Concerts & Performances

Who to travel with for the Oberammergau Passion Play 2020

With the Oberammergau Passion Play taking place next year, in 2020, now is a great time to plan your once in a lifetime adventure.

Shakespeare's Globe and The View from The Shard: In the eye of the beholder

Laura Sexton reports back from an exciting Reader Club Trip to Shakespeare’s Globe and The View from the Shard.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach to host ice dancing show once again

Hot Ice, a visual ice show spectacular, is back for the 2019 season with a new production at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Christmas celebration at Royal Albert Hall opens to groups

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced that priority booking for this year’s John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall is now open to groups.

Music icons to appear at Kew the Music

The annual event, Kew the Music, has announced all of its guest performers for the upcoming event, set to take place in July.

Tickets released for 2019 Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Preparations are already underway for the 2019 Thursford Christmas Spectacular, with tickets now on sale for the event.

First artists confirmed for 2019 Forest Live event

The first performers for the 2019 Forest Live events, starting on 13th June, have been announced.

GLT launches Theatre and Cruise newsletters

Group Leisure & Travel magazine now offers regular dedicated email newsletters for people interested in organising group trips to the theatre, and for those looking for cruise holiday ideas and offers.

Shearings Holidays unveils Strictly Come Dancing breaks

Shearings Holidays has launched its 2019 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour packages which include tickets to the live shows, as well as transport and accommodation.

Oberammergau among Crystal River Cruises’ 2020 itineraries

Crystal River Cruises has unveiled its voyages for 2020 including the chance to see the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany.

Warwick Castle recreates history with new Dragon Slayer show

Dragon Slayer features thrilling combat, great acting and an evening of fun, says Laura Sexton, after attending the premiere.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra reveals group deals for 2019 shows

Discounts for groups have been announced by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for its 2019 programme.

Blackpool’s legendary Pavilion Theatre to be restored to former glory

Plans have been announced to restore Blackpool’s historic Pavilion Theatre and turn it into a creative hub that will stage works accessible to northern audiences.

Rhine and Danube cruises offer soothing strings for classical music lovers

Classical music lovers can listen to soothing strings as they cruise some of Europe’s most beautiful waterways.

Circus star Vanessa Alvarez tops the bill at 41st Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Thursford will explode in a riot of sound and colour when the annual Christmas Spectacular gets under way.

Wars of the Roses adds excitement to a group visit to Warwick Castle

Rachel Bailey reports back from watching Warwick Castle’s Wars of the Roses Live.

Kynren: An epic tale in every sense of the word

GLT’s editor Keeley Rodgers travelled to Bishop Auckland for a preview of Kynren which is set to wow visitors for a third season.

Autumn tour dates released for Simply Sinatra

Simply Sinatra, a concert of music and songs made famous by one of the world’s most loved singer, Frank Sinatra, will tour the UK this autumn.

Oberammergau Passion Play: Q&A with the director and leading actor

GLT spoke to Christian Stuckl, director of the Passion Play which will be taking place in 2020, along with Frederik Mayet.

Passion Play: Tour operators selling group tickets announced

The historic Passion Play that takes place in Oberammergau, Germany every ten years will be releasing tickets later this year and expects to be more popular than ever among groups.

Full line-up revealed for Kew the Music

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has announced the final headline artist to join the much-loved Kew the Music.

Disney Fantasia to be celebrated in new immersive show

The Vaults, London’s home for immersive theatre and alternative arts, has created a new experience celebrating Disney Fantasia, opening this summer.

Shakespeare Festival to return to Oxford Castle

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival will return to Oxford Castle & Prison this summer for the fourth consecutive year.

Wicksteed Park announces three new daytime shows for 2018

The theme park in Northamptonshire will welcome three daytime shows to its 2018 programme with themed of wartime and the sixties.

Royal Three Counties Show to celebrate British countryside for 60th time

The annual show will return for its 60th year at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern this year.

Mill Rythe launches dedicated Christmas packages for GTOs

Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Hayling Island is launching a series of Christmas lunches dedicated to group organisers, after trialling them during last year’s festive season.

Tom Jones to headline Hampton Court Palace Festival

Singer Tom Jones and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are two of the headlining acts announced for this year's Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Kynren returns for third time with new group rates

The County Durham-based outdoor live action show will run 17 performances between 30th June and 15th September.

Outdoor Proms festival to launch on the Isle of Wight

The Wight Proms, a new annual festival of open-air picnic concerts celebrating the Isle of Wight's music, food, people and red squirrels, will launch this August.

Folk stars to headline at Warwick Folk Festival

The Warwick Folk Festival, now in its 39th year, will return with a line-up of folk stars from around the world from 26th to 29th July at Warwick School and the surrounding town.

