What's On
2 JANUARY 2026 Book Tickets
The Alex Hitchcock Quartet
- Alex Hitchcock tenor sax
- Will Barry keyboard
- Joe Downard bass
- Luke McCarthy drums
‘Ridiculous technique and harmonic proficiency combined with progressive creativity that sees him leading the charge in terms of new jazz music being created in the UK’ - Linley Hamilton, BBC Jazz World
Since his first gig as leader for us at Progress in 2017, Alex Hitchcock is now regarded as one of the UK’s most virtuosic jazz musicians. This will be his third appearance for us, last in 2022. Every gig has been a roaring success. Over the past year or so, Alex has been resident in New York honing his already impressive skills as composer, leader and playing a wide spectrum of jazz. He is also touring extensively in Europe, UK and the USA at major venues and festivals. A busy man!
30 JANUARY 2026 Book Tickets
Josephine Davies’ Satori Quartet
- Josephine Davies tenor & soprano saxophones
- Alcyona Mick piano
- Dave Whitford bass
- Jay Davies drums
Winner of the 2019 Parliamentary Award ‘Jazz Instrumentalist of the year’, Josephine Davies is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader at the forefront of the UK contemporary music scene. She has four album releases on Whirlwind Recordings with her trio/quartet Satori, and is known for her melodic focus, versatility and unique style as an instrumentalist.
Now becoming equally known as a composer, her unique sound is a blend of jazz, folk and classical music, creating an intensely dynamic sound infused with the Nordic quality of her Shetland roots.
The intricate compositions, coupled with the thrilling interplay between these four musicians, evokes the interconnection of Shetland sea, land, sky, and ever-present wind. At times stark and unsettling, and at times light and joyous, their latest album “Weatherwards” is a unique and magical offering from one of the UK’s most dynamic ensembles.
12-14 FEBRUARY 2026 Book Tickets
PROGRESS YOUTH THEATRE
75th Anniversary Production
This year PYT is celebrating its 75th Birthday! Our first show of 2026 is a showcase of performances from our two older groups, the Floodlights and Blinders.
The Floodlights present a series of duologues tackling challenging themes and complex characters that have been selected to entertain, intrigue, and inspire. Turning their hand to improvisation, the Floodlights perform an extended, improvised ensemble scene that will explore self-hood, free will, and the difficulties of negotiating friendships.
The Blinders will journey from Ancient Greece, through Rome, Shakespeare’s Illyria, and Victorian London before landing in the present day…at a bus stop. Showcasing pieces from theatrical giants as well as exciting, new work written by a Progress youth member, we are proud to present this selection of monologues and duologues in addition to a new Gatsby-esque adaptation: Beautiful Fools.
Please note that various themes may be distressing to some audiences. See our list of Content Warnings.
18-21 MARCH 2026 Book Tickets
The 19th Annual WriteFest
WriteFest returns for its 19th year with a sparkling line-up of brand-new short plays from a range of talented writers. Expect sharp comedy, bold characters and plenty of surprises, from mythological mishaps and small-town secrets to medical mayhem, menopausal fury and even the quietly irritating presence of zombies. By turns witty, surreal and laugh-out-loud funny, this year’s selection showcases original voices and inventive storytelling – a fast-paced celebration of new writing that promises something for everyone.
This year's plays are:
- Dead Annoying by Adam Wells
- Curious Incident of the Man in the Bowler Hat by Liz Carroll
- Indefinite Edibility by Dan Clark
- Ye Gods by Liz Carroll
- World of Pain by Peter Roan
- Shambridge by Melanie Roan
20-25 APRIL 2026
The Picture of Dorian Gray
By Oscar Wilde, adapted by Ali and Liz Carroll
Dorian bargains his soul to stay forever young, whilst his portrait gets old and hideous - a true reflection of his hedonism. An inclusive production that will actively involved those of diverse background, ability, age, identity and race.
25-30 MAY 2026
Home, I'm Darling
by Laura Wade
A modern-day couple decide to live life like it's the '50s gender roles and all. In this timely comedy, will a vision of chivalry, dance, afternoon cocktails and home-cooked dinners bring them their own happily ever after?
22-27 JUNE 2026
Playhouse Creatures
by April de Angelis
1669 and in a former bear pit turned theatre, the first English actresses tread the boards. In this bawdy comic drama, five powerhouse women's friendships, careers and reputations are built and broken as theatrics refuse to be confined to the stage!
15-25 JULY 2026
HAMLET – Open Air at Reading Abbey Ruins
by William Shakespeare
Progress brings Shakespeare's most celebrated and most quoted play to Reading Abbey Ruins for the very first time!
Following his father's death, Prince Hamlet of Denmark is plunged into a crisis of grief and existence. His world is a suffocating web of deceit, where his uncle has not only stolen the throne but also married his mother. As madness threatens to consume both him and his beloved Ophelia, Hamlet must navigate a court of spies and betrayals, using wit and humour to outsmart the forces against him. This compelling tragedy – perhaps the greatest play ever written – is a journey into the heart of vengeance.
If you need assistance, please email: [email protected]
Note: We cannot offer refunds, but you can exchange your tickets for another show date.