The first ever production at a brand new theatre in Stone will be held this November, with tickets for the historic show on sale now.

An in-house production of ‘Shakespeare in Love’, the hit stage adaptation of the 1998 Oscar-winning romantic comedy that starred Judy Dench, Colin Firth and Gwyneth Paltrow, will be at Crown Wharf Theatre from Friday 8 to Saturday 16 November.

The hilarious, heartwarming stage adaptation has landed rave reviews over the years. The Independent said it ‘makes you feel grateful to be alive’. The Telegraph called it ‘a joyous celebration of theatre’. ‘A swooning delight,’ said the Daily Mail.

Crown Wharf Theatre trustee Rob Kenney said: “We cannot wait to open the doors now and realise all the benefits of this new community asset for Stone. Just to see people in the theatre rehearsing and getting ready for the first show is so exciting. We held some test events recently as we put the finishing touches to the theatre, and to see 165 people sitting in the space was incredible. We can’t wait to welcome people in for real from the 8th of November.”

Fellow trustee Harri Capernaros is directing ‘Shakespeare in Love’. She added: “It’s so important to us that we kick things off at the theatre with an in-house production, and ‘Shakespeare in Love’ is just perfect. It’s a celebration of theatre and shows the ups, downs, disasters and blind optimism that’s required every time a bunch of people decide to put on a show – never mind decide to build a theatre. It’s a brilliant, feel-good show that people will really love.”

Over 50 volunteers are lined up to help run the theatre after a huge community effort that started in 2017, led by local volunteers, to deliver a professional theatre for Stone and the wider county. The 165-capacity theatre has state-of-the-art facilities for audiences and performers, with professional lighting and audio equipment, impressive changing rooms, the latest front-of-house and stage management equipment, as well as a huge screen for film nights.

The full opening programme will be revealed soon. Tickets for ‘Shakespeare in Love’ are available now at crownwharftheatre.org.uk.