A local theatre group are getting ready to celebrate 125 years of Noël Coward this March with a fundraising production of one of the English playwright's more iconic comedies.

This year would be Noël Coward's 125th Birthday, and to celebrate this in true 'Coward' style, Rutland's Horseshoe Theatre presents Noel Coward's hilarious comedy 'Relative Values' at Rutland County Museum.

Horseshoe Theatre is a small company of players from other local groups, that come together to bring theatrical plays to venues across Rutland and raise money for various local charities.

Following last year's hugely successful production of 'Calendar Girls', this March, the group will be putting on 'Relative Values' - an equally popular but more upbeat production - to keep Rutland residents entertained.

Catch Relative Values at Rutland County Museum this March 2024. Image credit: Horseshoe Theatre.

'Relative Values' is a witty exploration of social classes and the humorous clash of cultures. Filled with Coward's signature razor-sharp dialogue and incisive wit, this classic play promises an evening of uproarious laughter and unforgettable moments.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Horseshoe Theatre is delighted to announce their upcoming production of Noel Coward's timeless comedy, 'Relative Values', set to grace the stage at the Rutland County Museum on 15 and 16 March 2024."

Tickets for this highly anticipated event cost £10 and are available for purchase via Wegottickets or from Oakham Wines in the Market Place. Early booking is advised to ensure an opportunity to celebrate this much-loved classic.

You can pick up tickets at Oakham Wines. Image credit: Nub News.

After raising over £3,000 for cancer research during their last production of 'Calendar Girls', the group have chosen to support local charity Anna's Hope, and a collection will take place in the Foyer before and after the show.

Anna's Hope helps support children and their families during cancer treatment. 

The Anna's Hope Specialist Children's Neuro Oncology Nurses works closely with each child in their care, along with their family throughout their treatment at the Children's Cancer Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital. They also help coordinate support at home and school. It can be a frightening and confusing time, which is why our specialist nurse is on-hand to help.

The charity was named after Anna Hughes, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2005.

Following an eight hour operation to remove the tumour, she underwent an intensive chemotherapy programme at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. For 15 months she spent every other week in hospital but sadly, like so many children diagnosed with brain tumours, Anna lost her battle and passed away aged three years eight months.

She was an inspiration to everyone she met, and continues to inspire groups - such as Horseshoe Theatre - to raise funds for the vital work undertaken by the charity.

You can support this fundraising and enjoy a wonderful evening at 'Relative Values' by Noel Coward on March 15 and 16.

Doors open at 7pm and the production, set to take place at, Rutland County Museum, begins at 7:30pm.

Find out more about Horseshoe Theatre on the group's Facebook page, or read more about the inspirational Anna on the Anna's Hope website.