Stroud’s historic The Subscription Rooms has become an iconic venue in recent years for its diverse schedule of arts, music and cultural events, with the chance to see big names headlining concerts, stand-up comedy and theatre productions. And this year is no different!
While there's no shortage of big names on the bill — with the likes of GOLDIE, Van Morrison and Dom Joly all gracing the stage — SoGlos has selected some of the most exciting things to do at The Sub Rooms this spring, spanning music, comedy, cinema and more.
Eat your way around the globe at The Sub Rooms
The Sub Rooms' foodie events are as revered as its packed programme of live entertainment — and there's plenty to pick from this spring.
Alongside its everyday menu, the venue hosts a variety of regular special nights offering the chance to tuck in to authentic Moroccan food at a plant-based pop-up on Wednesday 9 April; Jordanian food on Wednesday 16 April; global street food at Lyns' Dins Street Food evening on Wednesday 30 April; and Spain's national dish at its popular Paella Night, every Tuesday from 6pm.
Laugh it up at a comedy night at The Sub Rooms
The Sub Rooms brings some of the funniest comedians to Stroud at its regular comedy nights.
Between now and the summer, laugh yourselves silly when stand-up comedian Zoe Lyons heads to the venue — exploring the funny side of all the twists and turns of life; explore the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence with local legend Dom Joly; enjoy a wicked mums' night out with Scummy Mummies; and see a whole new level of daftness with Milton Jones.
Throw some shapes at The Sub Rooms
Whether you're a seasoned groover or simply want to cut loose, The Sub Rooms has a whole bunch of shows that will have you reaching for your dancing shoes in 2025.
See one of the most influential UK garage acts of all time, Luck and Neat; have a hoe down with some 'Scrumpy n' Western' from The Wurzels; grab the glow sticks for some acid house grooves with The Orb; and don't miss Levi Roots, playing songs from his most recent album: Rise Above — including the infectious summer single, 'Jam in the Streets'.
Watch a silver screen special at The Sub Rooms
From family favourites to golden oldies, there's plenty of on-screen gems to discover at The Sub Rooms this spring, including National Theatre Live's acclaimed adaptation of Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove — starring seven-time BAFTA
winner, Steve Coogan; the Royal Shakespeare Company's Romeo & Juliet and The Tempest; and Dawn of Impressionism and Michelangelo for art buffs.
100 years since his directorial debut, the venue is also screening a series of classic Alfred Hitchcock films, including North by Northwest on Tuesday 18 March 2025, culminating with The Birds on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
Support grassroots gigs at The Sub Rooms
On a mission to boost grassroots music in 2025, The Sub Rooms is providing a platform for emerging talent, offering affordable tickets and filling its venue with the sounds of tomorrow's stars.
Back for its third year in March 2025, The Sounds of Stroud returns with a yearly showcase dedicated to grassroots musicians from our neck of the woods. Then, throughout spring as part of the Grassroots Gigs programme, see Cheltenham-based singer-songwriter duo Saint Senara supporting Echo Town; and the award-winning Flint Moore, with support from Prodigal. Or, take part in Jam's Jam — hailed as ‘the best open mic and jam session in the country’.
See an icon at The Sub Rooms
While The Sub Rooms loves to host grassroots musicians and bands, it also welcomes an array of big-name stars, too.
Artists appearing on the Stroud stage this year include 70s music legend Van Morrison; the grande dame of American and British Folk music, Peggy Seeger, embarking on her last ever tour; Martin Turner, celebrating the 55th anniversary of Wishbone Ash; talented singer songwriter, Newton Faulkner; frontman of Britpop band Cast, John Power; Welsh powerhouse singer Aled Jones; and Gloucestershire's very own rockers, EMF.
Reminisce with a tribute act at The Sub Rooms
Missed out on the chance to see some of your favourite artists live? Experience the next best thing with a selection of leading tribute acts heading to The Sub Rooms.
Hear the very best of the Eagles’ catalogue of classics, including ’Hotel California’, ‘Desperado’ and ‘Take It Easy’, with the Illegal Eagles; see Sounds of Seattle perform hits from Pearl Jam, Audioslave, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and many more; hear the award-winning A Foreigner's Journey; dance along to the Style Councillors; and get your cowboy boots on for The Luke Combs Experience.
Embrace your creative side at The Sub Rooms
Creative types have plenty of events to get involved with at The Sub Rooms, with Paint and Sip sessions hosted by The Paint Club to burlesque dance classes to unleash your sensual side.
There are also a selection of stand-up comedy and creative writing courses available, aimed primarily at those with little writing experience, unpublished writers and those looking to boost their skills and confidence.
Experience epic classical concerts at The Sub Rooms
A fascinating, emotional and uplifting programme of music, witness the wonderful, nature-inspired music of Vivaldi and Einaudi in an evocative candlelit concert at The Sub Rooms this spring.
And don't miss one of the world’s elite brass bands, Tredegar Town Band. With origins traced back to 1849, the band has provided musical scores for BAFTA Award-winning films; became the first band to perform in concert at the famous Old Vic Theatre in London alongside songwriter Tim Minchin; and was also invited to perform on the ITV show Britain's Got Talent.
Keep the kids entertained at The Sub Rooms
Packed with family fun, The Sub Rooms has plenty for little ones — and bigger kids too!
Look forward to Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for Kids; Peter Rabbit 2; and Horrible Histories this spring — and after yet another successful year bringing you the wickedly funny Robin Hood: Legend of Sherwood in 2024, the PJD Productions team will be back in December 2025 with their newest show, Sleeping Beauty, with tickets available to purchase now.
Show your support for The Sub Rooms
As a registered charity, donating what you can helps The Sub Rooms provide its diverse range of music, workshops, theatre, comedy and plenty more to the local community and visitors from further afield. To get involved, you can become a member, donate, go to shows, or even hire a room for a party, conference or event.
This year, The Sub Rooms is also taking part in The Big Give — a match funding event starting on Tuesday 18 March 2025 for one week. During this time, money can be donated to the venue via The Big Give, which will match donations of up to £5,000, turning it into £10,000. This fundraising opportunity is hugely important for The Sub Rooms' grassroots programme of music and events.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit thesubrooms.co.uk.
