Christopher, a brilliant mind on a mission to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dead dog. What begins as a detective adventure soon becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, family, and resilience.
Engaging and uplifting, this drama is perfect for families and students, with strong connections to GCSE and A-Level study. Join us for an unforgettable experience that touches both heart and mind.
We are pleased to offer a Relaxed Performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, designed to create a welcoming and comfortable experience for anyone who may benefit from a more flexible theatre environment. This includes autistic audience members, those with sensory sensitivities, people who prefer a gentler atmosphere, families with additional needs to consider, and anyone who would feel more at ease with adjustments in place.
Age recommendation: Age 12+ or at parental discretion. Themes of family conflict, loss, and some adult language.
This amateur production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

GASLIGHT
2026-11-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-03 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-04 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-07 19:30 - 22:00
GASLIGHT
2nd – 7th November 2026
Deception burns behind closed doors.
The iconic Victorian thriller of manipulation, secrets and suspense. The Manninghams appear to be the perfect couple — at least from the outside. But behind the elegant façade of their London home, something far more sinister is at play.
Bella begins to doubt her sanity; Jack vanishes on mysterious errands; objects disappear, and strange footsteps echo from the attic. Is Bella truly losing her mind? Why does the light keep flickering? And what prompts the sudden arrival of a detective at their door? Gaslight is a gripping story of psychological control, deception and resilience — a chilling glimpse into the life of a woman fighting to reclaim her reality.
Rediscover Patrick Hamilton’s classic thriller in a new light — the play that gave us the term “gaslighting” — and experience a timeless drama that feels more unsettlingly relevant than ever. Step into the shadows and see it for yourself.
Age recommendation: 12+ or at parental discretion. Trigger warnings: manipulation, abusive relationships and themes of mental illness.
This amateur production of ‘Gaslight®’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
