Nationally acclaimed production set to return to Reading

1st April 2026

Glitch – The True Story of the Post Office Scandal

Written by Zannah Kearns

Directed by Gareth Taylor

Created in association with

University of Reading

Supported by

Reading Economy and Destination Agency

Roseate Hotel

The Blade

Dexter Montague Partnership

Haslams

T.A. Fisher

The Oracle

With significant investment from

Arts Council England

Across the UK, thousands are discussing the human cost of the Post Office Horizon scandal having witnessed the work of acclaimed, Reading-based theatre company, RABBLE Theatre. Glitch - The True Story of the Post Office Scandal has been touring to significant acclaim since 6th February and returns to Reading for the final run between 7th - 17th April.

The play, written by Zannah Kearns and created in partnership with University of Reading, has toured to 16 venues from Plymouth to Newcastle and received unprecedented levels of praise from audiences, press and even victims of the scandal including the play’s heroine, Pam Stubbs who was Sub-Postmistress of Barkham.

Pam Stubbs said: “I think watching Glitch will help people begin to understand how people caught up in this actually felt: what did they lose from their lives? With the play you get to witness someone going through the experience as if it’s happening right in front of you.”

Likewise, sub-postmaster Ian Warren, who spent time in Prison and lost everything, spent time speaking with the cast after seeing the production in Norwich: Ian Warren said “I thought it was incredible. I was riveted. Just riveted.”

RABBLE’s Artistic Director, Toby Davies is excited about returning to where it all began. Toby Davies, RABBLE’s Artistic Director, said: “I like to think that this production is reminding people of just how powerful theatre can be. Pam is right there in front of you, so you get to witness her courage, strength, sense of humour and sheer determination in the face of the most awful liars and bullies. She is phenomenal and it is the least we can do to tell her story. We look forward to introducing Reading to this local heroine.”

Powering the production is an impressive collection of Reading’s Business community, including Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency who have been thrilled at the impact RABBLE’s work has had on the cultural opinion of Reading.

Nigel Horton Baker, Chief Executive, Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency, said: “RABBLE Theatre’s acclaimed tour of Glitch - The True Story of the Post Office Scandal is a triumph for the creative industries in Reading. Audiences around the country have risen to their feet in response to a show that was proudly created in the city of Reading and REDA is proud to have sponsored this innovative and high-quality collaboration”

In 2022, Elizabeth Conachan of the University of Reading’s School of Law contacted RABBLE Theatre to ask if the company would be interested in developing a new play based on the largest miscarriage of justice in English legal history. because RABBLE Theatre tell local stories of national significance and champion women, their creative team quickly agreed and the project has grown

Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE, DL & Vice-Chancellor University of Reading said: “Glitch, created through an innovative partnership between University of Reading and RABBLE Theatre, has exceeded all expectations. Through the process, together, we created unique development opportunities for students, represented sub-postmistresses who have suffered and helped Reading export a production around the UK to thousands of people. Reading University thrives on dynamic energy and so we are delighted to have been part of this impactful, creative and important production."

For tickets, further information and films about how the production was created, please visit https://rabbletheatre.com/glitch-the-true-story-of-the-post-office-scandal/