The Bench Theatre have entered the 2026 Totton Festival of Drama with a performance of the one act play Captured Moments by Mark Wakeman. This was first performed in SuperNova9 and will have of the same cast of Callum West and Bernie Lomas. The play will be performed on Thursday 19th March. The Thursday night programme consists of 3 plays and starts at 7.00pm at the Hanger Farm Arts Centre. Tickets can be bought via the Totton Drama Festival web-site.

Our April 2026 production is Calendar Girls, based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth.

Get ready for laughter, tears, and a whole lot of Yorkshire charm as Calendar Girls takes center stage! Based on the true story that inspired a global phenomenon, this uplifting play follows a group of extraordinary women who dare to bare for a cause close to their hearts. When tragedy strikes, the ladies of the local Women’s Institute rally together to raise money in the most unconventional way—by creating a nude calendar that celebrates friendship, courage, and the power of community.

With wit, warmth, and a touch of cheeky rebellion, Calendar Girls is a celebration of everyday heroes who prove that age is just a number and bravery comes in all forms. Whether you're coming for the comedy or staying for the heartfelt moments, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

This amateur production of Calendar Girls is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd, www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Performances:

Ticket Prices

£14.00, concessions £13.00, Under 25s £10.00

First Night Only: Buy one ticket, second ticket half price

Bench members and Friends: Free

Our July 2026 production will be The 39 Steps, adapted by Patick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan.

In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure!

Performances:

Our September 2026 production will be Educating Rita, written by Willy Russell.

Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves. The play became a hit film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Performances:

Our February 2026 production was How to Date a Feminist by Samantha Ellis.

How to Date a Feminist is a witty, gender-flipping rom-com that challenges modern love with laughter and insight. A sharp, subversive romantic comedy that turns the genre on its head.

Praised as “witty, slyly provocative and downright lovely”, this play is perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered whether feminism and romance can truly coexist—or whether love is just another ideological battlefield.

Our November 2025 production was Look Sharp, Ginger! by Lucy Flannery.

Ace girl reporter Pearl and faithful photographer sidekick Ginger chase scoops across wartime England, catching a jewel thief and unmasking a German spy, all by exploiting the age-old virtues of aristocratic superiority, schoolgirl honour and the sacred rules of cricket! A treat for fans of Ripping Yarns and Daisy Pulls It Off, this sparkling comedy is presented by Bench Theatre as a vintage radio production.