Macready! Dickens' Theatrical Friend

7th February 2026

Sarah Thorne Theatre

The remarkable true story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready, at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs

Starts at 7.30pm

Written & performed by Mark Stratford

The remarkable true story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready - the man to whom his best friend Charles Dickens dedicated Nicholas Nickleby.

“I wish I were anything rather than an actor – except a critic!”

Despite becoming head of his profession, Macready never wanted to be an actor. Instead, he dreamed of being a barrister and a gentleman. But when his father’s theatre company collapsed, the young Macready had to step in to save it, and found himself unwillingly plunged into the ungentlemanly world of the stage…Mark Stratford brings his highly-acclaimed show to the Sarah Thorne Theatre. With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters and anecdotes, he will take you on a journey through the sheer graft, tribulations and joys of Macready’s life, and the fascinating world of Victorian theatre.

Click here to find other shows taking place at the Sarah Thorne Theatre

Tickets and Pricing

£19 in advance

£21 on the door

Book now

Location

Open Map

Address

Macready! Dickens' Theatrical Friend Sarah Thorne Theatre, Fordoun Road, Broadstairs
CT10 2BN

Contact

info@sarahthornetheatre.co.uk 0333 666 4466

Links

Website

Book now

Accessible parking

Accessible toilets

Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Registered Assistance Dogs welcome

Step-free access