Rocky Horror, Shakespeare, musicals, spooky Ghost Walks and two versions of Robin Hood are heading to North Walsham as the Black Swan Public House and Theatre launches its new September–December 2026 season.
The not-for-profit venue has unveiled its latest programme, bringing together live theatre, cinema, music, family entertainment and special events in the heart of North Walsham.
The season gets underway on Saturday 26 September with A Show for Nepal, an evening of magic, comedy and song raising funds for the Nepal Disaster Fund.
Also on the big screen this November is National Theatre Live’s The Misanthrope, starring award-winner Sandra Oh, best known for Killing Eve. This razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy brings world-class theatre to North Walsham, screened at the Black Swan Theatre on Wednesday 7 October.
October brings The Little Big Musicals Show on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, celebrating the magic of the West End and Broadway with songs from some of the world’s biggest musicals, including Les Misérables, Wicked, Mary Poppins and The Lion King, presented by Musicality Productions.
Things then take a spooky turn as Halloween approaches. The Black Swan’s Ghost Walks return on 27, 28 and 29 October, inviting audiences to discover some of North Walsham’s spooky past on an atmospheric walk through the town.
On Friday 30 October, audiences are invited to do the Time Warp again with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The cult classic will be shown on the theatre’s cinema screen, complete with a goodie bag on arrival and a live pre-show from Titania Trust. Dressing up is optional – but highly encouraged!
Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October, sees the venue hosting a family Halloween Party during the afternoon before things get considerably scarier with a free VHS Horror Film Fest, featuring retro scares and gloriously grainy horror classics at 8pm and 10pm.
November brings Shakespeare to the Black Swan stage as Joseph Ballard takes on Richard III on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November. His new one-man production is a bold, fast-paced and darkly funny take on the classic tale of ambition, power and one man’s ruthless quest for the crown. The shorter adaptation has been created to be easier to follow and enjoy – whether audiences are Team White Rose or Team Red Rose.
And then, of course, Christmas means pantomime.
This year the Black Swan heads to merry old North Walls-ham for its family pantomime, Robin Hood, written and directed by Joseph Ballard and starring Titania Trust, Danny O’Hara and Paige Miller.
Packed with magical mischief, cheeky charm and a tale of robbing the rich to give to the poor, the production promises all the fun and audience participation audiences have come to expect from the Black Swan’s festive shows.
But there is a brand-new addition to the programme this Christmas.
For the first time after 5 years, the Black Swan is also presenting Robin Hood: After Dark, an adults-only pantomime. With the arrows out and the innuendos very definitely in, Robin and the gang get a strictly grown-up makeover for two late-night performances on 30 and 31 December at 9pm. The performances will also raise funds for the organisation’s not-for-profit work and the New year’s Eve performance will ring in the new year terrifically!
Joseph Ballard, Director of New Stages Projects CIC and landlord of the Black Swan, said:
“We’re really proud of this season because it shows just how much variety we can pack into our little theatre in North Walsham. You can come and do the Time Warp with Rocky Horror, discover some of the town’s spooky history, see me tackle one of my favourite Shakespeare characters in Richard III, enjoy musicals, films and special events, and then finish the year with the madness of Robin Hood.
“Pantomime has become a really important part of Christmas for us, so this year we thought we’d have a bit of fun and try something new as well. Robin Hood: After Dark gives the grown-ups a chance to enjoy panto without the kids – and allows us to use some of the jokes we definitely can’t get away with at the family shows!
“As a not-for-profit organisation, every ticket bought and every drink enjoyed at the Black Swan helps us keep putting on entertainment and creating opportunities here in North Walsham. We want people to have great nights out on their doorstep and we’re really excited to welcome everyone through the doors this autumn and Christmas.”
Other highlights across the season include the Smuggler’s Lantern Parade on Saturday 24 October, Stars in Our Eyes on Friday 6 November, a Retro Gaming Arcade Weekend on 28 and 29 November, National Theatre Live screenings and more.
The Black Swan Public House and Theatre is operated by New Stages Projects CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, with income from the venue supporting its community and cultural work.
The September–December 2026 season is on sale now.
Tickets can be booked in person at the Black Swan Public House and Theatre in North Walsham, with no transaction fee, or online at www.newstages.co.uk.
Leave a Reply