RN Live Events

Welcome to Our Community

RN Live Events started in 2018 when a small group of theatre enthusiasts in Reading decided they wanted more than just attending shows—they wanted to share the experience, discuss performances, and explore the rich world of live arts together. What began as informal pub meetups after West End trips has grown into a thriving community of over two hundred members who share a genuine passion for live performance.

We're not a professional theatre company or a commercial venture. We're simply people who love the magic that happens when the house lights dim and the curtain rises. Our members range from retired teachers who've attended every major musical since the seventies to university students discovering theatre for the first time. Some have performed on stage themselves, others wouldn't dream of it but adore watching talented artists at work.

What We Do

Our calendar revolves around shared experiences. We organise monthly theatre trips to venues across London, Oxford, and Bristol, travelling together by coach and making a proper day of it. There's something special about experiencing a powerful performance with people who genuinely appreciate the craft, then discussing every nuance over dinner afterwards.

Beyond theatre trips, we host regular workshops at the community centre on Caversham Road. These aren't formal classes with grades or exams—they're relaxed sessions where members explore different aspects of performance. We've had evenings focused on understanding stagecraft, appreciating musical theatre scores, exploring dramatic literature, and even trying our hand at basic improvisation for those brave enough.

• Monthly theatre trips to major venues across the South East
• Fortnightly discussion evenings at local cafés and pubs
• Quarterly workshops covering various aspects of live performance
• Annual summer outing to Shakespeare productions in the open air
• Member-led presentations about favourite performances or theatrical periods

Our Membership

Membership costs £35 per year, which covers administrative costs and helps subsidise coach travel for our group outings. You don't need any special knowledge or experience—just genuine enthusiasm for live performance. We welcome everyone aged sixteen and above, and you'll find our membership spans several generations, which makes for fascinating conversations about how theatre has evolved over the decades.

Members receive our monthly newsletter detailing upcoming trips, early booking for popular shows, and invitations to all workshops and social events. You're under no obligation to attend everything; some members join every trip whilst others prefer the discussion evenings or workshops. There's no pressure, and everyone goes at their own pace.

Typical Events

A usual month might include a Saturday matinee trip to a West End production, perhaps a revival of a classic play or a new musical that's generating buzz. We meet at Reading station mid-morning, travel up together, have lunch at a favourite spot in Covent Garden, watch the performance, then return home early evening with plenty of time to discuss what we've seen.

Our discussion evenings happen fortnightly at The Riverside Café near the Oracle. Someone might present a short talk about a particular playwright or theatrical movement, or we simply chat about recent performances we've attended. These gatherings are deliberately informal—no presentations unless someone volunteers, just good conversation over tea and coffee.

Workshops take place on Sunday afternoons and run about two hours. Recent sessions have explored the history of British pantomime, techniques for analysing dramatic text, and an introduction to stage lighting design led by one of our members who works in technical theatre.

Beyond Theatre

While theatre forms our main focus, we've expanded to embrace all forms of live performance. Members have organised trips to comedy nights, classical concerts, opera, and contemporary dance. The connecting thread is that sense of shared experience—something that happens in real time, in the same room, creating a connection between performers and audience that no screen can replicate.

We've also developed partnerships with local venues. The Hexagon occasionally offers us group rates, and we've established a friendly relationship with Progress Theatre, supporting their community productions. Several members volunteer with local drama groups, and we try to support grassroots performance alongside the big professional productions.

Getting Involved

If you're interested in joining, the best way to start is attending one of our open evenings, held on the first Tuesday of each month at The Riverside Café at seven thirty. These are relaxed gatherings where you can meet current members, learn about upcoming events, and get a feel for whether we're the right fit for you. There's absolutely no commitment required.

You can also reach us by email or phone to ask questions. We're happy to chat about what membership involves, share details of upcoming trips, or simply discuss your interest in live performance. Most people who attend an open evening end up joining because they recognise others who share their enthusiasm—and that sense of community is really what we're all about.