
About Us
Avocet Theatre Company is a registered charity based in Banbury, Oxfordshire (Charity Number: 1186908). We produce high-quality musical theatre, pantomimes, and community productions that bring people together through creativity and performance.
Run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, ATC provides opportunities for performers, creatives, and backstage enthusiasts of all ages to take part in fun, inclusive, and ambitious theatre projects. We are especially proud of our youth and family-friendly productions, which combine professional standards with a welcoming community feel.
As a member of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA), we are committed to developing performing arts opportunities in our local area and beyond.
Shrek the Musical
Presentation Evening
Tuesday 16th September 2025
Christopher Rawlins Primary School
7.00pm to 9.30pm
£5 per person
Open to adults and children in academic Year 8 and above (from September 2025)
Join Avocet Theatre Company as we stage this
Shrek-tacular musical! Come along and find out how you can get involved. New and returning members welcome.
Shrek the Musical
Wykham Theatre, Banbury
Easter 2026
More Information
Avocet Theatre Company
Channel info
Comedy, Entertainment
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Avocet Theatre Company
The Love Potion Medley - Robin Hood - Avocet Theatre Company

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Avocet Theatre Company presents The Love Potion Medley from our March 2022 production of Robin Hood! www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukEntertainment
Robin Hood: A Sneak Peak! (Avocet Theatre Company)

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Tickets for Robin Hood are available at www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/tickets Take a peak inside the rehearsal room of Avocet Theatre Company's upcoming pantomime - Robin Hood! The show is coming to Banbury from Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th March 2022 and you're not going to want to miss it! 7.30pm Nightly (plus 2.30pm on Saturday 19th March) Socially Distanced Seating on 17th March Wykham Theatre, Wykham Park Academy, Ruskin Road, Banbury, OX16 9HY Tickets available now at: www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/ticketsEntertainment
banbury, pantomime, oxfordshire, robin hood, avocet theatre company, atc, banburyshire, bodicote
Lockdown: By the Numbers (Avocet Theatre Company)

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When Lockdown began in March 2020, Avocet Theatre Company were determined to prove that 'Coronavirus Can't Stop Creativity'. With us (hopefully!) heading back to rehearsals this month, we wanted to take a look back on the incredible achievements we have had these past 15 months whilst celebrating the wonderful and talented people involved! Enjoy!Entertainment
The Not So Royal Variety Performance (Avocet Theatre Company)

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Some clips from Avocet Theatre Company's 2018 variety show - The Not So Royal Variety Performance. These clips were compiled to inspire people for ATC's Lockdown variety show - The Virtual Variety Show.Entertainment
All Together at Christmas - Avocet Theatre Company - A Festive Variety Show

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Donate to ATC and Local Food Banks at: www.JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/ATC Avocet Theatre Company are proud to release this feast of festive fun! Featuring comedy, music and dancing, this Christmas variety show is sure to get you in to the Christmas spirit whilst supporting local food banks. www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk RUNNING ORDER: 0:00 - Winter Wonderland - The Company 2:02 - The Queen's Speech - Ben Coleman 5:03 - Baby It's Cold Outside - Alfie Blackwell and Charlie Cox 7:46 - Sleigh Bells Remix Dance - Myron Byfield 9:14 - Christmas Adverts in Lockdown - The Company 16:28 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Will Healy 17:55 - Elf Monologue - Kitty Russell 19:16 - Elf the Musical Medley - Alfie Blackwell, Katie Crowther, Charlie Cox and the Cast of ATC's 2019 production of Elf the Musical Jr 25:28 - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Chloe Fulford-Hewitt, Ruby Oakley, Amelia Peel and Gill Crowther 28:10 - Meeting of the 'Elves' - Ben Coleman, Gill Crowther, Alfie Blackwell, Katie Crowther and Kitty Russell 28:36 - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Sign Language Song - Jess Spengler (featuring pictures of The Company) 31:17 - Boris Actually - Ben Coleman and Gill Crowther 35:14 - White Winter Hymnal - Eleanor Fairley, Charlie Cox, Katie Crowther, Alfie Blackwell, Willy Healy and Amelia Haverson 38:08 - The 'Perfect' Family Christmas - Jamie Cox, Melanie Cox, Charlie Cox and Ellie Cox 39:02 - The Twelve Days of COVID - The Company 43:12 - Santa Baby (A Parody) - Jennie Healy and Ian Keeffe 45:03 - School Nativity Notes (inspired by 'Giving Notes' by Victoria Wood) - Gill Crowther 50:06 - Last Christmas - Eleanor Fairley 53:37 - Acting Out Christmas Sketch - The Cast of ATC's Web Series, 'Acting Out' 1:02:22 - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Louise Nunneley, Ben Coleman and Gill Crowther 1:04:29 - I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday - The Company and You!Entertainment
christmas, banbury, avocet theatre company, avocet, atc, theatre, variety show, festive, oxfordshire, borisactually, 12 days, banburyshire, bodicote, bloxham, theater, show, musical, comedy, singing, dancing, sketches
Cinderella - The Read Through Sessions Episode 1 - Avocet Theatre Company

