Rose Street Theatre Club

The Rose Street Theatre Club (RSTC) arranges monthly trips, ranging from Popular Musicals to Classical Concerts, from Plays to Operas and other outings.  All trips are by coach, picking up at a number of stops from Crowthorne through to Wokingham (including Nine Mile Ride, Rose Street and the Three Frogs), and the cost of the coach is included in the overall cost of the outing.

We aim to offer an exciting and comprehensive range of activities' and is 'a welcoming and safe way' to visit local theatres as well as the big London shows - something few elderly or handicapped people living alone would ever attempt.  We feel we meet the 'social needs of our community' in a very practical way, and have seen many friendships established that extend beyond the club's activities.
 

Future Programme

19 May	'Barnum'	Woking: New Victoria Theatre (evening)
16 June	'The Play That Goes Wrong'	Duchess Theatre, London (evening)
15 July	'War Horse'	Olivier National Theatre, London (matinee)

For more information see the club's website.
 

Report (January 2026)

The committee of the RSTC continues to arrange a variety of events for the members to attend.

During the last three months trips have taken place to Windsor for Sherlock Holmes, the Royal Albert Hall for the annual Sir John Rutter Christmas Concert and to Guildford for Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.

The Sherlock Holmes was something of a disappointment as responses suggest it was really necessary for the audience to have prior knowledge of the Sherlock Holmes stories and characters before seeing the play.

The Sir John Rutter Christmas Concert was very popular and there was a waiting list of those who were unable to get booked before our seat allocation of 106 was taken.  As usual Sir John was on good form and, at 80 years old, spent the evening vigorously conducting the orchestra and choir. The Royal Albert Hall audience really can produce a great sound when they all join in the singing of the carols.

The production of Death of the Nile at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford was excellent.  The staging giving two decks of the ship enabled the play to flow without many scene changes.  As Agatha Christie plays are generally well known from stage and TV, it must be difficult to give the plays a fresh production.  This certainly succeeded.

Over the next few months the trips include A Valentine’s Day Opera Gala at the wonderful Cadogan Hall, Moulin Rouge in London and the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Choral Society’s performance of the Messiah.  The Royal Choral Society has performed the Messiah on Good Friday every year for 150 years with the exception of 1943 – The Blitz and 2020 – Covid.

The annual club outing has not been finalized yet, but there will be a trip out in the Summer.

The lead in time for booking theatre trips seems to be extending, particularly for London theatres. We will shortly be taking bookings for a September trip.  Whilst some members may think that this is too far ahead to commit, it is unfortunately a trend that is becoming more and more the norm.  Theatres want the money almost as soon as we have reserved the seats and, whilst many rely on group bookings, they want to see the money in their accounts earlier and earlier.

Malcolm Souter

The Rose Street Theatre Club maintains a strong financial stability and membership base.  The club fosters fellowship for both individuals within the Church and those with no prior Church affiliation, addressing community social needs in a practical manner.  Our diverse and extensive programme of activities is valued particularly by members who may not otherwise attend theatre events independently, resulting in many lasting friendships that extend beyond club participation.

We have delivered a comprehensive calendar of monthly outings to theatres, concerts, and sites of interest, with an emphasis on securing matinee performances where possible in response to member preferences.

A day excursion is scheduled for August as part of this year's programme.  Current membership totals 425 and booking averages remain steady despite increased costs, particularly for London shows.  The club will continue to manage expenses to minimise their effect on members.

Tony King