Rubicon Leisure News

We’re finalists – we need your support!

We’ve got some exciting news…we’ve been shortlisted for THREE Redditch Business Awards!
✨Customer Choice Award
✨Hospitality & Leisure Business
✨ Employer of the Year
We’re especially excited about the Customer Choice Award, as it’s decided entirely by public vote, so your support means the world to us.

If you’ve had a great experience with us at any of our we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote.
VOTE HERE: https://woobox.com/ditazh

Every vote really makes a difference.  Thank you for your continued support.
Abbey Stadium | Arrow Valley Visitor Centre | Forge Mill Needle Museum | Palace Theatre | Pitcheroak Golf Course | Community Centres.

Full Cast Announced For This Year’s Pantomime

The Palace Theatre has officially unveiled the full cast for this year’s highly anticipated Christmas pantomime, Cinderella and it promises to be a festive treat for all ages.

Produced by Paul Holman Associates, the much-loved fairy tale brings the magic, laughter and spectacle that audiences have come to expect. With the cast now confirmed, excitement is building for what is set to be one of the highlights of the festive calendar.

Taking centre stage as Prince Charming is Gyasi Sheppy
joined by Oliver Gray and Dean Horner as the wicked stepsisters, Lavina and Louisa Hardup. There’ll be plenty of laughs from Ian Weichardt as Buttons, alongside Charlotte Castle in the title role of Cinderella.

Completing the talented cast are Simon Bashford as Dandini, Janine Pardo as the Fairy Godmother and Andrew Haynes as Baron Hardup, bringing their own sparkle to this enchanting production.

With the full cast now announced tickets are expected to be in high demand for this festive favourite.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic.  Book now and get ready for a truly unforgettable Christmas at the Palace Theatre.

Thank you To Our Volunteers!

It’s National Volunteers’ Week and we’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to our dedicated teams of volunteers who generously give their time to support us.

At Palace Theatre we are incredibly proud to have over 120 amazing volunteers who play a vital role across many areas of the business. Including front of house, ushering, bar service and supporting our technical teams backstage. Collectively they give over 9,000 hours of their time each year.

At Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, the contributions by our brilliant team of volunteers include gardening, delivering guided tours, helping in the shop and gallery, supporting school group visits and our annual events programme.

For our volunteers, it’s so much more than simply ‘helping out’. It’s about building connections, gaining new experiences and giving back to the community.
THANK YOU to each and every one of you!

If you’re interested in volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Email: enquiries@rubiconleisure.co.uk

What’s On at Forge Mill

There’s plenty to look forward to at Forge Mill this June, with two exciting events offering something for all ages.
Experience medieval life and see the knight’s encampment come to life with Blades, Bows & Black Powder weekend event. Enjoy archery, armour and battle with live firing taking place!
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June | 10am – 4pm | Free Event (Normal museum entry applies).

Come on down and enjoy our first ever Country Night!
Enjoy an evening of authentic live music from Adam Harding, supported by The Violettes, alongside fun activities including rodeo bull and lasso challenges. With delicious themed food and drink available, it’s the perfect night out with family and friends.
Friday 26 June | 5.30pm – 9.30pm | Tickets £6-£13

Water Activities at Arrow Valley Visitor Centre

Our 2026 season is in full swing at The Boathouse. All your favourite activities are here – Swan Pedalos, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboards – ready for a few peaceful trips round the lake or something a little more adventurous. There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

New for this year – dogs are now welcome aboard our Swan Pedalos and rowing boats, so they too can join in the fun!

So why not make a day of it and enjoy all we have to offer at Arrow Valley Visitor Centre.

Bookings are now available.

Into the Woods – Palace Youth Theatre

For more than 50 years, Palace Youth Theatre has given young people in Redditch the opportunity to build confidence, creativity and a strong sense of belonging, all within the historic surroundings of the Palace Theatre Redditch. Rehearsing in dedicated studio spaces and on the main stage itself, members gain valuable experience in a professional theatre environment that shows them they truly belong there.

This summer, that journey continues as they bring Into the Woods to the Palace Theatre stage. The much‑loved musical intertwines familiar fairy tales and showcases the talent, commitment and imagination of the young performers, who have worked hard to make the production their own.

More than a performance, Into the Woods is a celebration of youth creativity and the positive impact of local arts opportunities.

Audiences are invited to enjoy a magical night at the theatre and show their support for this exciting production.

Thurs 9 | Fri 10 | Sat 11 July
£18 – £20
The Palace Theatre, Redditch

Half-Term Fun At Rubicon Leisure

25 – 29 May

Families are in for a treat this half term with a packed programme of activities across Rubicon Leisure sites.

At the Palace Theatre, enjoy Ministry of Science (Wednesday 27 May) with explosive experiments and high-energy fun and Magic Martin – The Ultimate Family Magic Show (Thursday 28 May) packed with illusions and audience participation for all ages.

Find out more >

Make a day of it at Arrow Valley and enjoy a range of water activities including pedalos, kayaking, paddleboards and dog-friendly boats, plus walking trails, disc golf and plenty of food and drink options at The Boathouse Café.

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At Forge Mill Needle Museum try a Silent Disco (Saturday 30 May) in the cloisters, with sessions for families and adults.

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Abbey Stadium offers a Learn To Swim Crash Course and daily Inflatable Fun Sessions.  Call 04527 60206 to book. 

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At Pitcheroak Golf Course, juniors can enjoy nine holes of golf and a meal for just £12.  No need to book, just turn up.

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With activities ranging from theatre and sport to outdoor adventure and family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this half term.