Thestival 2026

Three Nights. Countless Stories. One Halloween Weekend.

This Halloween weekend, discover bold new theatre at Thestival 2026 as Butter Side Up Theatre Company returns to The Lantern Theatre with its biggest festival yet.

Across three unique evenings, Thestival celebrates original storytelling through four one act plays alongside Stage Presence, our showcase of monologues, duologues, scenes, across drama, comedy and music. Each night offers a completely different programme, making every visit a new theatrical experience.

Whether you join us for one evening, two, or experience the whole festival, Thestival is your chance to discover exciting new writing, fresh perspectives and unforgettable live performances.

Thursday 29 October
Across the Pond

Jedis by Brian Petti
After a bank robbery goes disastrously wrong, a father and son are left to decide what happens next.

Happy Birthday Dear Maggie by Rick Butts
While travelling for work on her birthday as her husband undergoes major surgery, Maggie unexpectedly finds herself sharing a hotel room with Aldrin, a clown preparing for a corporate performance. An unlikely encounter unfolds with humour, warmth and heart.

Followed by Stage Presence, a showcase of monologues, duologues, group scenes and songs by writers and stories from beyond the UK.

Friday 30 October
Dystopia and Deception

Echo Chamber by Becky Cleary Holland
Sarah lives with her partner Daniel, creator of ECHO, an advanced AI home system designed to regulate emotions and maintain stability. But as ECHO becomes increasingly embedded in her everyday life, the line between care and control begins to blur.

Followed by Stage Presence, exploring content that delves into unsettling futures, shifting realities and the choices that shape them.

Saturday 31 October
Halloween Horror Night

A Strange Case for Living by S R Knowles
A fresh retelling of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, told through a queer lens, exploring identity, repression and transformation.

Followed by Stage Presence featuring horror inspired scenes and songs perfect for Halloween, including original work by Nathan Learmonth and Charlie Lloyd.

Tickets

For just £10 per night, discover new writing, original performances and exciting local talent. Each evening is individually ticketed, so you can choose the night that appeals to you most or book all three for the complete Thestival experience this Halloween weekend.

Suggested age 14+. Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

This festival contains strong language, stage violence, scenes of a violent nature, references to physical and mental abuse, and other potentially distressing content. Full content warnings are available on request by emailing [email protected]

Free carers tickets are available when accompanying a paying audience member.

Tickets are non refundable.

About Butter Side Up Theatre Company

Founded in 2016 by Becky Cleary-Holland and Michael Hudson, Butter Side Up Theatre Company has grown from a small group creating original productions into a thriving theatre company with more than 50 members.

Based in Sheffield, we create opportunities for adults across Sheffield, Leeds, Derbyshire and beyond to make ambitious, original theatre in a welcoming and supportive environment. We are passionate about championing underrepresented voices, celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and bringing new writing to the stage.

Find out more about Butter Side Up Theatre Company and our previous productions, including Thestival 2025, at www.buttersideuptheatre.com