Centenary theatre show heads to the big screen

An immersive theatre production that celebrated the 100-year history of the University of Reading is returning in November, with a special screening open to the local community.

Sparks, Parks, Halls and Balls: Celebrating 100 Years of Campus Life was created by South Street Arts Centre’s SITELINES programme to mark the University’s centenary year. It was performed across the University’s Whiteknights campus in May. The production told the stories of staff, students, alumni and the wider community, in the places where they happened, with audiences following the action across parks, pathways, halls and historic buildings. The stories were captured through a memories project in 2025, combined with discoveries from the University’s archives.

The University, with support from The Friends of the University of Reading, is now going to host a free screening of the show on Friday 20 November, 6.30-8.45pm.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the creative team, who will talk about how the story was put together.

Rachel Helsby, Head of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor’s Office, who co-produced the production, said: “Sparks, Parks, Halls and Balls isn’t just a play about our history. It’s about place, belonging and memory. It was built from the stories of our community and created with local artists, researchers and community partners. Familiar buildings and campus green spaces became the setting for a century of University life. 

“We’re excited to share the film with those who were unable to join us for the in-person performances in May. They too can now share in the stories of our first 100 years.”

For those unable to attend the evening screening on 20 November, a free daytime screening will be hosted on Wednesday 25 November in the Minghella Theatre on the Whiteknights campus. The screening will be held between 12.15-1.30pm. This event does not include a Q&A.

The Sparks, Parks, Halls and Balls production was made possible by a grant from the University’s Centenary Fund, with students involved in the research and development of the project. The production was performed by a professional cast alongside community performers.

Evening screening: Friday 20 November, 6.30-8.45pm

Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus. Q&A included.

Booking information

Daytime screening: Wednesday 25 November, 12.15-1.30pm

Minghella Theatre, Whiteknights campus. Does not include a Q&A.

Booking information