Review: The Matinee Shows from Groups Direct

GLT went to the first showing of the Matinee Shows to see why the experience is proving so popular with groups.

Liverpool celebrates ten years since European City of Culture title

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Liverpool being crowned European City of Culture, and the city is marking the milestone with a programme of exciting events and projects.

Places to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the circus

Roll-up, roll-up, there are plenty of places where your group can make the most of this year's major circus anniversary.

International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival to celebrate 25 years

The Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival will celebrate the works of the famous Victorian-era musicians.

Liverpool reveals major cultural programme for 2018

Next year will mark a decade since Liverpool's reign as European Capital of Culture and is set to be an exciting year for the city with plenty on offer to group visitors.

Il Divo’s 2018 tour to visit stately homes and castles

Singing quartet Il Divo will tour some of the UK's stately homes and castles in the summer of 2018.

Bristol Old Vic 2018: Chekov, Shakespeare and Dickens confirmed

The Bristol Old Vic has revealed that its upcoming year of entertainment will have a theme of the ‘Year of Change’.

Q&A: Why Liverpool is the 'most transformed city'

Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan tells GLT about the transformation of the city.

World premieres confirmed for Norfolk & Norwich Festival

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival has announced the first shows of its 2018 schedule – three of which will run for the first time.

Dates confirmed for next year’s Birmingham International Tattoo

In November 2018, the famous indoor international tattoo that celebrates all things pomp and pageantry will return to Arena Birmingham.

Trioperas to have its world debut in London

Trioperas, a show described as ‘three operas in one evening’ will open in May 2018 for the first time, at the Peacock Theatre in London.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular announces extra performances

On 8th November, the doors will open again for the variety show, Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

Q&A with Tango Moderno’s Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone

With Tango Moderno hitting the road this month, former Strictly stars Flavia and Vincent tell all why they love tango so much.

Nottingham Playhouse unveils show collection for 2018

The Nottingham Playhouse’s programme for 2018, which will be the first season under the new artistic director, Adam Penford, has been revealed.

First three acts confirmed for Kew the Music 2018

The Gipsy Kings, The Human League and Jools Holland are the first confirmed headliners for Kew the Music 2018.

Tickets on sale for 2018 Strictly UK tour

Tickets for the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour have gone on sale.

New attractions to lead Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s festivities

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes back the Victorian Festival of Christmas this year.

Group benefits and new shows for RPO 2018 season

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has revealed details and highlights of its 2018 season, including its benefits for groups.

Elvis on Tour exhibition returns to The O2, London

Elvis will be back in the building, at The O2 in London.

London Symphony Orchestra reveals details of group bookings

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has unveiled its 2017/18 groups booking brochure which contains details of special rates and benefits for groups.

Anton du Beke and Erin Boag announce nationwide tour

Strictly dancers and professional dancing partners Anton du Beke and Erin Boag will tour across the UK in 2018.

Strictly dancers touring the UK

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Ian Waite and Oti Mabuse are going on a 60-date tour of the UK with their new stage show.

Groups Direct launches The Matinee Shows

Groups Direct has announced the launch of The Matinee Shows, offering tribute act entertainment at a number of London venues.

Blackpool launches new features for 2017 Illuminations

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will include several new features, including the first ever parade of Blackpool’s illuminated trams.

Blackpool to host first illuminated tram parade

Blackpool will host an illuminated tram parade this autumn, as part of The Festival@LightPool event.

Small Wonder Festival announces 2017 line-up

The 14th Small Wonder Festival, that celebrates short form writing and fiction, has announced its 2017 programme.

Elvis tribute act goes on world tour

Ben Portsmouth, described as ‘the world’s number one’ Elvis tribute act, is going on an international tour starting this month.

Literary Heroes: Interactive map showcases UK destinations

VisitEngland has created an interactive map to highlight the world-famous authors and literary destinations.

English premiere of TitanicDance to open in Manchester

The Palace Theatre in Manchester will stage the English premiere of Irish musical TitanicDance on 24th September.

Yorke Dance Project to perform at The Royal Opera House

Dance company, Yorke Dance Project, will be joining up with five ballet companies this autumn for Kenneth MacMillan: a National Celebration at The Royal Opera House.

Storyhouse spring season: Sarah Millican and David Baddiel confirmed

Storyhouse in Chester has revealed its 2018 spring season, with headline names in comedy, opera and dance all making an appearance.

Details of London’s Dance Umbrella festival announced

Dance Umbrella 2017 will take place across London from 11th to 28th October and will feature numerous dance acts and performances.

Holiday on Ice to return to Brighton with new production

Holiday on Ice is set to return to Brighton in January 2018 with a new production, called TIME.

