Mary Reid

There were times in the last nine years when I never thought I would be able to write this: tickets are now on sale for the first season in Kingston's new theatre.

Photo by Chris Pearsall

The Rose Theatre's first production will be Chekhov's 'Uncle Vanya', directed by Peter Hall and starring one of my favourite actors, Neil Pearson.

A further seven plays have been announced, including a school holiday treat: 'George's Marvellous Medicine'. Two Shakespeare plays are in the line-up - Northern Broadsides production of 'Romeo and Juliet' and an Asian take on 'The Tempest'.

The Comedy Store will be taking over the theatre one Sunday each month, plus the Pasedena Roof Orchestra, Kit and the Widow, and Rabbi Lionel Blue.

And that's not all - you'll just have to go to the Rose's new look website to see everything. You can also book tickets online, or find the box office details.