The Grove Theatre enjoys 2025 season success

Run by Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, The Grove saw new seating installed in August which delivered major improvements to audience comfort and experience, contributing to increased attendance across professional performances, pantomime and community hires.

A highlight of the year was the hugely successful pantomime season. The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, produced by Evolution Productions, welcomed nearly 35,000 people in December. The production starred EastEnders actress Rita Simons, with Grove favourite Will Kenning returning to provide both comedy and acclaimed direction.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the season was the pantomime cast's visit to Caddington Grove and Thorn Springs care homes for their annual Christmas lights switch-on. Resident dame Will Kenning, alongside Grove Theatre colleagues, joined residents to celebrate the festive season, complete with wig-trying session.

Thanks to the generosity of pantomime audiences, an incredible £11,800 was raised during the run for Breast Cancer Now. The funds will help Breast Cancer Now to provide free support to those affected, invest in world-class research and support projects that have the power to change lives.

The Grove also welcomed local HAF families as part of a much-loved Christmas tradition. Thanks to Central Bedfordshire Council funding provided by the Department for Education, more than 850 local children and families attended the pantomime and enjoyed a buffet lunch free of charge.

Community engagement remains central to The Grove's mission. Throughout 2025, schools and young performers from Dunstable and wider Central Bedfordshire were given opportunities to present showcases and end-of-year performances on a professional stage.

The theatre team also participated in Pirate Day at The Quadrant Shopping Centre, delivering free arts and crafts activities for families during the school holidays. Pop-up information stands were also hosted at The Dunstable Centre, Flitwick Leisure Centre and Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, alongside attendance at the Twilight Market, where the team promoted the theatre's programme to residents.

Alongside these initiatives, The Grove's programme features an extensive hire season. This included Calling Dunstable, which showcased homegrown talent and provided the opportunity to perform as part of a professional set-up, and the BBC Three Counties Make a Difference Awards.

Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Leisure Services, Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Grove Theatre continues to play a vital role in enriching the cultural life of our communities. Its commitment to nurturing local talent, supporting families and schools, and offering high quality performances makes it a service that we’re extremely proud of. The theatre also helps draw more people into Dunstable, which in turn benefits a wide range of local businesses.”