H.M.S. Pinafore at the Hospital of St Cross: Why This Beloved Comic Opera Still Charms Audiences Today
Michaelmas Fair Returns to St Cross – Bigger, Better and More Immersive Than Ever
A Victorian Voice Returns to St Cross: The Launch of The Private Diary of Brother George
The Smaller Stars of St Cross: Discovering Nature in the Gardens
Brother on a Bus: The Adventure Continues
When our wonderful Brother John, now famed as the Brother on a Bus first set off, nobody quite knew where the journey might lead.
What began as a simple idea quickly captured imaginations, taking audiences along for the ride as he explored new places, met new people and shared his experiences beyond the walls of St Cross.
The project offered a delightful reminder that curiosity does not diminish with age. It demonstrated that adventure can take many forms and that new experiences remain just as valuable later in life as they are in youth.
Along the way, followers enjoyed seeing familiar values of hospitality, kindness and community reflected in unexpected settings, proving that the spirit of St Cross can travel far beyond Winchester.
Now, the next chapter is about to begin.
This time, the journey is heading further afield, with Europe firmly in the sights of our intrepid traveller.
Plans are taking shape, routes are being considered and preparations are underway for another series of adventures that promise fresh discoveries, fascinating encounters and, no doubt, a few unexpected stories along the way.
We’re not giving too much away just yet.
For now, all we can say is: watch this space.
The next adventure is almost ready to begin.
Michaelmas Fair Returns This September
The countdown has begun to one of the most anticipated events in the St Cross calendar.
On Saturday 26 September, the Michaelmas Fair returns to the Hospital of St Cross, bringing together traders, entertainers, visitors and the local community for a celebration inspired by the great medieval fairs and pilgrimages of centuries past.
Last year’s event was our most successful yet. Thousands of visitors joined us throughout the day, filling the grounds with activity, conversation and discovery. Artisan food producers, local makers, traditional craftspeople and performers created an atmosphere that felt both historic and wonderfully alive.
Families explored the site, visitors discovered talented local businesses, and the historic surroundings of St Cross provided the perfect backdrop to a day of entertainment and community spirit.
Now planning is well underway for this year’s fair, and we’d love your help.
We’re looking for recommendations for traders, makers, food producers, performers and entertainers who would complement the traditional character of the event. Whether it’s artisan food and drink, heritage crafts, traditional demonstrations, musicians, storytellers or something entirely unexpected, we’re always keen to discover new additions that will delight our visitors.
If you know someone who would be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you.
The Michaelmas Fair is about more than a day out. It is an opportunity to celebrate local talent, support independent businesses, and continue a tradition of hospitality and community that has been at the heart of St Cross for nearly 900 years.
Watch this space for further announcements as this year’s programme begins to take shape.
Open Air Theatre Returns to St Cross: Two Wonderful Summer Evenings Still to Come
The curtain has risen on another season of Open Air Theatre at the Hospital of St Cross, and what a start it has been.
Bank Holiday audiences were treated to King Arthur & The Holy Fail from the brilliant Three Inch Fools, whose trademark blend of comedy, energy and theatrical inventiveness proved the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer evening. Picnics were unpacked, glasses raised, laughter echoed around the grounds, and once again St Cross demonstrated why open-air theatre and historic settings make such a magical combination.
But the summer season is far from over.
On Saturday 18 July, Oddsocks Theatre Company brings its unique interpretation of Romeo & Juliet to St Cross. Known for their joyful, accessible and highly entertaining productions, Oddsocks have built a loyal following by finding humour and humanity in even Shakespeare’s most dramatic works. Expect audience participation, music, laughter and a fresh perspective on one of the world’s greatest love stories.
Then, on Saturday 22 August, the season concludes with Gilbert & Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera HMS Pinafore. Packed with memorable songs, mistaken identities and maritime mischief, it promises to be the perfect way to round off the summer.
There is something uniquely special about theatre at St Cross. As the evening light softens across ancient stone walls and historic gardens, audiences gather to share stories in much the same way people have done for centuries. It is a reminder that while the setting may be historic, St Cross remains a living place where people continue to come together.
Tickets for both remaining performances are available now. Bring a picnic, gather friends and family, and join us for a memorable summer evening beneath the open sky.
