Mary Portas, opera and comedy feature in Shropshire theatre line-up

A theatre in Shropshire is preparing for a busy festive season with a programme of entertainment featuring well-known names, live performances and family events.

The Holroyd Community Theatre at Moreton Hall School has announced its November and December line-up, which includes retail expert Mary Portas, the musical Little Shop of Horrors, opera, comedy, wildlife talks and a family film screening.

The programme begins with An Evening with Mary Portas on Monday, November 16. The retail expert and champion of the high street will share stories from her career, including her work transforming Harvey Nichols into one of the UK's best-known fashion destinations.

Christmas preparations get under way on Thursday, November 26, with the annual festive wreath-making workshop.

Katie from Peony and Tonic will guide guests in creating a Christmas wreath using fresh foliage and decorative bows. The two-hour session will also include mulled wine and mince pies.

From Monday, November 30, to Thursday, December 3, Moreton Hall Senior School pupils will perform the cult musical Little Shop of Horrors.

The production follows shy florist Seymour Krelborn, whose fortunes change after he discovers a mysterious plant with an extraordinary appetite. The show features memorable songs and dark humour.

Opera lovers can enjoy North Wales Opera Company's production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly on Sunday, December 6.

Led by international soprano Anne Williams-King, the traditional production features some of opera's best-known music.

The following evening, Monday, December 7, Welsh naturalist and television presenter Iolo Williams visits with Feed The Birds, a talk exploring the wildlife of his homeland.

All proceeds from the event will go to the local charity Feed the Birds, with the evening sponsored by Moreton Hall School.

Comedy comes to the theatre on Monday, December 14, with Silent Night, Raging Eve.

The dark comedy follows Eve as she attempts to host the perfect Christmas party, despite a family determined to make life difficult. The show promises singing, dancing, Monopoly and festive chaos.

The programme concludes on Tuesday, December 22, with a 3pm screening of animated Christmas film Arthur Christmas, which follows Santa's youngest son on a mission to deliver a forgotten child's present in time.

Michael Jenkins, creative director of The Holroyd Community Theatre, said: "We're really proud of the range of events taking place at The Holroyd this festive season. There is such a fantastic variety, from professional opera and comedy to family entertainment and the wonderful opportunity to see our own Moreton Hall pupils performing on stage.

"The Holroyd is an important part of Moreton Hall School, but it is also for the wider community. We hope the programme will encourage people to visit, perhaps try something they haven't experienced before, and make The Holroyd part of their Christmas celebrations."

Tickets for all events are available at theholroydtheatre.co.uk.