Berkshire post office play to tour nationally
'Glitch' tells the true story of a sub postmistress from Barkham who was caught up in the post office scandal
A production about the Post Office scandal originally commissioned by the University of Reading has secured £85,000 from Arts Council England to go on a national tour.
'Glitch' sold out when it debuted at the University of Reading in June 2024. The play, written by local playwright Zannah Kearns and produced by Reading-based RABBLE Theatre, tells the story of Pam Stubbs, a subpostmistress from Barkham who lost her home and her business when there were unexplained shortfalls in her accounts. Pam’s evidence in the Hight Court trial (Bates v Post Office) was pivotal to the judge’s conclusion that the Horizon software was faulty.
The new production, set to tour the UK between February and April 2026, was originally funded by the University's School of Law, Arts Committee and Vice Chancellor's Community Fund, and was created with assistance from staff and students in the University's School of Law and Department of Film, Theatre and Television.
Collaboration
Elizabeth Conaghan, University of Reading law expert who helped create the production, said: "It's remarkable to see how this collaboration has grown from a local story into one that will be told across the country. We worked closely with Pam Stubbs to sensitively tell her story, and now it will have a profound effect on audiences up and down the UK. Glitch
“The tour coincides with the University of Reading's centenary in March 2026, which is a fitting way to show the School of Law’s long-standing commitment to teaching and addressing miscarriages of justice in years gone by and long into the future."
Brilliant
Toby Davies, Artistic Director of RABBLE Theatre, said: "RABBLE tells local stories of national significance. To be able to share Pam's inspirational story of perseverance and bravery to a national audience is brilliant."
Pertinent
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: "Our investment of £85,000 into RABBLE Theatre’s 'Glitch – The True Story of the Post Office Scandal’ will enable this pertinent production to tour nationally, reaching audiences far beyond its original home in Reading. Touring will bring high-quality, socially resonant theatre to new regions, boosting local venues and engaging diverse communities. This funding, made possible thanks to players of The National Lottery, affirms the power of the arts to educate, provoke and inspire change.”
Powerful
Investigative journalist Nick Wallis, who has extensively covered the ongoing Post Office scandal and attended the 2024 Reading performances, said: "Go and see this piece of theatre. It has a visceral effect that is very, very powerful."
Details of the spring 2026 tour will be announced on the Rabble website soon