The Corn Exchange, Newbury |
Box office
01635 522733
The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Some performances may be at The Base, Communications Road, Greenham Business Park,
Greenham, RG19 6HN. Unless a specific location is given for a performance, it's
at the Corn Exchange.
Next
Les Misérables, 11th to 13th June
In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, 25th June to 15th July
See Theatre at the Cinema.
Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit, 27th June
The totally improvised, totally hilarious murder mystery, where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands!
Four characters board a train, but not everyone will survive… Luckily, a world-famous detective is onboard, ready to root out the killer. But who is the murderer? Only one person knows – the murderer themselves! Can you put your wits to the test and solve the case? So, don your deerstalkers and oil your moustaches for a night of shaky alibis, silver-tongued sleuths, thrills, spills, and good old-fashioned kills.
Reviews of Robin Hood and Maid Marian
28th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Review from the Newbury Weekly News and the British Theatre Guide.
It’s hiss and boo time - panto is back in the hood
It’s panto time at the Corn Exchange and the theatre was sparkling with a mini-forest of trees in the foyer as the excited audience eagerly waited for the Panto to start. They were certainly in for a true Christmas treat. The award-winning creative team of Plested, Brown and Wilsher, who also deftly directs, returns for their seventh year at the panto helm with a refreshing new take on the Robin Hood and Maid Marian story.
Making his professional debut, Harry Sweetman is impressive as Robin, with rippling muscles and a somewhat egotistic attitude as he adventures abroad leaving the people of Newburyshire in dire debt to the wicked Sherriff, a commanding performance from Alex Crandon and the audience enthusiastically booed every time he appeared. Samara Rawlins plays the spirited Maid Marian with a secure confidence and has a powerful singing voice. She becomes the real leader of the merry band, fighting for what’s right. Returning as the Dame, Graham Mackay-Bruce is outstanding as Nursemaid Nellie wearing outlandish costumes from a country thatched cottage to a Lady Gaga outfit – Hilarious! Grace Kelly Miller was delightful as the wholehearted Willamina Scarlet whose father sent her for work experience with the gang and she builds up a true rapport with the audience. As Fairy Fere-A-Dale Jenny Perry was enchanting, only visible to those that believed in fairies and indeed themselves. The extremely talented hard working ensemble, Finley Davies, Abby Fell and Sophie Mckinnon were exceptional adding much to the production.
Robin returns to find that Marian has been captured by the Sheriff. Will he be able to rescue her?
Miranda Wilford’s stunning dynamic choreography was breath-taking, energetically performed by the cast.
All the traditional elements of panto were there in abundance including local references, groan making puns, loads of audience participation, together with many digs at Donald Trump and tariffs being imposed on Newburyshire as well as many surprises.
Musical director Alex Maynard, assisted by Luke Hinchcliffe, splendidly provided a clever compilation of songs. With spectacular scenery and exquisite costumes this production hits the ‘bulls-eye’ and is an absolute winner. Don’t miss it!
ROBIN STRAPP