Details confirmed for Manchester Winter Wonderland

It’s been announced that Manchester’s biggest indoor Christmas attraction, Winter Wonderland, will return again this year.

Great Rail Journeys releases Passion Play itineraries

Group rail holiday provider Great Rail Journeys has revealed three 2020 itineraries that will take passengers to celebrate The Oberammergau Passion Play.

Comedy Review: Stewart Lee - Content Provider

Should Stewart Lee’s tour be on your group’s schedule this year? Paul Maguire, former judge at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards finds out.

Review: The London Cabaret Club

First-class food and a variety show that will have you up on your feet: The London Cabaret Club is certainly worth a visit, declares Rachel Bailey.

Cirque du Soleil announces Ovo London dates

Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo show will debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall from the 7th January until 11th February 2018.

Story Museum unveils details for Alice’s Day 2017

The Story Museum will celebrate Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with a day of theatre, live music and much more across Oxford.

The 37th Grassington Festival announces details

This year’s Grassington Festival will run from 16th June until 1st July, offering a programme featuring various activities.

English National Ballet announces autumn and winter season

The English National Ballet has announced a line-up of UK performances and tours for the 2017/2018 autumn and winter season.

Groups Direct to celebrate Dame Vera Lynn’s 100th Birthday

Groups Direct, will host an event called the Dame Vera Lynn Centenary Celebration this autumn to mark her birthday.

Shrewsbury’s spring events line-up announced

A line-up of events taking place in Shrewsbury this spring has been revealed to include a regatta and a rock concert.

Details confirmed for upcoming season in Blackpool

VisitBlackpool has announced that fireworks, air shows and military events will make up its summer and autumn season, which starts in June.

Mersey Ferries announces Summer Evening Cruises for groups

Mersey Ferries has confirmed its Summer Evening Cruises for groups, which will form part of Liverpool’s 50 Summers of Love season.

Tickets on sale for second Kynren open air show

It has been announced that the tickets for the second Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, in Durham, are now on sale.

Viva Blackpool to welcome new Christmas show

Entertainment venue, Viva Blackpool, has announced a brand new group-friendly Christmas show, due to debut this winter.

New rock music cruise onboard the Magellan

A new rock music themed cruise will set sail this September onboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ flagship Magellan.

Merseyside announces first ever Seaside Festival

New Brighton in Merseyside has revealed details for a brand new event for 2017 called the New Brighton Seaside Festival.

Lumiere light festival to return to Durham

The dates for Durham’s annual light festival, Lumiere, have been revealed as the 16th to 19th November.

Canterbury Festival dates announced

It has been revealed that the Canterbury Festival will take place between 14th October and 4th November this year.

Wicksteed Park announces new daytime shows for 2017

Wicksteed Park has revealed that it will be introducing a number of new productions to its daytime show line-up this year.

Wars of the Roses Live; new show at Warwick Castle

Groups visiting Warwick Castle in 2017 can enjoy the launch of a new show called Wars of the Roses Live.

10 of the most popular features of 2016

Counting down from ten to one, here are the most read articles on the Group Leisure website for 2016.

10 of the most popular news stories of 2016

The stats are in – these are the news stories that attracted the most attention on the Group Leisure website in 2016.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic dates announced

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic will visit various arenas in 2017 to celebrate a century of Disney.

Music, art and theatre: Barbican reveals 2017 programme details

The Barbican’s 2017 arts programme will include residencies from musicians and theatre companies as well as some major art exhibitions.

Redeveloped Bush Theatre to open in March 2017

Bush Theatre is set to re-open in March, with the new season starting in April and finishing in November 2017.

Wilton’s Music Hall announces January to April 2017 season

Wilton’s Music Hall in London has announced its new January to April programme.

Lord of the Dance celebrates its 20th anniversary with 2017 UK tour

The Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games will return in 2017 in a tour that will visit 23 UK cities.

First acts for Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2017 confirmed

The first acts for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival (NNF) 2017 have been announced with circus, music, theatre and dance performances confirmed.

Longleat creates longhouse for group events

Longleat in Wiltshire has created a new indoor venue in the shape of a traditional longhouse, which is capable of accommodating large groups for a range of events.

Shuttleworth Collection announces 2017 events programme

The Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Gardens near Biggleswade in Bedfordshire has announced its programme of events for 2017.

Hull announces details for its year as City of Culture

Hull, having been named the UK City of Culture 2017, has revealed its 365 day programme of cultural events and creativity.

Bianco circus show confirmed for Southbank Winter Festival

Circus company NoFit State will perform its show Bianco during the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival this Christmas.

