Gatehouse Theatre

The Gatehouse Theatre sits in the heart of Stafford and is exactly what a proper regional theatre should be - intimate, unpretentious, and genuinely invested in putting on good shows. You're looking at a converted Victorian building with around 200 seats, the kind of venue where you can actually see the actors' faces without binoculars.

What goes on here ranges from amateur dramatics to professional productions, pantomime in winter, and the occasional touring act. It's the sort of place where you might catch a cracking comedy one week and a local operatic society tackling Gilbert and Sullivan the next. The programming is eclectic and honest - not trying to be something it isn't.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Stable Park is only a couple of miles away, or Poppy Fields Glamping if you fancy something a bit nicer - the Gatehouse makes for a proper night out without the pretension of a big city theatre. Families with teenagers who aren't yet bored by live performance will find it welcoming. History buffs might appreciate the building itself as much as what's happening on stage.

Check their website for what's actually on during your visit, as programming varies seasonably. Stafford town centre is walkable from the caravan parks, so you could easily combine an evening at the theatre with a pint beforehand. Admission and opening hours vary by show, so book ahead.