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The Hammer from Matilda the Musical by Ben Coleman - Avocet Theatre Company

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Ben Coleman performs The Hammer from Matilda the Musical whilst in LockdownBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Singing, The Hammer, Matilda, Matilda the musical, west end, broadway, miss trunchbull, trunchbull, hammer
Television in Lockdown! - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, funny, telelvision, TV, Lockdown TV, Lockdown Television, Spoof, parody
The Social Distance Rehearsal by Ben Coleman & Gill Crowther - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, funny, romeo and juliet, rehearsals, social distancing, socially distanced
Suddenly Seymour (from Little Shop of Horrors) - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Suddenly Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors, LSOH
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) Sign Language - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Sign Language, sign language song, A Thousand Years, Twilight, Christina Perri
Run Away With Me by Luke Wetherill - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Run Away With Me
What Baking Can Do (from Waitress the Musical) by Louise Nunneley - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Waitress, Waitress the Musical, What Baking Can Do
Musical Theatre: in Lockdown! - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, funny, spoof, sketch, musical theatre, west end, broadway, social distancing
Haus of Holbein (from Six: The Musical) by The Melzack Family - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Six, Six the Musical, Haus of Holbein, House of Holbein
Another Day of Sun (Tap Rotuine) by Katie Crowther - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Tap Dance, Tap, La La Land, Another Day of Sun
A Happy Beginning (from Once Upon A Time) - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody
Lockdown Workout Sketch by Gill Crowther - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, workout, workout sketch, funny, Victoria Wood
Journey to the Past (from Anastasia the Musical) by Alfie Blackwell - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Anastasia the Musica, Anastasia, Journey to the past
Don't Stand So Close to Me (Lockdown Parody) - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Social Distancing
Happy Together (Lockdown Parody) - Avocet Theatre Company

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Coronavirus can't stop Creativity! An extract from Avocet Theatre Company's Virtual Variety Show. All filmed whilst in lockdown, this 2 hour production streamed for just over one month and raised over £1,000 for charity. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukBanbury, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, Lockdown, Coronavirus, Theatre, Theater, Musical, Comedy, Sketches, Dance, Singing, Pantomime, Comedy sketch, Parody, Happy Together
Robin Hood - Original Closing Night Special Video - Avocet Theatre Company

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Saturday 20th June 2020 should have marked the closing night of Avocet Theatre Company's production of Robin Hood: A Musical-Pantomime! Sadly, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the show was postponed. However, Robin Hood will ride again! To remember this very strange day, the Avocet Theatre Company Committee - with a little help from the Sheriff of Nottingham and Nurse Bedpan - reunited for a special video tribute, dedicated to our incredibly talented cast and our wonderful supporters! www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk @AvocetTheatreCompanybanbury, Robin Hood, Avocet Theatre Company, ATC, pantomime, lockdown, dame, sheriff of nottingham
The Virtual Variety Show (By Avocet Theatre Company)

