Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre, in Spain Lane, opened in October 1966. It followed a five-year fundraising drive to convert a decaying, former Dominican Friary into ‘a Little Theatre for Boston’ (as it was billed at the time of the appeal’s launch).
With 2026 marking its 60th anniversary year, a spokesman for the venue said it was ‘pulling out all the stops’ to keep audiences entertained.
“It’s a programme we’re really proud of,” they said. “Big names, varied nights out, and something for all sorts of audiences. Exactly what we love to do at Blackfriars.”
So, here are seven acts set to take to the stage in 2026 and into 2027 …
1. Blackfriars Theatre, Boston
Getting set to mark its 60th anniversary ... Blackfriars Theatre and Arts, in Spain Lane, Boston. Photo: Contributor
2. Ralph McTell, award-winning singer songwriter
Ralph McTell is nearing his own 60th anniversary, having made his debut in 1968 with the album Eight Frames a Second. Among his achievements across his career include winning an Ivor Novello Award in 1974 for his hit song Streets of London, and being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2002. Following on from the success of a sold-out, intimate concert in London earlier this year, Ralph is taking his Reflections from a Life in Music show on tour. This will be an autobiographical evening of songs, stories and anecdotes. “With insights into his writing process and guitar techniques, inspirations and adversity, Ralph will speak and sing his life, in a close-up and personal performance from a master of his craft,” a spokesman said. Sunday, June 14, 7.30pm. Tickets: £35 Photo: Contributor
3. Richard Jones, Britain’s Got Talent winner
Lance Corporal Richard Jones won Britain’s Got Talent in 2016. Today, he can regularly be seen entertaining at corporate events, royal parties and in theatres around the world. “You, sir, are a wizard,” was Simon Cowell’s assessment. King Charles, meanwhile, has described him as ‘absolutely mind-boggling!’ His latest show, Mission Magic, is billed as ‘a journey into the impossible’. “Armed with breathtaking new illusions, mind-bending feats, and his signature storytelling style, Richard will challenge everything you think you know about reality,” a spokesman said. “Every performance is a high-stakes mission where mystery meets wonder, and every spectator becomes part of the magic.” Saturday, August 29, 7.30pm. Tickets: adults – £25.50, family – £80.50, meet ‘n’ greet – £60.50 Photo: Contributor
4. Kerry Ellis, award-winning singer
Sir Brian May described Kerry Ellis as having ‘the most beautiful voice in Britain’. As a result, he asked her to join the original cast of the smash hit musical We Will Rock You, helping bring Queen’s greatest hits to the West End stage. The duo met in 2002 and released three albums together, as well as touring the world. Kerry was also the first British Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked, before going on to join the Broadway version of the Wizard of Oz-inspired musical. Other West End credits have included: Oliver!, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, and Cats. In her new show, Rock Anthems, she pays homage to Queen, Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler and the other rock legends who inspired her. Audiences are told to expect ‘a jukebox full of classic rock anthems’. Thursday, October 15, 7.30pm. Tickets: adults – £30, premium – £45, meet ‘n’ greet – £75 Photo: Contributor