Roses Theatre

The Roses Theatre stands in the centre of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on the site of a former art deco cinema. Its main auditorium seats 375 and uses the Continental seating system to avoid losing seats on the central axis. The building can show 35mm film and digital projections as well as host live performances of music, theatre, film and dance. The theatre opened in 1975 after delays caused by Roman remains found during construction and a national steel shortage. Princess Anne attended the opening gala that year. The front of the building was refurbished in 2015 with new front-of-house areas, a coffee shop and a lift to the first-floor bar. The Roses Theatre has hosted notable figures and events. In May 1984, comedian Eric Morecambe collapsed off stage after a final curtain call and died soon after. The theatre named its conference room after him, and his final performance is remembered in TV documentaries. In the late 1990s, Charlton Heston took part in a question-and-answer evening followed by a film screening. The theatre also transformed into the Crossroads Motel for the soap’s 25th anniversary in 1989, with manager Stan Stennett appearing in the series. Visitors find a well-preserved auditorium with Continental seating and a recently refurbished front of house. The Eric Morecambe Room is used for conferences and meetings. The coffee shop and first-floor bar provide refreshments, and the lift makes the upper floor accessible. The theatre continues to operate as a registered charity, offering a programme of music, theatre, film and dance. Its location in Tewkesbury’s centre makes it easy to reach alongside local shops and cafés.