Christmas Gift Ideas 2025
Struggling for Christmas gift ideas? Well look no further and give your loved ones an experience this Christmas at The Courtyard! By supporting and visiting The Courtyard, you’re helping the charity to deliver a comprehensive programme of inclusive, accessible live and participatory events, for the whole community. Whether your friends and family love contemporary drama, stand up comedians, or a good old tribute act, there is something for everyone! Check out some of our ideas below…
For the music lovers…
Punk Off – The Sounds of Punk & New Wave | Wednesday 21 January, 7.30pm
50 years since punk and new wave kicked the door in, Punk Off storms the stage—louder, bolder, and messier than ever. This isn’t a tribute—it’s a riot. A full-throttle celebration of the era that tore up the rulebook and made being loud a lifestyle.
That’ll Be The Day | Saturday 14 February, 7.30pm
Don’t miss this unforgettable performance celebrating the 40th Anniversary of That’ll Be The Day and Trevor’s farewell tour. Experience a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and comedy, featuring timeless hits from the 50s through to the 80s.
Showaddywaddy | Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm
‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades! Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest
hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe.
The Legend of Barry White: Let The Music Play | Saturday 4 April, 7.30pm
The only UK touring show dedicated to the maestro and legend, Barry White! Joined on stage by his live band, Soul Unlimited and support by the stunning Motown Supreme Dreamgirls – with incredible attention to detail, this show has really “got it together” with William Hicks coming “as close to the real man himself as is possible.”
For the drama fans…
When Vincent Met John | Thursday 29 January, 7.45pm
Vincent died in 1890, John died in 1980, both of gunshot wounds to the chest. But imagine what might have happened, had the two greatest artists of their time, met? Vincent van Gogh was a nineteenth-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who gained worldwide fame with The Beatles. Around five years before their deaths both men went through profound change.
Hijinx Present: Meet Fred | Wednesday 25 February, 7.45pm
A decade ago, a two-foot-tall puppet took on the world—and he’s still fighting. After touring 20+ countries and delighting thousands of audiences, Meet Fred returns to the UK for its 10th anniversary tour. This darkly hilarious, critically acclaimed production follows Fred, a cloth puppet just trying to live an ordinary life—get a job, find love, be part of society.
Jarman: The Story of Derek Jarman | Thursday 5 March, 7.45pm
Derek Jarman: film-maker, painter, gardener at Prospect Cottage, gay rights activist, writer…his influence remains as strong as it was on the day he died in 1994. But his story, one of the most extraordinary lives ever lived, has never been told. Until now.
X-Entricity Present: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical | Tuesday 12 – Sunday 17 May
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
For the funny ones…
Comedy Club – Spring 2026 | Friday 23 January – Friday 24 April
Come and unwind after a stressful week at one of The Courtyard’s hilarious Westons Comedy Clubs. Gather your friends, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. Previous Comedy Network acts include… Russell Howard, Bill Bailey, Al Murray, Noel Fielding, Lucy Porter, Chris Ramsey, Roisin Conaty, Dave Gorman, Jenny Eclair and many more. Ages 18+ only.
Marcus Brigstocke | Wednesday 11 February, 7.30pm
What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them – so are we fellas of any use at all? Award winning MAN, Marcus Brigstocke, thinks we might still serve some useful function.
Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist | Saturday 18 April, 8pm
Following a sell-out 2024/2025 national run, Andy Zaltzman – host of The Bugle podcast and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, statistician on Test Match Special, and champion of Taskmaster series 18 – extends his hit tour into 2026.
Daniel O’Reilly: Let’s Have It | Saturday 3 May, 8pm
Coming off the back of a 62 date sold-out tour, selling over 40,000 tickets; Daniel is embarking on his next national show and is bringing it to a venue near you! Hold on to your seats and brace yourself for a night of outrageous laughs and no-holds-barred comedy, as the one and only Daniel O’Reilly returns to the stage with his brand new, in-your-face tour: ‘Let’s Have It’.
For the ones that like something a little bit different…
The Dazzling Diamonds | Friday 30 January, 7.30pm
Fresh off the stage in London’s West End, The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash-hit comedy variety drag show. This isn’t just any show – these “ladies” deliver a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle like no other.
Joint Fundraiser between The Courtyard and HVSC: An Evening with Hari Budha Magar | Thursday 12 February, 7.30pm
Hari Budha Magar MBE is a Pride of Britain Award winner, Guinness World Record holder, and former Gurkha. Hari lost both legs in Afghanistan but went on to defy all odds by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mt. Everest. With climbs of Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Denali and more, his story of resilience, innovation, and unbreakable spirit has inspired millions worldwide. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to hear Hari share his journey of turning the impossible into possible.