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Please donate at: www.JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/AvocetTheatreCompany Any profits will be split between ATC and the NHS Avocet Theatre Company presents The Virtual Variety Show! Raising funds for the Arts and the NHS during the 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) cannot stop creativity! Avocet Theatre Company are thrilled to present a Variety Show with a difference. To support the arts and our NHS heroes, Avocet Theatre Company members, past and present, reunite for this special production filled with music, laughter and dance - all from the comfort of their own homes! The Virtual Variety Show is free to view, however, please consider donating any amount you can via JustGiving. Any profits will be split with the NHS. For more information about Avocet Theatre Company, please visit www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk . The Virtual Variety Show will be available to stream until Saturday 20th June 2020. 0:00 - Don't Stand So Close to Me (Lockdown Parody) – The Company 3:14 - Journey to the Past (from Anastasia) - Alfie Blackwell 6:21 - The Distance Rehearsal - Ben Coleman & Gill Crowther 9:17 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Ballet - Caitlin Gold 11:40 - The House of Holbein (from Six: The Musical) - The Melzacks 14:07-Another Day of Sun - Katie Crowther 15:12 - Men In Tights - The Cast of Robin Hood 17:10 - Fields of Gold - Lynda Webb 20:52 - Musical Theatre: In Lockdown 26:44 - Monologue - Kitty Russell 27:38 - The Singing Rehearsal - Ben Coleman, Gill Crowther & Georgia Brooks 29:48 - Stand Up Comedy - Will Healy 35:49 - Happy Together (Lockdown Parody) - Ben Coleman, Gill Crowther, Louise Nunneley, Jennie Healy, Amelia Haverson 39:13 - Musical Theatre Medley - Colm Forde, Felicity Foster, Kat Smith & Hollie Keene 44:44 - Television: In Lockdown 50:41 - Our House - Junior Dance Team 52:55 - Sign Language Song - Jess Spengler & The Company 56:27 – The Bulk Buying Brute - Jennie Healy & Ian Keeffe 1:00:18 - The Wacky Wardrobe Sketch - Ben Coleman, Gill Crowther & Jeanette Gee 1:02:32 - Into the Unknown - Chloe Fulford-Hewitt 1:04:12 - I Am What I am (from La Cage aux Folles) - Charlie Cox 1:07:35 - TripAdvisor Reviews - Ben Coleman 1:09:47 - Our Song (By Taylor Swift) - Eleanor Fairley 1:13:05 - Searching for Animal Acts - Ben Coleman, Gill Crowther & Jo Sammons 1:16:58 - Dance and Hula-Hoop - Isla Swanton and Thea Swanton 1:20:38 - The Zoom Workout - Gill Crowther 1:24:06 - What Baking Can Do (from Waitress) - Louise Nunneley 1:27:37 - Adverts: In Lockdown 1:31:05 - Suddenly Seymour (from Little Shop of Horrors) - Katie Crowther & Will Healy 1:34:53 - The Car Lip Sync and Blooper Reel - Ben Coleman & Gill Crowther 1:38:47 - Break Up Song - Senior Dance Team 1:41:08 - Run Away With Me (from The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown) - Luke Wetherill 1:44:35 - A Happy Beginning - Company Avocet Theatre Company is a registered charity (1186908)theatre, musical, banbury, avocet, theater, avocet theatre company, atc, variety show, the virtual variety show, drama, oxfordshire, banburyshire
Acting Out - Episode 2 - Lockdown Special

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Acting Out is a mockumentary web series created by Avocet Theatre Company. This Lockdown Special was filmed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Raising money for ATC and the NHS at www.JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/avocettheatrecompany Taking inspiration from similar shows such as The Office, Parks and Recreation and Modern Family, the series takes a faux documentary style as we explore the inner workings of a fictitious drama group - Fletcher Theatre Company. The series was originally devised as a one-off short film however, due to overwhelming demand, the team at Avocet Theatre Company will be releasing new episodes of Acting Out when they can. The series contains strong language and adult themes. Viewer discretion is advised. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukComedy
theatre, mockumentary, avocet, avocet theatre company, atc, banbury, acting out, lockdown special, acting out lockdown special, oxfordshire, theater
Acting Out - Episode 1 - The Pilot

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Acting Out is a mockumentary web-series created by Avocet Theatre Company. Taking inspiration from similar shows such as The Office, Parks and Recreation and Modern Family, the takes a faux documentary style as we explore the inner workings of a fictitious amateur theatre company. The series was devised as a one off short film however, due to overwhelming demand, the team at Avocet Theatre Company will be releasing new content as and when they can. The series contains strong language and adult themes. Parental discretion is advised. www.AvocetTheatre.co.ukComedy
Projects as Avocet Theatre Company:
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Cinderella: A Musical - Pantomime
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Nativity the Musical
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Disney's Frozen the Musical Jr
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TheatreFest Banbury (including Six the Musical, The Nativity: Away in a Manager (Manger!!!) and One Night Only)
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Sleeping Beauty: A Musical - Pantomime
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Disney's Moana the Musical Jr
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Robin Hood: A Musical - Pantomime
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Treading the Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast
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Acting Out - The Web Series
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The Read Through Sessions
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All Together at Christmas
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The Virtual Variety Show
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Elf the Musical Jr
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Snow White: A Musical-Pantomime
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The Not-So-Royal Variety Performance
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Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr
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Winter Wonderland 2
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Jack & the Beanstalk: A Musical-Pantomime
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Winter Wonderland (in partnership with Banbury Academy)
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ATC Variety Gala