Durham Cathedral: special Christmas experience for groups revealed

Durham Cathedral has announced that this year, the cathedral will play host to a special Christmas experience for groups.

Russian State Ballet to tour UK in 2017

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will return to the UK next year for its 15th UK tour.

Liver Birdsong: casting and details announced

A new production, Liver Birdsong – The Liverpool Blitz Musical – will run at the Epstein Theatre, Liverpool this autumn.

In The Heights: new cast and final extension announced

A final extended run at King’s Cross Theatre and new casting details have been announced for Broadway musical In The Heights.

Winter events revealed for Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire has revealed a number of events taking place over the Christmas period, including guided tours.

200,000 new tickets released for Beautiful

200,000 extra tickets have been released for Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, extending the booking period until 22nd July 2017.

Snow White pantomime postponed

Arena Panto Ltd has revealed that Snow White has been postponed due to the recent illness of the show’s producer, Jon Conway.

Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag announce Swing Time UK tour

Strictly Come Dancing favourites Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag have unveiled details of their new show, Swing Time.

La Soirée to return to West End this Christmas

La Soirée is set to return to the West End this Christmas but in a brand new home – a spiegeltent.

New production of Ghost the Musical to tour the UK

This September, an all-new production of Ghost the Musical will tour the UK, starring Sarah Harding and Andy Moss.

Carnival Cruise Line reveals 2017 Carnival Live line-up

The line-up for Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Live festival has been announced and will see entertainers performing live onboard Carnival ships.

RPO to celebrate 70th anniversary

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will celebrate its 70th anniversary this September, and has announced details of its 2016/17 season to mark the occasion.

Guys and Dolls to end West End run early

Producers of the revival of Guys and Dolls have confirmed that the show will end its run four months early.

Bristol Arena set to open in 2018

A new 12,000-seat entertainment venue suitable to host music, comedy, exhibitions and theatre events is set to open in Bristol in 2018.

6 of the best shows in regional theatre this autumn

We’ve cherry picked six of the most interesting shows that the next season of theatre has to offer.

Wilton’s Music Hall announces limited run of musical Floyd Collins

Wilton’s Music Hall has announced that it will present a four week run of Floyd Collins between this September and October.

UK tour announced for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita

Following its successful run at London Dominion Theatre, Evita is set to tour the UK.

David Bowie’s Lazarus: London premiere announced

The London premiere of David Bowie and Edna Walsh’s Lazarus has been announced for 25th October 2016 at Kings Cross Theatre.

World premiere for David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon

The First Hippo on the Moon will embark on a major UK tour in December following a Christmas residency in Eastbourne.

Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai to tour UK next spring

Cirque du Soleil has announced the first ever UK arena tour of its signature production Varekai.

Blood Brothers: UK tour to open in Worcestershire

Blood Brothers is set to tour the UK at the end of this year, opening in Worcestershire in September.

Take a bow… Gina Beck from Show Boat

Louise Joy chats with Gina Beck, who plays Magnolia Hawks in West End musical, Show Boat, about performing in London’s Theatreland.

New group dining experience: Dinner at the Twits

Dinner at the Twits is a new dining experience due to run at The Vaults from 4th September to 30th October.

360 degree immersive ballet experience to open at Wembley Park

Groups can book tickets now for Will Tuckett’s Nutcracker at Wembley Park; an immersive ballet experience.

West End transfer announced for Nice Fish

The critically acclaimed comic play, Nice Fish, will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre for a strictly limited season this November.

Billy Connolly continues High Horse Tour

Scottish stand-up comedian Billy Connolly will carry on touring UK venues this November with his latest comedy show High Horse.

Matthew Kelly to play Mr Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

English actor and television presenter Matthew Kelly will join the cast of Pride and Prejudice during its 2016/17 UK tour.

New group shows launched at Viva Blackpool

Viva – the Vegas themed venue in the centre of Blackpool – has created a new series of themed afternoon shows.

Bear Grylls’ arena tour: extra October London date added

Due to popular demand, an extra date at London’s SSE Arena has been announced for Bear Grylls’ live arena tour.

Funny Girl national tour announced for next year

Following its successful West End run, Funny Girl will embark on a national tour in February 2017.

World premiere of Bat Out Of Hell announced for Manchester next year

The world will get its first look at Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical in Manchester next February.

Group rates revealed for Dreamgirls

Group rates have been revealed for the West End musical Dreamgirls, showing this winter.

Holiday on Ice: new show Believe revealed for Brighton

The Brighton Centre has announced that the touring company, Holiday on Ice, will return in 2017 with a new show.

Promises, Promises: first London production since 1969 announced

Broadway musical Promises, Promises will open at the Southwark Playhouse in 2017 – its first London production since 1969.

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