Heart and laughter aplenty at Harborough Theatre
A busy month awaits at Harborough Theatre with an array of attractions scheduled for July.
Bear Hug, on Friday July 3, is billed as “a play about trying to stitch together a family that once was”. It tells how, five years ago, Liv’s adult son put the garden chair out for her then disappeared. The family lost a son, brother, nephew, cousin and grandson – until one Tuesday morning, Liv sees him in traffic.
The play is written by Paul Tafaro, and will be presented on a special one-off evening where the playwright shares a first preview of his new play. The ‘script in hand’ will be followed by an audience discussion.
The popular comedy night Ha Ha Harborough returns to the venue on Saturday July 4. The Headliner is Eleanor Tiernan, an Irish comedian well-known among Irish audiences for her live stand-up performances and her work in TV, theatre and on radio. She has feature on Stand up for Live Comedy (BBC3) and Comedy Central’s The Alternative Comedy Experience and she has supported acts including Stewart Lee, Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Manford, Jason Byrne and Reginald D Hunter. She has been a panellist on BBC Radio 4’s News Quiz and appears in Holding, a new TV adaptation of Graham Norton’s debut novel.
The evening opens with an act by Mark Row. Mark has built a solid reputation as an up-and-coming act, with a world-weary take on life and an eye for relatable and sometimes outrageous comedy.
Also on the bill is Leslie Gold, an American living in London. Leslie fell into stand-up as part of what she calls a midlife crisis. She explores everyday topics from her no-nonsense New Jersey perspective. The show is held together by resident MC Rob Coleman.
Market Harborough Drama Society presents As You Like It, by William Shakespeare, from Tuesday July 7 to Saturday July 11. When Duke Senior is exiled to the Forest of Arden, his daughter Rosalind and her cousin Celia soon follow. In true Shakespearean style, there are disguises, misunderstandings and emotional reunions.
And on Saturday July 18, Gareth John presents An Evening of Swing. Having sold out for the last three years at his local theatre, Harborough resident and nationally touring and recording artist Gareth returns with his stellar five-piece band for his annual concert.
This date is also an extra special milestone for Gareth, as he releases his debut quintet album, recorded at Harborough Theatre at the 2025 show. Signed copies will be available to purchase on the night and Gareth is once again joined by some of the Midlands’ most prolific jazz musicians, including Zoe Swann, who impressed many with her vocal and double bass playing talents last year.
Visit harboroughtheatre.com or call (01858) 463673 to book or for more information.