Wilmslow Guild Players

The Wilmslow Guild Players have been putting on shows in this corner of Cheshire for decades, and they're still the sort of amateur theatre company that genuinely knows how to entertain. Based near Macclesfield, they run a fairly regular season of productions - pantomimes, comedies, the occasional drama - performed with real enthusiasm rather than polish, which frankly is half the charm.

You'll find locals filling the seats, families settling in for a laugh, and occasionally someone who's actually rather good at acting. The atmosphere is nothing like London's West End - it's more community hall than theatre, but that's entirely the point. A panto here feels like Christmas with your neighbours, if your neighbours were unexpectedly talented.

If you're staying at Sycamore Farm Caravan Site just down the road, or Eastwood End a bit further out, this makes a decent evening option if you've had your fill of walks and fresh air. Shows are reasonably priced and they tend to run most of the year, though you'll want to check their schedule beforehand as times and programmes vary.

The productions aren't going to blow your mind with technical wizardry, but that's not what you're here for. You want an evening out, some laughs, and the kind of theatre that doesn't take itself too seriously. Perfect for that, really.