Cabaret Extreme | Friday 13 February, 7.30pm
From the creative visionaries behind the world’s most iconic circuses comes Cabaret Extreme — a beautifully bizarre blend of burlesque, daring drag, extreme stunts, and contemporary circus.
Off Grid in collaboration with Arts Alive | Wednesday 1 April, 7pm
An inspiring evening showcasing emerging talent across all performing art forms. From fresh scripts, devised theatre and boundary-pushing choreography, Off Grid will give you an exclusive glimpse into the future of the performing arts across the region. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness bold, unfiltered creativity.
For the foodies…
Listening Lounge – The Courtyard Audiobook Club | Every Wednesday from 7 January – 11 February
If you’ve ever wished you could experience the joy of reading with your friends in the same way you can a TV show or movie then this is the perfect choice for you. With 3 titles available, you’ll listen to an audiobook together “silent disco style” across 6 weeks and each week there will be the opportunity for discussion while you enjoy delicious canapés prepared by our kitchen.
Coffee & Cake Decorating | Tuesday 13 January 2026 To Tuesday 14 April, (On the second Tuesday of every month, 11.30am)
Enjoy one of our specialty coffees as you decorate your cake (serves 4-5) to take home and enjoy with friends & family or gift it to a loved one. A lovely morning activity to switch off the noise in your brain, you can decorate your cake as detailed or abstractly as you’d like with the beautifully coloured icing provided.
Games Night | Third Thursday of the Month, 6pm – 9pm
We’ve teamed up with Herefordshire Board Gamers to start our very own board game evening. We’ll supply a small library of games for you to enjoy throughout the evening or you’re welcome to bring your own from home. A free event with drinks and street food bowls available to purchase throughout the evening for just £5. A drop in, free event with food & drink available to purchase on the night.
Paint & Sip | Thursday 5 February 2026 To Thursday 2 April (On the first Thursday of every month, 6pm)
The Courtyard’s Paint & Sip nights are no pressure, creative evenings where you can have a go at painting with acrylics on a small scale with a glass of prosecco in hand. While your creations are drying, you’ll join together for some tasty tapas before heading home with your masterpiece.
For the ones with kids…
The Enormous Turnip | Saturday 24 January, 11am
One dark winter’s night, young Rosie dreams of carving a lantern from a turnip, for a special Festival of Light in her village. One Moment In Time presents their own version of this classic folk tale, with a magical twist. Featuring beautifully hand-crafted puppets and sets, storytelling, live music, songs and lots of joining in!
Tiny Planet | Saturday 21 February, 11am
Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes, yet it is the centre of a galaxy. With breath-taking puppetry, original live folk songs and earthy percussion, uncover the mysteries that keep this little globe turning.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Tuesday 10 – Wednesday 11 March
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle; Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See; 10 Little Rubber Ducks; The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Fun For Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel | Wednesday 1 April, 12pm
The UK’s Ultimate Tribute to the Global Sensation… Ms Rachel! Get ready for giggles, singing, dancing, and non-stop fun as the magic of Ms Rachel comes to life on stage in an interactive, high-energy live tribute performance made just just for little ones and their grownups!
The Courtyard Cinema screens hundreds of films every year from action thrillers to period romances and laugh-out-loud comedy to sombre art house films. Don’t forget, Borderlines Film Festival returns in March, bringing the best cinema has to offer, right here at The Courtyard!
Check out the vouchers information below to gift the big screen experience this Christmas.
For the ones that you don’t know what to get…
The Courtyard Gift Vouchers are the perfect present for all the theatre-goers in your life.
E-Vouchers can be purchased in any amount and redeemed in person at Box Office, over the phone or online as payment towards tickets to Shows, Films, Live Screenings or Memberships. (They cannot be used to purchase food or drink at the Café Bar, items from The Courtyard Shop or parking).
Alternative physical Gift Vouchers, that are also valid in our Café Bar and Shop, are available to purchase in person at our Box Office. Please note these cannot be used online.
Did you know you can sponsor a seat at The Courtyard to support our work? Subject to availability, you can choose a seat in our Main House or Studio to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or in memory of someone special who loved the arts. You can create your own dedication for the plaque which personalises the donation even more.
The Courtyard shop shines the spotlight on locally made, sustainable products, putting them at the heart of our shopping community. We stock a variety of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and artisan creations. There is something for everybody including a host of locally made children’s gifts, candles, ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
If none of these quite work for your loved ones, take a look at our What’s On as there is lots coming up!