The Roses is celebrating a monumental milestone—50 years of bringing entertainment, creativity, and connection to the heart of the community.

Since its grand opening by HRH Princess Anne on 30 October 1975, The Roses has been a stage for unforgettable performances, friendships and even the occasional romance.

To commemorate this golden anniversary, The Roses is launching the 50 Years of Stage & Stories project, inviting audience members past and present to share their cherished memories. Whether it’s a heartwarming moment, a humorous anecdote, or a treasured keepsake, the theatre wants to hear it all.

“This milestone isn’t just about The Roses—it’s about the people who have made it special,” said Jess Brewster, The Roses Director. “We’re asking our audience to tell us what The Roses means to them, through stories, photos, ticket stubs, diary entries, or even an outfit they wore to a special night at the theatre.”

“Our goal is to create something truly extraordinary—an archive of memories that showcases the theatre’s impact over five decades."

Once collected, these stories will form the basis of a special tribute, reflecting on The Roses’ rich history while looking ahead to its future.

The initiative will run until Monday 30 June, giving the community ample time to contribute. Memories can be submitted online through a dedicated form or in person by picking up a 50 Years of Stage & Stories card from the venue.

As The Roses prepares for the next chapter, the theatre invites everyone to be part of this momentous occasion. Whether you laughed, cried, or fell in love under its roof, your story deserves to be told.

For more details or to submit your memory, click here.