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 …
5. 911, chart-topping boy band
As 911, Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable, and Simon ‘Spike’ Dawbarn were one of only five acts in the ‘90s to achieve 10 consecutive UK top 10 hits. This included the number one single A Little Bit More. Recently, the band has enjoyed a resurgence, with the self-penned ballad I do topping the charts in Vietnam and reaching the top 15 on YouTube Music Worldwide, amassing more than 82 million views. The visit comes as part of a series of shows to mark the band’s 30th anniversary. “This tour promises a high-energy journey through a decade of hits, including Bodyshakin’, Party People, and More Than A Woman,” a spokesman said. Blackfriars notes, however, this show is almost sold out. Thursday, November 12, 7.30pm. Tickets: standard – £30, meet ‘n’ greet – £75 Photo: Contributor
6. Nik Kershaw, singer songwriter
As a solo artist, Nik Kershaw has enjoyed 62 weeks in the UK Top 40. This is thanks to such global hits as Wouldn’t It Be Good, The Riddle, and I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. In 1984, he was the biggest selling solo artist of the year. The following year was not short of achievements either, with him being among those who took to the stage at Live Aid, playing to an estimated TV audience of 1.9 billion. After stepping out of the limelight to concentrate on writing and producing, Nik wrote Chesney Hawkes’s chart-topper The One And Only, and collaborated with Elton John, Lulu, Petula Clark, The Hollies, Ronan Keating, Jason Donovan, Let Loose, Sia, Imogen Heap, Gary Barlow and Bonnie Tyler. In 1998, he returned to performing, releasing five albums since then. Now he is ready to look back with an intimate evening to coincide with the release of his new book. “Expect songs, stories, and silliness from one of the nation’s most-loved performers,” a spokesman said. Sunday, March 14, 2027, 7.30pm. Tickets: adults – £35, premium – £50, meet ‘n’ greet – £85 Photo: MARCUS MASCHWITZ
7. John Lydon, punk rock icon
John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) is coming to Boston as part of a tour which will see him talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career. John will reflect on the Sex Pistols, Public Image Limited (PiL), his art and his life’s story during informal evenings of conversation and audience questions. Signed Limited Edition copies of his book I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, written especially for this tour, will be available at venues. John said: “I love doing these shows. I love meeting people at the meet ’n’ greets and sharing my stories.” Wednesday, April 7, 2027, 7.30pm. Tickets: adults – £35, meet ‘n’ greet – £90 Photo: Contributor
8. Dom Joly, TV comedian
Trigger Happy TV star Dom Joly is hitting the road this autumn to mark 25 years of the ground-breaking, hidden-camera show. The tour will involve Dom bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to the stage, including The Giant Snail, The Traffic Warden, The Morris Dancer, The Scout, A Gang of Squirrels, and THAT Big Mobile Phone. In addition, Dom will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights on how such pieces came to life. With this being live theatres, audiences are also told to ‘expect the the unexpected’. Dom said: “I played a handful of shows in Autumn that sold out. We were inundated with requests for more shows - so here they are." Saturday, June 5, 2027, 7.30pm. Tickets: adults – £28, premium – £45, meet ‘n’ greet – £75. Photo: Contributor