The Royal Hippodrome's Trapdoor Theatre School

25/06/2026

With the Met Office predicting that the highest of the temperatures will be in South East England tomorrow, we have decided to cancel Trapdoor for this weekend. It would not be responsible of us to have the children in school and even with minimal movement it will be too hot to get much done!

For those taking part in Summer School, the audition workshop will still go ahead this Sunday as it is supposed to cool down a little by then.

Thank you for your understanding - as you know the health and welfare of our students is always our main concern.

Thanks so much

Debbie x

10/06/2026

TRAPDOOR ALUMNI!!!
Last call to be part of the Trapdoor 20th anniversary showcase!
Saturday 11th July, 7pm, Royal Hippodrome Theatre
We have had our first rehearsal and it was amazing 🤩
Follow the link below to find out how you can be involved - even if you can’t make it on the day!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtZjdHsY28_taNgJIyUliByWBaH0nQwuvw01bXrMhnBOk3Jg/viewform

Please share with everyone you can think of - we want to make this a very special showcase ❤️💙

15/12/2025

Please come and support some of our lovely Trapdoorians in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas 💕💕

21/08/2025

✨👑 Sleeping Beauty – Juvenile Chorus Auditions! 👑✨

Do you dream of dancing on stage this Christmas? 🌟
We’re looking for talented young performers to join the professional cast of our magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre! 🎭

📅 Audition Date: Sunday 14th September 2025
👦 Boys aged 7–11
👧 Girls aged 7–17
💃 Ensemble dancer roles only

🎄 Show Dates: 8th December 2025 – 4th January 2026

This is your chance to be part of the festive tradition and perform in our spectacular Christmas pantomime! 🌟

👉 Apply via the link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEC486i9V63q9iVZtGJXbVqsQh6Yq3mkBaWevDp_ZS38khjg/viewform

29/07/2025

So many of our amazing students and teachers are playing a massive part in making this show what it is! Tickets are selling fast - couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved. It really is a show not to be missed 🌈

10/07/2025

We are so excited to get started on our Summer School preparation for this year!

The Addams Family Musical will be presented at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne on Friday 9th August, following 5 days intensive rehearsal. If you would like to be part of the spooky fun and join 40 other local youngsters, then please use the link below to sign up! No experience is needed - just enthusiasm and a great work ethic. It's literally the best week of the year for our students!

**SUMMER SCHOOL**
MONDAY AUGUST 4TH - FRIDAY AUGUST 8TH

Summer School is open to anyone, whether you are a Trapdoor student or not - aged 7-18

Summer School takes place at the Hippodrome from 9.30-3.30 on the Mon-Wed, Thursday is a longer day as we have a dress rehearsal in the afternoon and on the Friday the cast are called around midday with the show happening in the evening.

Fees for the week are £210 payable in advance of Monday 4th August. Payment plans are available on request.

https://forms.gle/op11zciZM1ufUB5i9

02/04/2025

🌟📣 AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT! 📣🌟

The Rattonians are thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!🌈

📅 Date: Sunday 18th May 2025
📍 Location: Ratton School, Eastbourne
🕘 Times: Junior Choir 10am-11am | Principals & Senior Ensemble 11am - 1pm

🎶 How to Sign Up:
All auditionees must register in advance via our Google Form. Click the appropriate link below to sign up and receive further details and audition pieces:

📌 JUNIOR CHOIR: https://forms.gle/d4YWbojXrAV7hLUe6
📌 PRINCIPALS & SENIOR ENSEMBLE: https://forms.gle/LbnEJbBhKDsXHrvr7

Don't miss your chance to be part of this spectacular production! Spread the word, get practicing, and we’ll see you there!

For any questions, please contact us via Messenger or email [email protected]

🎭✨

05/09/2024

📣 AUDITION NOTICE 📣

It's time for the Juvenile Ensemble auditions for this years Pantomime: ALADDIN 🧞‍♂️

📅 Audition Day: Sunday 29 September 2024
📍 The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne
Please apply using the appropriate link for your/your child's age below👇

JUNIORS (Boys & Girls aged 11 and under) LINK: https://forms.gle/LQDxzc3t2J7J5CHP8

SENIORS (Girls aged 14+) LINK: https://forms.gle/Txnion5HZzC9QrMCA

28/06/2024

** SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 **
AUGUST 5th-9th

This year we will be producing *CAMP ROCK* for our Summer School week, which will be held at our Theatre - The Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne.

A fun-filled week of learning, blocking, staging and performing in a full scale musical - all in 5 days !

Children will be immersed into the world of Musical Theatre production at a professional theatre, under the guidance of an experienced production team and Theatre Directors Debbie and Alex Adams.

Due to the popularity of this week and in order to be totally fair regarding casting, we are holding an audition/introduction day on Saturday 13th July at Ratton School.

Please fill out the attached google form to register your interest.

Audition session for those wishing to be part of the show will take place on Saturday 13th July at Ratton School Hall from 10-11.30 for the company, followed by 11.30-12.30 for anyone interested in a principal part.

18/05/2024

Ahhh everyone has grown up sooooo much ❤️