This autumn, Shoreham’s much-loved Ropetackle Arts Centre is celebrating a milestone — its 18th birthday! Since opening in 2007, the venue has grown into a cultural hub for Adur and beyond, delivering a packed programme of live music, theatre, comedy, film, talks and community events.
From the start, Ropetackle has been a registered charity, built on the dedication of trustees and volunteers who still run the box office, steward shows, and keep the place buzzing. Today, it’s a flagship arts centre with a national reputation, attracting household names to its intimate 200-seat auditorium while remaining a welcoming space for groups, families, local talent and audiences of all ages.

Star-studded autumn programme
To mark its 18th year, Ropetackle has pulled together one of its strongest autumn/winter seasons yet. Comedy fans can look forward to performances from Rory Bremner, Judi Love, Alexei Sayle, Milton Jones, Simon Evans and Ed Byrne, while the Ropetackle Comedy Club every third Thursday serves up a night of headliners and support acts — a perfect warm-up to the weekend.
Music lovers will find an impressive mix of legends and rising stars: from The Three Degrees, Tom Robinson, Wishbone Ash, Bow Wow Wow, The Milk, Barbara, True Loves, Kris Barras, China Crisis, Kast Off Kinks, Dr Feelgood/Nine Below Zero, Steeleye Span, The Guilty Men and Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, to tributes honouring the musical legacies of Aretha Franklin, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Phil Collins and Genesis, and Sandy Denny.

Theatre, stories, and family fun
There is a wealth of exceptional theatre coming to town, including Barefoot Opera, Revenge: After the Levoyah (a chaotic Jewish heist-comedy with biting political satire), Beowulf, When Vincent Met John (a groundbreaking new play that explores what might have happened if Van Gogh and Lennon had actually met), Discovering Antarctica (the heroic story of Shackleton, Crean and Scott brought to
life) and the much-loved classic A Christmas Carol. Be sure to check out Shoreham Wordfest events this month too, as the annual literary festival gets underway.

For younger audiences, there’s plenty of fun in store, including puppetry, theatre shows and the excellent Wifi Wars, a laugh-out-loud interactive show where families can join in real-time video game chaos. And of course, no Ropetackle winter is complete without the Shoreham Panto — this year’s festive spectacular is Dick Whittington.

More than just a theatre

Alongside its professional programme, there are also thriving children’s activities, jazz brunches, a popular film club, affordable rooms for hire, and relaxed screenings designed to support vulnerable audience members.

As Ropetackle celebrates 18 vibrant years, one thing is clear: there’s something here for everyone. To book tickets or find out more, visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk , call the box office on 01273 464440, or pop into the lovely Rose Petal café.

We can’t wait to see you!