From 80s hits and Halloween theatre to ballet, family cinema and a new locally-produced witchcraft drama, there’s plenty coming up at The Bonington
The Bonington in Arnold has unveiled a packed programme of films, theatre, live music and family entertainment for the coming weeks.
The venue has plenty lined up for the remainder of October, including live music from Jazz Steps, Word-Up 80s and Kellys Heroes, alongside ballet, cinema and a host of half-term events.
There’s also a suitably spooky flavour to the programme as Halloween approaches, including Hocus Pocus – Live Experience and a new production telling the story of two women accused of witchcraft.
Here’s what’s coming up.
Scottish Ballet: These Violent Delights + Q&A
Wednesday, October 21 – 7.30pm
Scottish Ballet comes to the big screen with These Violent Delights, followed by a Q&A.
The event is rated 15.
Sense & Sensibility
Thursday, October 22 – Monday, November 9
Jane Austen comes to the cinema screen with Sense & Sensibility, rated U.
The film will be showing across a run of dates stretching into November.
Jazz Steps: Gilad Atzmon’s Organology Trio
Thursday, October 22 – 7.30pm
Live music returns to The Bonington with another Jazz Steps show, this time featuring Gilad Atzmon’s Organology Trio.
Practical Magic 2
Friday, October 23 – Thursday, October 29
There’s more suitably seasonal cinema on offer with Practical Magic 2, rated 12A.
Word-Up 80s
Friday, October 23 – 7.30pm
Anyone wanting to swap Halloween scares for some serious 1980s nostalgia can head along to Word-Up 80s.
The live music show takes place at 7.30pm.
LED Sabre Workshops + The Sword in the Stone
Saturday, October 24 – from midday
Youngsters can get hands-on during the half-term break with an LED sabre workshop.
The event is being paired with a screening of Disney classic The Sword in the Stone, rated U.
An Evening with Kellys Heroes
Saturday, October 24 – 7.30pm
Kellys Heroes take to The Bonington stage for an evening of live music on Saturday night.
Fallen Angels by Noël Coward
Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, November 7
Noël Coward’s comedy Fallen Angels joins the venue’s Event Cinema programme, with screenings running into early November.
Films of Hong Kong: Deadline
Sunday, October 25 – 4.30pm
The Bonington’s cinema programme also heads to Hong Kong with a screening of Deadline.
The film carries a 15 certificate.
Disney Jr Cinema Club
Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27 – 10.30am
One for younger cinema-goers during half-term, Disney Jr Cinema Club will be screening on consecutive mornings.
Both sessions begin at 10.30am.
The Royal Ballet: Manon
Tuesday, October 27 and Sunday, November 1
The Royal Ballet’s acclaimed Manon comes to Arnold as part of The Bonington’s Event Cinema programme.
Hocus Pocus – Live Experience
Wednesday, October 28 – 2pm
Things get decidedly spooky as Halloween draws closer with Hocus Pocus – Live Experience.
The afternoon theatre show begins at 2pm.
Fertile Soil
Friday, October 30 – 7.30pm
A new production with a strong Bonington connection arrives just before Halloween.
Set in the dark confines of a 17th-century gaol, Fertile Soil follows Alice and Maggie, two women accused of witchcraft, as they face their fate and reveal the stories that have led them to the gallows.
But when secrets are currency, confessions can have consequences.
The production is written and performed by The Bonington Theatre’s Grace Deavall alongside Sue Whytte and presented by Rebel Witch Productions.
And there’s plenty more on the way
The Bonington has also announced a host of shows and screenings for later in the year and into 2027.
Among the new events going on sale are:
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express
Sunday, November 29 – Friday, December 10
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical comes to the screen at The Bonington.
CBeebies Panto: Treasure Island
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 – 10.30am
Families can get into the festive spirit with the CBeebies take on the swashbuckling classic Treasure Island.
Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience
Saturday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 23
Peppa joins The Bonington’s Christmas programme with a festive cinema experience aimed at younger audiences.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged
Thursday, January 14 – 7.30pm
Jane Austen gets the abridged treatment in a show attempting to squeeze the author’s famous works into one evening.
The Mayor’s Panto
Saturday, January 16 – 7pm
Panto season continues into January with The Mayor’s Panto, beginning at 7pm.
All Things McCartney
Friday, February 12 – 7.30pm
Beatles and Paul McCartney fans can look ahead to February, when All Things McCartney arrives at the Arnold venue.
How to book
Tickets for events at The Bonington can be booked through The Bonington website or by calling the box office on 0115 901 3640.
