Preview: Ladies' Day - The Castle Players Winter Tour 2026

Ladies' Day - The Castle Players Winter Tour 2026

Amanda Whittington's acclaimed comedy-drama comes to the North East

Four fish-filleting friends swap their white coats and wellies for fascinators and champagne when Royal Ascot relocates to York in this heart-warming tale of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.

Pearl, Jan, Shelley, and Linda navigate life-changing secrets and a mounting accumulator bet that could see them hit the ultimate jackpot. As they experience a transformative day at the races, the production blends hilariously funny moments with touching scenes that explore what happens when ordinary lives collide with extraordinary possibilities.

Co-directors Sarah Fells and Heather Armstrong use atmospheric lighting and sound to transport audiences from the dreary fish factory floor to the sun-drenched excitement of the racecourse. "It seemed to be an ideal choice for this winter tour—to transport audiences from a wet and wintry season to a warm summer day at the races," says Sarah Fells.

"There are moments that are really beautiful, some hilariously funny, and some that are just like mates chatting," adds Heather Armstrong. "We think the audience will recognise themselves or people they know in the characters. We hope they'll feel like they're spending the evening with friends."

Cast: Adele Tyler (Pearl), Sue Byrne (Jan), Kennedy Page (Shelley), Phoebe Lorenz (Linda), with Peter Cockerill (Joe, Fred, Barry) and Gordon Duffy-McGhie (Jim, Patrick, Kevin).

Tour Dates:

Saturday 17 January - The Witham, Barnard Castle, 7:30pm (virtually sold out)

Sunday 18 January - St Cuthbert Centre, Crook, 3:00pm

Saturday 24 January - Butterknowle Village Hall, 7:30pm (includes light supper)

Sunday 25 January - Bowes & Gilmonby Village Hall, 3:00pm

Friday 30 January - Mickleton Village Hall, 7:30pm

Sunday 1 February - Scarth Hall, Staindrop, 3:00pm

Friday 6 February - Whorlton Village Hall, 7:30pm

Saturday 7 February - All Saints Church, Darlington, 7:30pm

Sunday 8 February - Romaldkirk Reading Room, 3:00pm

Saturday 21 February - Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, 7:30pm 

This professional-standard community theatre production brings quality entertainment to village halls and historic stages across Teesdale, North Yorkshire, and Darlington, culminating in a grand finale at the historic Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

Tickets:

https://www.castleplayers.co.uk/services-9