Prince of Wales

The Prince of Wales is a proper working theatre right in the heart of Stafford, the kind of place that still does pantomime at Christmas and hosts touring productions year-round. It's a traditional venue with real character - the sort of theatre where you feel like you're actually in a community space rather than some corporate entertainment box. Shows range from drama and comedy to musicals and local performances, so there's usually something worth catching if you're staying in the area.

It works brilliantly if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Pillaton Hall Farm is closest at under three miles away, while the Cannock Chase sites are only a four-mile drive. Perfect for a rainy evening when the kids are getting restless or you fancy a proper night out without traveling far. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly shows during school holidays, and the theatre has that genuine local vibe that touring companies often lack.

You'll want to check their current listings before you visit, as programming changes regularly. Ticket prices are reasonable compared to bigger regional theatres, and it's the sort of place where staff actually know what they're talking about rather than just punching numbers into a till. Allow a couple of hours total if you're combining it with a meal in town. Stafford's town centre is walkable and pleasant enough for a pre-show wander.