The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury turns 50-years-old in 2025 – and it is marking its milestone birthday with a special new exhibition this November 2025.
It launched its '50 Years of Stage & Stories' project in April 2025, asking audiences to share their mementoes and memories from the last 50 years.
With 75 per cent of The Roses' audience living within 10 miles of the theatre, the local community didn't disappoint, unearthing some incredible items, from architectural drawings for the site, original playbills and rare photographs from every decade of the theatre's history, to memorable costumes – including Eric Morcambe's famous blazer from his last-ever performance, which took place on The Roses' stage in 1984.
The resulting exhibition, called 'Standing Ovation', officially opened on Monday 17 November 2025.
The exhibition also features items from memorable visits from the likes of Princess Anne, Michael Palin and Bill Bailey, celebrating the theatre's storied history, while looking towards a bright future.
The Roses Theatre's new director and CEO, Derek Bond, said: 'The Roses has an incredible story. The Roses has always been a place that’s been really valued by the people of Tewkesbury and all of north Gloucestershire. It’s a place that people have really appreciated – and it’s still here because people have really valued it.
'In the future, I want to see us make even more work here, as we do with our panto every year. We’re going to be doing more of that: putting on shows made in Tewkesbury, for Tewkesbury – and with which the people of Tewkesbury can really get involved!'
Creative health and community producer, Megan Dunford, added: 'This theatre has really been made by the community. And it’s a really exciting time right now at The Roses – in the last few years, we’ve just sky-rocketed.'
The 'Standing Ovation' exhibition is on until Sunday 23 November 2025 and is free to visit, then its popular annual pantomime – this year Jack and the Beanstalk – takes to the stage on Saturday 29 November 2025.
For more information, or to book panto tickets, visit rosestheatre.org.
